Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will continue to wear the captain's armband for the club when Harry Maguire is not involved.
Maguire remains club captain, but the England international has struggled for starts this term, which has seen Fernandes sport the armband for much of the campaign.
The Portuguese has faced criticism for his conduct during Sunday's 7-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League, and there have been claims that he could lose the captaincy following the shock result at Anfield.
However, speaking ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg with Real Betis, Ten Hag threw his support behind the under-fire 28-year-old.
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"Yes, definitely (will keep wearing the armband). I think he is playing a brilliant season. He [occupies] a really important role, [which is] why we are in the position where we are because he is giving energy to the team," Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday afternoon.
"He is not only running a lot and in the highest intensity, but also in the right way, in the right direction and he is pointing and coaching players.
"He is an inspiration for the whole team but no-one is perfect. Everyone has his mistakes and everyone has to learn. I have to learn and he will learn as well because he is intelligent.
"So I am really happy to have Bruno Fernandes in my team and I am really happy that Bruno Fernandes - if Harry is not on the pitch - is our captain."
Fernandes has been a vital player for the Red Devils this season, featuring on 40 occasions in all competitions, contributing seven goals and 11 assists in the process.
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Ten Hag also said that his team are ready to move on from the seven-goal embarrassment at Anfield.
"Yes, the players reflected well. We also know in a season setbacks will always be there. This was a huge setback, clear, but we had a run with 23 games with one loss and that was the second," he added.
"It had a lot of lessons in it and it can help us in the future. We were really below average, especially mentality-wise. We want to win trophies and you have to act different.
"After Sunday, we got a big lesson, we take it and we have to move on, look forward. Use all the energy and focus on the next game."
Man United lifted the EFL Cup at the end of February, and they are still chasing success in the FA Cup and Europa League, while the Red Devils sit third in the Premier League table, seven points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool on the same number of games (25).
Matt Law
