Patrice Evra: Harry Maguire should take Man Utd armband from Fernandes

Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the one-year option was exercised during a Friday press conference, reigniting discussions about his role within the squad.

"Harry Maguire: [we are] going to trigger our option. I spoke with him this morning and I told him that he has to improve his game on the pitch," said Amorim.

"We need him a lot and also he has to improve as a leader, because we all know the situation that he had here but we need him a lot in this moment so we are going to trigger happily the option for Harry. He (Maguire) coped very well with his struggles and when you look at our team, we are starving for leaders on the pitch.

"He is a leader, he has to improve that part, he has to improve his game, so we are happy to continue with Harry."

Maguire's journey at United has been turbulent. Stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in July 2023 due to limited playing time, he has since worked his way back into the starting defence.

The captain's armband was handed to Bruno Fernandes, who had been serving as vice-captain and has led the team since.

Patrice Evra, a former Manchester United captain, has added fuel to the debate, suggesting on Instagram that Maguire should be reinstated as captain.

"Give him the armband back!!!!" Evra wrote on Instagram. "After all he been through showing resilience, leadership."

Evra's comments followed news of Maguire's contract extension, reflecting his belief in the defender's leadership capabilities.

Manager Amorim, however, has shown no inclination to revisit the decision, with Fernandes thriving as captain under his guidance.

Fernandes, who replaced Maguire during Ten Hag's tenure, has provided stability and strong performances since taking on the responsibility. 

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham inspires Real Madrid's dramatic victory at Mestalla