Leaders

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 14 minutes ago
I think we'd all love to see bigger characters and leaders but I think the game has changed and in the top flight they're a rarer breed. Just look at Barca, who are the 'leaders' there? The game today is more about athletes who listen to a managers every word and do the job asked.
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There's a lot of truth in this. I was trying to think, while I typed the OP, who were the real leaders in the game these days. John Terry may be the last of a dying breed.

But to pick up on the point about Barcelona, you could see against Atletico last week how they just kept at it when they were 1-0 down. There's obviously a winning mentality as well as technical excellence.

Barca's leaders are the players who can make a difference with a bit of skill or genius. Also, if the lesser players in their squad see the leading lights busting a gut then it should increase their workrate and effort.

What United need is someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck and make it happen. Whether that be through some excellent skill, demanding more from others or a crunching tackle.

I'll keep saying it though I think the actual squad is decent but we need two or three players for the first XI to really push us on.

Ibra could be that guy.

comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 5 minutes ago
Ibra could be that guy.
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He could well be. I'd love to see him at United even if it's for only a season.

Good article, we fell apart yesterday. The team lost their shape and their discipline after that first goal.

comment by Clockwork Red (U4892)
posted 1 hour, 38 minutes ago
comment by manutd1982 (U6633)
posted 14 minutes ago
I think we'd all love to see bigger characters and leaders but I think the game has changed and in the top flight they're a rarer breed. Just look at Barca, who are the 'leaders' there? The game today is more about athletes who listen to a managers every word and do the job asked.
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There's a lot of truth in this. I was trying to think, while I typed the OP, who were the real leaders in the game these days. John Terry may be the last of a dying breed.

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Kompany. City are so much worse defensively when he isn't there to hold stuff together.

But yeah, I did have to rack my brain to think of people, I think the game does like leaders compared with bygone years for sure

*lack leaders

Arsenal are similar. Not really any big characters there. Possibly Mertesacker.

I think that some are confusing leadership with someone who rants and raves or puts a full blooded challenge in. Barca have a number of leaders, these aren't always vocal or tenacious, a leader is someone who steps up to the big occaision or when things aren't going well.
There are still leaders out there just not in the traditional mould of what some think a leader is
Harry Kane, Aquero, Kompany, MSN, Iniesta, Ronaldo, Ibra.

Sadly as the OP says, United lack in leadership in all forms. Smalling probably the closest thing to a leader that we have.