How does Robson rate Maguire as United captain?

The 27-year-old was handed the armband by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in January, when previous incumbent Ashley Young left the Reds to join Inter Milan.

Robson, who skippered United for a record 12 years between 1982 and 1994, identified leadership qualities in Maguire from the moment he moved to Old Trafford in August last year and said the centre-back’s on-field and off-field qualities made him an ideal candidate for the role.

“I thought it was deserved,” said Bryan, appearing alongside Harry in a special ‘captains’ edition of UTD Podcast, which is out on Monday.

“Harry had done really well in the World Cup with England. He did really well with Leicester City, so when you sign a player like him in a central position, a defender or a midfield player, I think that’s where the captaincy should come from.

“You’ve got to be a demanding figure for your team-mates, an organiser, and I think Harry portrayed that as soon as he came into the club.

“He wasn’t overawed about playing for Manchester United which was another good thing. So I think Ole’s made the right decision by giving Harry the captaincy.

“Since then, off the pitch, he’s had an influence on the boys as well, about how you should be a Manchester United player and doing the commercial stuff as well as looking after yourself off the pitch.

“I think he’s a top player, he’s got the right attitude to be a Manchester United captain and it’s a good decision by Ole.”

In the podcast, Maguire and Robson are asked to select their six-a-side dream team, based on those who have worn the armband for the Reds over the years.

Maguire chose idol Rio Ferdinand as his defender, and reiterated the impact our legendary centre-back had on him when he was learning his trade.

“I’m going to go with Rio, someone I’ve modelled my game on throughout my career.

“When I was a young boy he was the England centre-half, he was one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League.

“He’s been a great player for Manchester United, won numerous things and I just think the way he started bringing the ball out of defence and building up attacks, he brought that into the English game and he was definitely a big influence on the way defenders now do bring the ball out.”

UTD Podcast with Harry Maguire and Bryan Robson will be available on Deezer and other podcast providers from 17:00 BST on Monday 11 May. To find previous episodes, stories and video clips, head to www.manutd.com/podcast.