The role of a captain has changed drastically throughout the years, including at Manchester United, with Bruno Fernandes now leading the club.
Manchester United have had many influential leaders in their 127-year history. Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, and Roger Byrne, to name a few. The captains of United have all had one thing in common: they have led by example.
They’ve each carried the weight of the armband in their own way, representing not just a football team but a standard. Being United captain has never been about status; it’s about responsibility. When you pull on that armband, you become the heartbeat of the club – the one others look to.
Wearing the captain’s armband for the biggest club in England, if not the world, will always be a challenge. But the honour of wearing that thin strip of fabric can never be taken away.
Byrne was calm yet inspirational, and seen as a ‘father figure’ that his young cubs of the Busby Babes could look up to. Following his debut in 1951, he would become a stalwart in the side until his death. In his first season as captain, Byrne led the team to a league title.
The embodiment of a captain
Bryan Robson was nicknamed ‘Captain Marvel,’ how fitting. He himself would speak about the importance of “leading by example” – he did that exceptionally well. ‘Robbo’ was a signing that changed the trajectory of United, stalling the dominance, taking place on Merseyside.
It was his consistency that set him apart. He would relish rumbles with Graeme Souness – a player that many would fear – but not Robson.
The England international would take games by the scruff of the neck – Barcelona springs to mind – Diego Maradona’s Barcelona, no less. United trailed by two goals from the first leg; they needed a hero that night, and they got one in Robson. He embraced the challenge. When the going got tough, that is when he would produce his best performances. The essence of a captain.
Keane saw being captain of United as his duty; it was a duty he took pride in serving. The Irishman was an uncompromising force of a player who never allowed standards to slip. He was vocal, no-nonsense and a leader.
When you think of Keane as captain, your mind goes to Juventus away, in 1999. United looked down and out. Up stepped captain Keane, who single-handedly sparked the comeback for the Reds, eventually winning the game 3-2.
The difference in captains in the modern era
Captains today have more to contend with, the scrutiny that comes with social media being one of the differences. Harry Maguire is a leader – he has proven that in the fact that he has managed to resurrect his United career. But it is no coincidence that it coincided with him being stripped of the United captaincy.
The noise, good or bad, surrounding United will always be there – captain or not – but now the armband is around Bruno Fernandes, Maguire is thriving again.
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Fernandes, as the captain of United, is one who always causes debate. His petulance on the pitch may not help his case, but his passion and love for the club shine through – he is the definition of the phrase, “let your football do the talking.”
Only people connected to United truly know why he is their Portuguese magnifico. Once his career ends, maybe then he will get the respect he deserves.
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