Harry Maguire has been named Manchester United permanent captain just five months after joining the club from Leicester City making him the fastest player to achieve that feat since the end of the second world war.

The 26-year-old centre-half succeeds Ashley Young, who is set to complete a £1.3m transfer to Inter Milan later today.

Maguire has made 29 appearances for the Red Devils since his record £80m move from Leicester City in August and has started all 22 of their Premier League matches this season and has captained the club on nine occasions.

Marcus Rashford, David de Gea and Jesse Lingard have also captained the club this season in the absence of Young, and even though de Gea expressed interest in receiving the armband permanently, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has chosen Maguire.

“Harry has been wearing the armband and will keep wearing it. Everything about him tells me is a leader,” said United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“Marcus is a young lad, but David and Harry, Harry, so Harry will keep wearing the armband now.”

Meanwhile, Solskjaer says top scorer Rashford who is struggling with a back injury is a doubt for for Sunday’s Premier League trip to leaders Liverpool.

The 22-year-old was forced off just 16 minutes after coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup third-round replay win against Wolves on Wednesday.

“We will give him the absolute amount of time to find out,” said Solskjaer.

“Marcus will have more checks and treatment today but I am not holding my breath. I would think he wouldn’t be ready but there is still 48 hours, so let’s see.”