Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Stephinie Heitman
Manchester United are in the middle of a major rebuild, and while progress is being made under Ineos, the biggest issue remains leadership on the pitch. Without strong voices in the dressing room, consistency and winning mentality will always be a challenge. Here’s why leadership is the missing piece and how Ineos is laying the foundation for a brighter future.
Lack of Leadership is Holding Manchester United Back
For years, United have lacked true leaders in the squad. Players like Roy Keane, Nemanja Vidic, and Wayne Rooney set the standard in the past, but today’s team lacks those dominant personalities. This season, we have seen moments of brilliance, but when things get tough, no one steps up to take responsibility.
Bruno Fernandes, the current captain, has quality, but his body language often raises questions. Raphael Varane and Casemiro bring experience, but their influence hasn’t been enough to inspire the entire squad. Young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo need strong figures to guide them in big moments.
Ineos is Making the Right Moves
Since taking charge of football operations, Ineos has been focused on reshaping the club with a long-term vision. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team have already started restructuring the management, bringing in experts in recruitment and football strategy.
Their approach is different from the Glazer era, where decision-making often seemed chaotic. Ineos understands that building a winning team isn’t just about spending money—it’s about creating a culture of excellence.
Key Areas Where United Need Leaders
For Manchester United to return to their former glory, leadership must be prioritized in key positions:
- Defense – A commanding center-back who organizes and motivates the team.
- Midfield – A dominant figure who can control games and inspire teammates.
- Attack – A vocal striker who leads by example with passion and determination.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Ineos is taking the right steps, but recruitment must focus on signing mentally strong players who can lead on the pitch. The team also needs better communication and accountability among players.
The future looks promising under Ineos, but without natural leaders, Manchester United may continue to struggle in big moments. Finding the right mix of talent and mentality will be the ultimate test in their rebuild.
Final Thoughts
Manchester United have the potential to be great again, but leadership must be at the heart of their revival. Ineos has already started making smart moves, but finding and developing leaders on the pitch will determine how quickly success returns to Old Trafford.
