Ruben Amorim could see Manchester United receive a much-needed injection of leadership mentality with one player who ‘embraced’ the skill trait on the pitch.
The 40-year-old Manchester United manager still has Red Devils skipper Bruno Fernandes as a key influential presence in the Old Trafford dressing room.
But Bruno Fernandes has been met with criticism over his leadership skills as United captain, despite wearing the armband under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag.
The United skipper has too often single-handedly dragged the Red Devils over the finish line in a match and lacked other leadership figures around him in the team.
Fernandes has only the spotlight on him even more when his form has slightly dipped, with United often lacking another key voice to help support him at times.
Lisandro Martinez became vice-captain under Erik ten Hag and is admired for his leadership skills, but the 27-year-old has been held back by injuries in his spell.
READ MORE: Man Utd could miss out on long-term Bruno Fernandes successor after Pep Guardiola ‘considers him a priority’ signing
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim looks on as he arrives at the stadium ahead of the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park in 2025 in Liverpool.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
More United News
Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has already shown why he can become a Man Utd leader without needing a designated role
Bryan Mbeumo is a key target for Manchester United this summer and the Red Devils are pushing to bring the 25-year-old French-born winger to Old Trafford.
United have already had two bids rejected for Bryan Mbeumo and the Premier League club are expected to return to the table with a third offer for the player.
The Red Devils saw an initial bid of £45m turned down in June before United’s improved bid of £55m for the Cameroon star was rejected in the same month.
Mbeumo is out of contract with Brentford in 2026 and the Bees are reportedly demanding a transfer fee in the region of £65m for the Tottenham-linked ace.
The Cameroon international impressed under former Brentford boss Thomas Frank last season and Mbeumo has been vocal about his role beyond his performances.
United-linked Mbeumo spoke openly about his leadership qualities becoming more apparent after Ivan Toney left Brentford for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli in 2024.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in 2024, he said: “I feel like a leader in the team.
“Everybody needs to take responsibility but I have been at the club for five years now.
“At some point, you need to be a leader. I don’t feel any pressure [following Toney’s move to Saudi Arabia]. At the end of the day, I know what I need to do.
“Maybe I have more expectations from the fans or the people outside the pitch, but if you want to reach the steps you want to, you need to embrace this.”
READ MORE: Man Utd’s transfer position revealed for midfield talent who could replace Casemiro, £9m release clause is active
Why Bryan Mbeumo’s leadership at Brentford could play a key role for Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Bryan Mbeumo is tipped to play in the right-sided No 10 role in Ruben Amorim’s tactical system for United if he leaves the Gtech Community Stadium this summer.
United summer signing Matheus Cunha is expected to play a prominent role as the left-sided No 10, meaning that Bruno Fernandes could drop deeper into midfield.
Amorim will need a United player who can take a leadership role in the frontline and Mbeumo has the qualities to take on that responsibility for the Red Devils.
Fernandes will also turn 31 years old in September and Amorim needs to rotate the Portugal international’s engine to keep him fresh for matches next season.
If the United skipper did make way from the pitch, Mbeumo could be a clear candidate to take the armband if Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable.
Martinez and Fernandes have the right to stay in their respective roles in the United first team, but Amorim needs players like Mbeumo who can also be ‘leaders’ at all times.