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’s 2024/25 pre-season opener, commencing with a match against Rosenborg on Monday.

Casemiro took the helm of a predominantly youthful United squad in Trondheim, Norway, stepping up as captain over other senior players such as Marcus Rashford and Jonny Evans. This isn’t his first stint as captain; he previously led the team in a Premier League game against Crystal Palace in May, which turned out to be a disappointing night for both him and the team.

Mason Mount, aiming for a stronger second season at United following an injury-plagued debut year post his £60m transfer from Chelsea, was also in the starting lineup. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the sole other senior player included in the squad.

Most of the first-team regulars were either on vacation after participating in Euro 2024 or the Copa America, or they remained in Manchester focusing on individual fitness routines.

This group included regular captain Bruno Fernandes, who played with Portugal until their Euro quarter-final exit. Other players who featured in the tournament were Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Scott McTominay, and new recruit Joshua Zirkzee.

Lisandro Martinez and Alejandro Garnacho were part of Argentina’s triumphant Copa America squad, which concluded early Monday morning. Facundo Pellistri represented Uruguay, reaching the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Andre Onana, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Victor Lindelof are training back in Manchester, and Harry Maguire is still recuperating from an injury.

This scenario created opportunities for many young talents against Rosenborg. Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley, who in April became United’s 250th Academy graduate to debut for the first team, started in an attacking quartet with Rashford and Mount.

Hannibal Mejbri returned to the starting eleven following his loan stint at Sevilla in the latter part of last season. The defense featured Will Fish alongside Evans at center-back, Sam Murray on the left, and 20-year-old Czech goalkeeper Radek Vittek. On the bench was Jack Fletcher, the 17-year-old son of first-team coach Darren Fletcher.

Manchester United has strong ties with Norway, home to many devoted fans, and has regularly visited in recent years, playing against teams like Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Kristiansund, and Valerenga in Oslo since 2017.

Following their match in Norway, United will head to Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium to face Rangers.