Erik ten Hag names new Man Utd captain for start of pre-season! 🏆🔥 In a bold move, Erik ten Hag has chosen a new leader to steer Manchester United through their pre-season journey. This decision marks a fresh chapter, brimming with anticipation and excitement. The selected captain embodies the spirit, resilience, and vision ten Hag envisions for the squad. As the Red Devils prepare for the challenges ahead, fans are buzzing with speculation and hope. Who will wear the captain’s armband? Stay tuned to find out and join the conversation! 🗣️🔴
Erik ten Hag appointed a new captain for Manchester United as the club commenced their 2024/25 pre-season, starting with Monday’s match against Rosenborg.
Casemiro took the helm of a predominantly young United squad for the game in Trondheim, Norway, ahead of other experienced players like Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans. The Brazilian, a fan favorite, had previously captained United in a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in early May, although that game ended poorly for both him and the team.
Mason Mount, aiming for a stronger second season at United after a challenging first year marred by injuries following his £60m move from Chelsea, was also in the starting lineup. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the only other senior player included in the matchday squad.
Most of the first-team players were either on holiday after participating in Euro 2024 or the Copa America, or stayed in Manchester to focus on individual fitness programs. This group included regular captain Bruno Fernandes, who played with Portugal until the Euro quarter-finals, as well as Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho were part of Argentina’s victorious Copa America squad, while Facundo Pellistri represented Uruguay, which reached the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Victor Lindelof remained in Manchester for training, and Harry Maguire was still recovering from an injury.
This situation provided opportunities for several young players against Rosenborg. Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley, the latter having become United’s 250th Academy graduate to play for the first-team in April, started in a front four alongside Rashford and Mount.
Hannibal Mejbri returned to the starting lineup after his loan spell at Sevilla in the latter part of the previous season. Will Fish started at center-back next to Evans, with Sam Murray on the left of the defense and 20-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vittek in goal. Among the substitutes named by Ten Hag was Jack Fletcher, the 17-year-old son of first-team coach Darren Fletcher.
Manchester United has a strong connection with Norway, boasting many loyal supporters and frequently visiting in recent years. Since 2017, United has played games against Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Kristiansund, and Valerenga in Oslo.
Following the match in Norway, United’s next pre-season fixture is against Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.
