Bruno Fernandes has been named as the club’s new captain with the Portuguese ace taking on the role previously held by Harry Maguire
Fernandes was handed the honour by United boss Erik ten Hag and succeeds Harry Maguire, who captained the team for three-and-a-half years.
Fernandes was the favourite to take over the role, having worn the armband for the majority of last season, after Maguire lost his place.
The 28-year-old captained United 45 times last season and was handed the role on a permanent basis after a meeting with Ten Hag.
Fernandes has scored 64 goals and produced 54 assists in 185 games since joining United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon for £47million.
United sources said Ten Hag chose Fernandes because of his commitment to the highest standards he demands of himself and from the rest of the squad.
Ten Hag felt Fernandes had proven himself to be an outstanding leader throughout his time at United and was the obvious choice for the role.
In making the decision, Ten Hag is said to have been impressed with inspirational qualities of Fernandes on and off the field, as well as his knowledge of the game and strength as a communicator.
Fernandes is the embodiment of the high standards set by Ten Hag since the 53-year-old took over at United a year ago.
On United’s pre-season tour last year, Fernandes welcomed Ten Hag’s hard line on discipline, claiming standards had been allowed to slip at the club.
Other experienced candidates for the captaincy, including Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro, will support Fernandes and assist him in his new role, according to United sources.