Harry Maguire has offered rare insight into the leadership dynamics at Manchester United, revealing that United manager created a designated leadership group within the squad to share responsibility and relieve some of the pressure on captain Bruno Fernandes.
“The manager wanted a group he could communicate with, to take some pressure off Bruno,” Maguire explained this week. “He chose us, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t leaders. Bruno is still the captain, and we’ll fully support him, as we always have.”
The comments highlight a shift in how Ten Hag manages authority within his team. Rather than relying solely on Fernandes to carry the weight of captaincy, the Dutchman has leaned into a model increasingly common at Europe’s top clubs: surrounding the captain with a small circle of senior figures tasked with reinforcing standards, mediating between the squad and coaching staff, and maintaining unity during difficult stretches.
For Maguire, the development marks another chapter in his complicated journey at Old Trafford. Once United’s captain himself, he lost the armband last year amid questions over form and playing time. Yet his inclusion in the leadership group underscores the trust Ten Hag still places in his voice and presence, even as Fernandes serves as the formal captain.
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The system could also benefit Fernandes, whose fiery on-field persona often draws scrutiny. With others empowered to share responsibilities, the Portuguese playmaker may find the burden of leadership less isolating in moments of high pressure.
Maguire was quick to emphasize, however, that leadership at United is not confined to a title or a select few. “Bruno is still the captain,” he said firmly. “We’ll fully support him, as we always have.”
As United navigate another demanding campaign—juggling domestic competition, European fixtures, and scrutiny from supporters—Rúben Amorim’s approach suggests a recognition that leadership cannot rest on one player’s shoulders alone. In a club steeped in tradition but striving to redefine itself, the leadership group may prove to be as much about culture as it is about communication.