🚨Erik ten Hag on the Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire captaincy controversy: 🗣️ Erik ten Hag: “When I arrived at Manchester United, I wanted Harry Maguire to remain captain. I believed he deserved the opportunity to continue leading the team, but the people above me had a different opinion. “They felt Harry was not in his best form and believed Bruno Fernandes was a more reliable figure to represent the club. Bruno was seen as a stronger face of Manchester United, someone whose influence on the pitch made him a more suitable choice for the captaincy. “I fought for Harry because I knew what he had been through at the club. Being captain at Manchester United is not easy, especially when the entire football world is waiting for you to make a mistake. I felt taking the armband away from him would only add more pressure to an already difficult situation. “But the hierarchy believed a change was necessary. They wanted a new voice, a different personality and someone they felt could lead the team into a new era. “In the end, I could only do so much. Harry was allowed to remain vice-captain, but Bruno was given the armband. It was a decision that showed me how things worked at Manchester United. Sometimes, even when you are the manager, the final decision is not entirely yours. “I respected Bruno, and I understood why the club admired his passion and commitment. But I also believed Harry deserved more support, particularly during the period when he was struggling for form. “People forget that a captain is not judged only by his performances. Leadership is also about responsibility, character and how you respond when things are going against you. I wanted Harry to have the chance to prove himself again, but the club had already made up its mind. “At Manchester United, the captaincy is bigger than one player. It represents the manager, the dressing room and the entire institution. I wanted continuity with Harry, but the hierarchy wanted change with Bruno. And ultimately, that was the direction the club chose.”