ERIK TEN HAG cast more doubt over Harry Maguire's future by labelling Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United captain.
The Old Trafford boss directed the subtle blow to official skipper Maguire before Thursday's 2-2 draw at Tottenham.
The England centre-back missed that Premier League match with what Ten Hag called a "training injury".
But over the previous three weeks Maguire had reignited hopes of staying beyond the summer.
His has stood in for crocked regulars Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez and helped the Red Devils move six points clear of fifth-placed Spurs.
In Maguire's absence, Luke Shaw once more switched inside from left-back to partner Victor Lindelof at Tottenham.
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But having swaggered to a 2-0 lead through Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, United were pegged back by Spurs' second-half transformation.
Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min earned a draw that meant the Red Devils fell two points behind Newcastle in third spot.
And ahead of that clash Ten hag revealed his delight at Fernandes shaking off an injury suffered in last Sunday's FA Cup semi-final success over Brighton.
The Dutchman said: "He's tough, he takes responsibility, he wants to play and, of course, we're happy he's there because he's a big players for us and he makes a big impact in every game.
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"He's our captain, so we're really happy."
Maguire, however, might not be quite as pleased if he hears those words.
Yet Ten Hag did not held back from praising him earlier this month – describing the ex-Leicester hero as like a new player compared to the start of the season.
After a 2-0 defeat of Everton at Old Trafford on April 8, he said: "Maguire was dominating, dictating.
"He's taking so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes. So a really great performance".
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