Bruno Fernandes may don the captain's armband for Manchester United, but he isn't the English giant's primary leader.
Instead, ex-Red Devils defender Paul Parker believes that mantle belongs to Matthijs de Ligt.
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Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT's Sunday Edition, Parker outlined the Dutch defender's 'level of consistency' as a key reason why he stands out among his peers.
“I see it in his face," Parker said.
"I see it in his manner. I see he leads by example. You can see the way he demands certain things.
“He's a reader of the game. He senses danger. How many challenges does he make covering teammates?
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“I was always taught when I defended, you mark a man and a half. You're a man is important, but it's just as important to protect your teammates as well.
“I don't see that in the present Manchester United team or Manchester United team over the last few seasons.”
Based on Parker's assessment, it is an impressive rise for De Ligt who moved to Old Trafford in August last year for nearly £40million.
The Netherlands international struggled to acclimatise to the Premier League when he first joined, although it was emblematic of United's woes as a whole under Erik ten Hag, who was sacked last October.
Such were De Ligt's shaky performances, Arsenal icon Martin Keown told talkSPORT the Red Devils defender 'doesn't really know the game'.
But under incumbent Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, De Ligt has proven himself capable in the English top flight.
The Dutch defender is one of United's biggest improvers this season
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The Dutch defender is one of United's biggest improvers this seasonCredit: talkSPORT
He is evidently one of Amorim's most trusted lieutenants as well, having started every one of United's Premier League fixtures this term.
Although Parker was immensely complementary of De Ligt's leadership skills, he was far less so when it came to Fernandes.
The Portuguese star was named Red Devils skipper in July 2023.
However, Fernandes' time with the armband has coincided with United's demise as the club registered league finishes of eighth and 15th.
When asked whether Fernandes was a leader, Parker replied: "No, not at all.
"The easy thing to come out and say, because people keep using these words over the seasons, is that his numbers are good.
Fernandes has made just shy of 300 appearances for United but may not have the necessary leadership qualities to carry the club forward
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Fernandes has made just shy of 300 appearances for United but may not have the necessary leadership qualities to carry the club forwardCredit: Getty
“Numbers are great, but you watch a player for 90 minutes then you judge them on watching what they actually do.
“He's the man who wears the cape. He goes and scores that all-important equaliser or the goal that wins the game at the end.
“He's dug United out so much during the years, but do I see him as a leader?
“He's captain because he's seen as Manchester United's best player. It's as simple as that.
“The manager's not going to change it.
“Yes De Ligt has not had a great start, but he was never playing consistently.
Since he joined the Red Devils, Fernandes has 100 goals and 86 assists to his name
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Since he joined the Red Devils, Fernandes has 100 goals and 86 assists to his name
“For me, he's the focal point of what they've got. If they're going to play the free role, he has to play in the middle. It's because the way he plays, he can cover the ground better. He senses danger.
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“You don't always need pace to actually be a great defender. You have to be a good reader, and you have to know how to organise players around you. He's willing to do that.
“So that's my take on Manchester United and who I think is the focal point of that team. It's someone who leads by example first.”