Erik ten Hag says the Manchester United captain will be decided by him and not left to a vote by his squad.

Harry Maguire has been United’s club captain since January 2020 but the England international was out of the side for much of last season, with Bruno Fernandes wearing the armband in his place.

Asked whether he would let the squad decide on the United captaincy, Ten Hag replied: “No, I don’t let the dressing room vote. It is up to me.”

Maguire is essentially United’s fifth-choice centre-back, behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and full-back Luke Shaw. The Athletic reported last month that, although Maguire is keen to fight for his place, United could be tempted to move him on during the transfer window.

England head coach Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, has warned that Maguire risks losing his place in the national team if he does not get consistent minutes at club level.

As well as Fernandes, David de Gea also wore the armband but the goalkeeper confirmed his exit from United last week, having seen his contract expire in June.

United are targeting Inter Milan’s Andre Onana to replace De Gea, having bid for the 27-year-old last week. “Of course (it’s important to sign Onana quickly),” Ten Hag added. “Goalkeeper is a key position, but I am happy with the players we have now”.

Dean Henderson spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest and impressed, although he did not feature in United’s squad for their 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Leeds United as he is still recovering from the injury sustained in January. The 26-year-old is wanted back by Forest but as it stands, is in line to be United’s number if Onana or another move does not materialise.

“Yes, of course,” Ten Hag confirmed when asked if Henderson was a real option should United fail in their pursuit of Onana. “I followed him through the whole season.”

Mason Mount made his first appearance in a United shirt following his move from Chelsea, and Ten Hag appeared impressed by the midfielder’s contribution against Leeds.

“I think you have already seen today what he can bring,” Ten Hag said. “He is ball-secure, has good solutions on the ball, is dynamic, and is good at defending.

“He is a complete midfield player. Also, he has some areas he has to work on, but in general, he is a very good player who suits Manchester United and can help us achieve our goals.”