Manchester United player reportedly had a heated discussion, according to Tom Heaton, as new six-person leadership team initiated their work under manager Amorim.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has unveiled a new leadership group ahead of the upcoming season, with Bruno Fernandes set to captain the side. The group, which includes a diverse mix of players from different age groups and nationalities, is tasked with handling small issues within the team.
The new leadership group consists of Bruno Fernandes (captain), Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tom Heaton. Three of these players, Fernandes, Heaton, and Maguire, are part of the old United leadership group and have been retained in the new one.
Heaton, who signed a one-year contract with United in June, has been a key voice in the dressing room and will continue to play a crucial role in the new leadership group. The third-choice goalkeeper has spent 14 years with the club through two different stints and rejoined in 2021.
Amorim revealed the new committee during United's pre-season tour of America. The team put on a mixed performance in their final pre-season friendly, with Bryan Mbeumo showing promise. Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, a new signing from RB Leipzig, was the player who received the loudest cheer from fans in the final pre-season friendly.
There is a mix-up in defense for the upcoming match, with Matthijs De Ligt and Leny Yoro competing for a starting spot at center-back, and Noussair Mazraoui still sidelined with a knee problem. Altay Bayindir is set to start in goal for the match, as Andre Onana nurses a hamstring injury.
Amad Diallo is the favored option on the right wing for the match, with Lisandro Martinez. Heaton has already given "telling-offs" to the group members, not just for delivering criticism, but also for supporting and guiding them.
Luke Shaw, the longest serving player, is reportedly frustrated about being left out of the leadership group. Only Fernandes, a nailed-on starter for the Prem opener, is a member of the leadership group who is expected to start in the upcoming match.
References:
- BBC Sport
- Manchester Evening News
Bruno Fernandes, as the captain, will lead the newly formed leadership group alongside Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tom Heaton. Heaton, with his wealth of experience and strong influence in the dressing room, has already offered guidance and constructive criticism to his fellow group members.
