Bruno Fernandes
Photo: Photosport
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named captain of Manchester United, on the day the Premier League club signed goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The 28-year-old Fernandes will replace defender Harry Maguire, who was stripped of the team captaincy by manager Erik ten Hag after the England international failed to secure a place in the first team.
Fernandes, who has 64 goals and 54 assists in 185 games for the club in all competitions, captained in the absence of Maguire, who spent much of last season on the bench or injured.
The defender has been linked in British media reports with a move away from the club.
“The Portuguese midfielder has already worn the armband for United on numerous occasions and Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he will now lead the team on a permanent basis,” United said in a statement.
“As captain, the two-time Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year will continue to drive the highest standards throughout the squad as United push for success in the 2023-24 season and beyond.”
Fernandes drew criticism for his petulant performance in the 7-0 loss to rivals Liverpool in March.
Meanwhile, United signed Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana from Inter Milan on a five-year contract with the option of a further year.
Sky Sports said United will pay 51 million euros for the 27-year-old plus four million in add-ons.
“Manchester United has a long history of incredible goalkeepers, and I will now give everything to create my own legacy in the coming years,” Onana said in a statement.
He has said goodbye to Inter fans earlier on Thursday.
“I fell in love with San Siro, la Curva and the city. Now the circumstances are right for me to start a new journey in Manchester,” Onana said in a statement.
“I do it with great enthusiasm, but knowing that I will miss you. Eternal gratitude to all the ‘Interisti’. You make this club great.”
United have been looking for a new first-choice keeper after Spaniard David De Gea’s contract expired in June, bringing an end to his 12-season tenure with the Old Trafford side.
United’s pre-season campaign is underway, with the Old Trafford outfit beating Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 on Wednesday.
United next travel to the United States, where they will face Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in friendly matches ahead of the new campaign.
– Reuters
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