Harry Maguire arrives for Manchester United pre-season training amid doubts over captaincy

Manchester United’s preparations for the upcoming campaign took a step forward on Monday with the return of more of their first-team stars for pre-season training.

Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes were among those who reported for their first day of pre-season training after their respective international duties last month.

A lot of eyes will be on those aforementioned trio but perhaps the biggest glaring spotlight will fall on Maguire.

Bruno Fernandes was another who was back for his first day of work ahead of the new season

Raphael Varane was also present after a delayed summer break due to France playing duties

The much-maligned centre back was roundly criticised by fans and pundits alike last season for his displays in an underwhelming season for himself and the club.

As detailed by Sportsmail last month, the England centre back’s future has been in doubt after his form and leadership was called into question by some of his own team-mates.

New manager Erik ten Hag plans to keep him as one of his central defenders alongside Varane and Victor Lindelof, even though the captaincy now appears to be up in the air.

Ten Hag was non-committal over the issue at his unveiling in May after United’s interim boss Ralf Rangnick said the players should vote on who wears the armband.

Maguire lost his place under Rangnick and will face even greater competition next season if United can land another player in his position this summer – with the club pursuing Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez.

Maguire’s form and leadership was called into question by some of his own team-mates

Erik ten Hag has taken charge of his first week of sessions already and will look to build on that

Starting from Monday, the 29-year-old will be looking to showcase his qualities to Ten Hag and put last season’s campaign behind him.

Aside from Maguire, Fernandes and Varane there were a plethora of players reporting back to training after playing in various internationals last month.

Scott McTominay, Fred, Alex Telles, Diogo Dalot, James Garner and Eric Bailly were all spotted. As were Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri and Facundo Pellistri.

However, there was no Cristiano Ronaldo. The wantaway forward, who told the club of his wishes to part ways on Saturday, was absent due to ‘family reasons’.

Scott McTominay drives into the club’s Carrington base as he looks to get up and running

The same can be said for Fred who will hope to impress Ten Hag and be part of his midfield

Wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t report for training on Monday due to ‘family reasons’