Manchester United have struggled this season with pundits questioning whether the team lacks leaders.
This is not a new criticism for Manchester United after years of underwhelming performances, leading to multiple managers getting the sack.
Erik ten Hag was dismissed and replaced by Ruben Amorim in November, but United’s first-team has not enjoyed a ‘new manager bounce’ as they sit 14th in the Premier League.
Although United beat Ipswich Town 3-2 midweek, former club captain Roy Keane unleashed a rant about Bruno Fernandes.
The Portugal international has been United’s most important player for the past few years, but Roy Keane demands more from a captain. Bruno Fernandes has scored 89 goals and registered 79 assists in 272 games across all competitions since joining United from Sporting CP in 2020.
Fernandes was given the captaincy role in July 2023 after Harry Maguire had been dropped by Erik ten Hag following a period of poor form.
Harry Maguire hails Manchester United’s dressing room leadership
Since losing the captaincy at United, Maguire’s stakes at United have risen and he has become a key member in Amorim’s defence.
The 31-year-old is considered one of the leaders in United’s dressing room which has endured a difficult campaign.
In response to criticisms levelled at the team this season, Maguire stressed that United have at least five leaders, including himself.
“He’s [Fernandes] a fantastic player and a great lad to have in the dressing room. So, yeah, we have a good relationship,” Maguire told BBC Sport.
When asked who are the leaders in the squad, Maguire replied: “I think we have a lot of leaders. I think obviously we’ve got Casemiro, won everything. Great leader, good attitude.
“Bruno himself, myself, we have a lot of senior players – Tom Heaton, Jonny Evans. We have a lot of senior players who has won a lot of things at the moment.
“We know it’s a difficult period and that’s when we, as senior and older players, we’ve got to take the responsibility on and step up.”
Although Maguire has named some of the more experienced players in the dressing room as leaders, it is worth noting that a lot of these players are unlikely to be at the club next season.
Casemiro is regularly linked with a move away from Old Trafford after losing his place in the team, while Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans could see their contracts expire this summer.
What’s next for Harry Maguire?
Maguire will be involved when United take on Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.
The England international has featured regularly in Amorim’s back three and the injury suffered by Lisandro Martinez means we are going to be more reliant on Maguire as a result.
Maguire is likely to start as one of United’s most experienced centre-backs, however, we could see Amorim make changes to his backline with youngsters like Ayden Heaven waiting for opportunities.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 27 | 3 | 0 |
It certainly helps that Maguire is reliable in terms of availability because United cannot afford more injuries.
The Reds take on Fulham this weekend with nine players out injured.
Meanwhile, Patrick Dorgu is suspended after his red card against Ipswich Town.
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