Pundit names player who should replace Maguire as Man Utd captain amid ‘very shy’ defender claim

Former Premier League midfielder Emmanuel Petit has claimed that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag should name Christian Eriksen as the club’s new captain.

The armband currently belongs to Harry Maguire, but the England international has lost his place in the Red Devils’ starting XI in recent weeks.

Ten Hag has instead opted to go with a central defensive partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, with United conceding just twice in the four Premier League matches since Maguire was dropped.

In his absence, Bruno Fernandes has assumed the role of on-field captain in each of those top flight outings.

But Petit is of the opinion that Eriksen would be a better choice for skipper.

Addressing the possibility of Maguire’s defensuve replacement Varane being made captain, the ex-Arsenal star said: “Raphael Varane has played at a very good level, but he’s very shy and doesn’t have the temper or the personality to be the Manchester United captain.

“The one player that should receive the Manchester United captaincy is Christian Eriksen. He has the personality and the character and he always gives the best version of himself on the pitch.”

Eriksen arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer, and has since established himself as a key component in Ten Hag’s midfield, featuring in all six of the Red Devils’ Premier League fixtures so far this term.

In recent comments, Ten Hag has confirmed that while Maguire still holds the armband at Old Trafford, his style of management relies heavily on a leadership group made up of key players.

He said: “I work always with a group of leaders, not one in particular.

“It doesn’t have to be senior players but we have a core group who have to be the example and take the responsibility.”