Manchester United Captain : Paul Pogba’s uncertain future forces Solskjaer to pick surprise new captain

Manchester United are looking to replace Antonio Valencia with a surprised candidate to take over the captain’s armband.

Antonio Valencia’s time as captain of the club will come to an end this summer following his contract expiry at Old Trafford. Ecuadorian International took over the captain’s armband from Michael Carrick in 2018, but his departure means that the English outfit would have the third captain in three years.

When the Red Devils failed to trigger the one-year extension clause, Antonio Valencia took the matter to social media to thank the fans and club having played for the club over the last decade.

After his departure, the English publication Metro reported that the French International Paul Pogba would take over the captain’s armband from next season. But, there has been persisting rumours linking him with a move away to Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. The Los Blancos manager also spoke about the possibility to lure him to Santiago Bernabeu after the conclusion of this season.

Another candidate was the Spanish midfielder, Ander Herrera, but he is reluctant to commit his future with the Red Devils. The 29-year-old has been linked with a lucrative deal with Paris Saint Germain as his contract concludes this term.

Learning this situation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Victor Lindelof as the front-runner for the captain’s armband, according to the reliable Manchester Evening News. The Swedish International joined the club in 2017 and is the mainstay in the backline after having a poor first season under the management of Jose Mourinho.

Many critics had questioned after a turbulent start to his career at Old Trafford, but it is a testament to him that he overcame a turmoil and is now part of United’s long term plans. The former Benfica defender still has two years left in his contract, with the option of a further year if the clause is triggered.

Lindelof has done more talking on the pitch by leading his side from the backline. Fans might be mixed on this decision, but he is certainly a leader who could take the club forward.

Here’s how Twitter reacted..

What’s next?

Manchester United will take on Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League on Wednesday and the second leg will take place at Nou Camp six days later. In between these games, the Red Devils will play West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday.