Manchester United have identified a possible future captain

Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot is being tipped as a potential future club captain.

Sources say Dalot has emerged as a candidate to eventually replace the influential Bruno Fernandes.

Dalot, 25, started 48 of United’s 52 games last season and was one of only two outfield players to be fit for the entire campaign.

The Portugal international was voted United Players’ Player of the Year last month and has already spent six years at the club.

Dalot signed a five-year deal in May 2023, which would take him to a decade of service with United, should he be seen out.

Luke Shaw is United’s longest-serving player and celebrates his 10th anniversary with the club on Friday, but he has never captained the side.

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There are only a handful of senior starters in United’s squad who are almost certain to stay beyond the close of the transfer window. Dalot has generated widespread interest in recent summers, but he has no intention of leaving.

Manager Erik ten Hag’s position is partly supported by the identity of the team leaders. Ten Hag appointed Fernandes as captain last year, while Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez played under him at Ajax.

Fernandes, 29, is about to enter the final two years of his contract but United have the option of an extra year. There has been uncertainty over Fernandes’ future in recent months, but United’s FA Cup final victory and subsequent Europa League qualification have reduced the chances of a transfer.

Martinez, 26, and Onana, 28, agreed five-year contracts when they joined United.