With Manchester United entering a new era under Rúben Amorim, the search for a captain who can truly lead the team back to the top is crucial.
As one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United has a rich history and an impressive collection of trophies, including the Champions League and the Premier League.
Founded as Newton Heath L&YR in 1878, the club has seen many legendary players wear the captain’s armband.
Over the years, dozens of footballers have been entrusted with leading the Red Devils, each leaving their mark on the team’s legacy.
From the era of Bryan Robson and Roy Keane to more recent captains like Wayne Rooney and Bruno Fernandes, the role of captain at United has always carried great responsibility, because a strong leader can set the tone for the team, inspiring players both on and off the pitch.
However, in recent years, questions have been raised about whether United have the right captain to guide them back to the top.
Is Fernandes the ideal captain for United?
Bruno Fernandes, a 30-year-old Portuguese, has scored eight goals in 28 appearances for United in the Premier League 2024/2025 so far.
Fernandes’s brilliant individual achievements stand in stark contrast to Manchester United’s current position in the Premier League.
Despite this, United’s underwhelming performances and ongoing transfer rumours keep his future in the spotlight.
However, his frustration often spills over into matches, whether he argues with referees, throws his arms up when things go wrong, or shows visible disappointment.
Some of United’s best captains, like Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney, were fierce leaders who commanded respect. Bruno’s tendency to sulk or react negatively has made some question whether he sets the right example.
The captain’s armband comes with a responsibility to lead with words and inspire confidence in the dressing room. While Bruno is respected for his ability, does he have the same presence as past United captains? Some believe that United need a more authoritative leader who can command respect from every player.
Finding proper leader for Amorim’s team
Bruno Fernandes has been a key figure for United, but his emotional reactions and body language during tough moments have sparked debate over his suitability as captain.
If Amorim decides to make a change, Matthijs de Ligt could be the ideal replacement.
When we look at Manchester United’s current squad list, we see that there are not many players with strong leadership qualities.
But Matthijs de Ligt stands out as a strong candidate for the club’s next captaincy. De Ligt joined to Manchester United from Bayern Munich in the summer with £43 million transfer fee.
At just 19 years old, de Ligt became the captain of Ajax, leading them to a domestic double and a remarkable Champions League semi-final run in 2018/19.
His leadership at such a young age was a testament to his maturity, tactical awareness, and ability to command respect from teammates.
After playing for Juventus and Bayern Munich, de Ligt has gained experience at the highest level, playing under different managers and in various tactical systems.
His calmness, physical presence, and leadership skills make him a strong candidate to take on the captain’s role at United.
United need a leader who can guide them through this transitional phase with a strong mentality and tactical intelligence.
Matthijs de Ligt has proven he can handle the responsibility, and if given the chance, he could be the proper captain to lead United into the future.
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