{"id":302634,"date":"2023-12-17T06:54:25","date_gmt":"2023-12-17T06:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/?p=302634"},"modified":"2023-12-17T06:54:25","modified_gmt":"2023-12-17T06:54:25","slug":"man-utd-have-four-options-to-replace-bruno-fernandes-as-captain-vs-liverpool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportstons.com\/soccer\/man-utd-have-four-options-to-replace-bruno-fernandes-as-captain-vs-liverpool\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd have four options to replace Bruno Fernandes as captain vs Liverpool"},"content":{"rendered":"

‘The 7-0 was a freak result!’ | Jurgen Klopp previews Liverpool’s clash with Man Utd<\/h3>\n

After selecting his team to face Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has another major decision to make. Who is going to deputise as captain for the suspended Bruno Fernandes? Express Sport picks out four realistic yet underwhelming options.<\/p>\n

Raphael Varane<\/h2>\n

Raphael Varane has the experience and know-how to lead any team. Several years at Real Madrid, four Champions Leagues and a World Cup say as much.<\/p>\n

But the 30-year-old may not have even started against Liverpool if Harry Maguire hadn’t suffered a groin injury against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

He’s fallen behind the ex-United skipper in Ten Hag’s pecking order and is widely expected to leave the club next year. So, is he actually a good candidate?<\/p>\n

Varane’s performance will significantly influence whether the Red Devils take something from Anfield this weekend or suffer more disappointment on Merseyside.<\/p>\n

Click <\/strong>here<\/strong> to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.<\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Erik ten Hag urged to make rogue Man Utd captain call for crunch Liverpool clash[QUOTES] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Luke Shaw<\/h2>\n

Luke Shaw is available despite joining Maguire in withdrawing against Bayern and could start alongside Varane at centre-back if not on the left.<\/p>\n

The 28-year-old is reportedly part of Ten Hag’s group of leaders in the United dressing room and will, therefore, be high on the shortlist of Fernandes’ stand-ins.<\/p>\n

Shaw’s fitness record remains a liability, though, and there could be a mental side-effect for United players if they fear their captain leaving the pitch during the game.<\/p>\n

However, like Varane, he will be crucial if the visitors are to spring a surprise and prevent Liverpool from extending their lead at the Premier League summit.<\/p>\n