DANNY MURPHY: Marcus Rashford would thrive as Man United CAPTAIN

DANNY MURPHY: Local lad Marcus Rashford would thrive under the extra responsibility as Manchester United CAPTAIN…the best case scenario would be for him to sign a new long-term contract and run out as club skipper next season

  • Marcus Rashford should be given the Manchester United captaincy by the club
  • Captaincy has been an issue at the club under Erik ten Hag this season
  • Local lad Rashford would be a great solution but first needs to sign a new deal 

Captaincy has been an issue around Manchester United this season, with Harry Maguire rarely selected and Bruno Fernandes a Marmite figure to many.

Casemiro and Raphael Varane have been touted as potential alternatives. Both are world-class leaders, regardless of whether they wear the armband or not.

But why not give the captaincy next season to a local lad, hugely popular with the United fanbase and maturing rapidly on and off the pitch – Marcus Rashford.

Rashford would be an ideal for United considering where they are at the moment in Erik ten Hag’s team development. 

Being a striker isn’t always the most natural position for a captain, but I think Rashford compensates in other areas.


Marcus Rashford (left) would thrive as Manchester United’s new captain next season as club skipper Harry Maguire (right) looks set for a summer exit

Rashford (left) has fronted up in the media and has become an excellent communicator on behalf of the club

He’s clearly an automatic choice and becoming an excellent communicator on behalf of the club, confident in front of the microphone and camera. Importantly, he has become an elite forward and is clearly enjoying his football.

People may question whether the armband would be a distraction. I believe he’d thrive on the extra responsibility.

There are a couple of caveats before Rashford can be given such a job. Most importantly, that new contract would have to be signed. You can’t have a player leading the team out with question marks over his future.

But what about Bruno Fernandes? He has clearly enjoyed being the club’s stand-in skipper this season

Rashford (middle left) and Fernandes (middle right) share a great relationship but the former would be a great skipper for United

The other issue is how to handle Fernandes. He’s enjoyed being asked to stand in for Maguire. 

Being vice-captain next season isn’t a demotion, he might still need an arm around the shoulder from Ten Hag to explain why Rashford has been promoted ahead of him.

Ten Hag will do what is best for the club, and he has already shown he’s an excellent man-manager.

The best-case scenario for ten Hag would be for Rashford to commit his long-term future and run out at Old Trafford in August as Manchester United’s new captain.


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