Manchester United fans were delighted to learn that Bruno Fernandes will captain the side against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
After a year out of Europe's top competition, United will return to Champions League action in Paris for their opening game in Group H.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken a depleted squad with him to face PSG, with new signing Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood, Eric Bailly, Jesse Lingard and captain Harry Maguire all remaining in Manchester.
Maguire started and scored the crucial equaliser in Saturday's 4-1 victor over Newcastle but has been ruled out to face PSG with a slight injury, though it's hoped the centre-back will be fit again for the weekend's clash with Chelsea.
As well as a fresh defensive dilemma, Solskjaer also had to decide who will captain the club in Maguire's absence and Fernandes has been given the nod - over the likes of David de Gea and Paul Pogba who have previously worn the armband.
“We hope Harry will be fit for the weekend," Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference. “The captain sits next to me, Bruno will captain the team tomorrow.”
United fans have not only been impressed with Fernandes goal scoring ability since he arrived in January but also his leadership qualities on the pitch, and they were happy to see the Portuguese handed the captaincy.
Fernandes joined his manager in the press conference and was shocked to hear the news but called it an 'honour' to lead the club.
“I was not expecting this - I found out this the same time as you!" he said. "It is an honour, an important achievement for me. The captain is everyone - everyone needs to help, be a leader on their way. The leadership is different in every player. It is not about me, but about the team.”
