Harry Maguire revealed on Sunday that he was no longer the Manchester United captain, with head coach Erik ten Hag deciding to make a change for the 2023-24 campaign.
The centre-back only started eight Premier League matches for the Red Devils last season and is being tipped to leave Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window in search of regular starts.
In a statement posted on Man United's official website, the club said: "Everyone at Manchester United thanks Harry for his contribution as captain over the past three-and-a-half years. The manager will announce the new captain in due course, after he has informed the players."
Here, Sports Mole picks out three players who are likely to be firmly in contention to become the club's skipper for the new season.
Bruno Fernandes
© Reuters
Fernandes wore the armband in the absence of Maguire last season, and he is the clear favourite to be appointed the permanent skipper for the 2023-24 campaign.
The 28-year-old has been with Man United since January 2020, representing the club on 185 occasions in all competitions, scoring 64 goals and registering 54 assists in the process.
Fernandes captained Sporting Lisbon ahead of his move to Old Trafford, and he has certainly demonstrated leadership qualities during his time in Manchester.
Ten Hag clearly trusts the Portugal international with the armband, and it is widely expected that the midfielder will soon be announced as club captain, having thrived in the role last term.
Raphael Varane
© Reuters
Varane captained Man United in their first friendly of the summer against Leeds United last week, and the centre-back will certainly be in Ten Hag's thinking for the role on a permanent basis.
The 30-year-old was widely expected to take over as France captain following the international retirement of Hugo Lloris, but he then decided to also step away from the national side.
A vastly experienced defender, Varane won three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and four Champions League crowns during his time at Real Madrid, in addition to winning the World Cup with France.
Varane has had his injury problems during his time at Man United but displayed his immense quality last season, and Ten Hag will be hoping to have the Frenchman available for the whole of next season.
Casemiro
© Reuters
Much was made of Casemiro's big-money move to Man United from Real Madrid last summer, with the Red Devils switching their attention to the Brazilian after dropping their interest in Frenkie de Jong.
The 31-year-old excelled during his first season at Old Trafford, though, featuring on 51 occasions in all competitions, scoring seven goals and registering six assists in the process.
Casemiro was confirmed as Brazil's new captain earlier this year, and he is also in contention to be handed the armband for his club due to his leadership skills.
There is absolutely no question that the midfielder has the respect of his teammates, and he would surely relish the chance to become the captain of the 20-time English champions.
At this moment in time, Fernandes is the clear favourite, but Varane and Casemiro are genuine options, while special mentions must also be made to Marcus Rashford and Lisandro Martinez.
Matt Law
