BertTheRed

If Manchester United's board members care about the future, as they should do, they have to read this measured, eloquent lament and critique from a fan who cares deeply. #MUFC

Manchester United’s descent to “Battered” and “Act of Cod” mockery at Blundell Park is rooted in a lack of leadership, on the field and off. Losing to a better motivated and managed Grimsby Town was a shock but not completely unexpected. United’s problem is their culture. There’s been a long erosion of the team-first, individual-second, responsibility-taking ethos of the Busby and Ferguson eras. The image of the current head coach hiding in the dug-out, too nervous to watch the shootout, encapsulated the lack of leadership. Stronger characters are needed. This isn’t new. There’s been a decade of decay from old high standards.  It’s a problem that runs far deeper than one manager’s weakness when his players needed to look across from the centre circle and see a figure of defiance, standing there, supporting them, not cowering. It’s a problem at United that’s far deeper than Amorim’s rigid 3-4-2-1 that doesn’t suit many of the players, leaves midfield overrun, defence exposed and desecrates the club tradition of flying wingers. It’s a problem deeper than a goalkeeper in Onana who has lost some of his old belief and whose uncertainty under high balls is ruthlessly targeted. United have lost their fear factor, their old aura of authority, so even League Two sides fancy their chances and take them. And Grimsby were excellent, showing all their leadership qualities particularly in the shootout.  It’s cultural with United. So when players move away, they often flourish: Antony on loan at Betis, McTominay spectacularly at Napoli, and Garnacho will probably be a flying threat again if he escapes (possibly to Chelsea). What’s happening at United is not a story of bad players but bad culture and poor leadership. Bruno Fernandes sums that up. Very good player, and he definitely cares but a leader? Arguing with officials rather than rallying his players. Loses his runner. Not a central midfielder btw, he’s a 10. So why not a back-four, double pivot, Mbeumo, Bruno, Cunha; Sesko? 4-2-3-1. Amorim obstinately refuses to adapt. Amorim is not a bad manager. He proved his qualities at Sporting albeit under less pressure. He will surely be given time. United’s leadership team have much of their credibility tied up in him doing well. But Amorim needs to start acting like a leader in the dug-out and in interviews. He looks broken atm. Good managers have come in after Ferguson and struggled. It’s the culture. It’s tied in with the Glazers. United became a commercial operation with a team attached. The culture became about what sone people could take out of the club, not what they could put in (Glazer supporters point to transfer spend but, come on, look at the debt, dividends and state of Old Trafford). A culture of selfishness affected some others. The focus was on money not so much the football. Recruitment too often involved overpaying for big names rather than strong characters. Hence this hybrid, high-priced, under-achieving squad.  Ferguson retiring was obviously huge. Losing Gill’s leadership, experience of football and watchful eye at was also a massive blow. United lost their way. Plenty of well-paid marketing appointments. Not enough expertise in player recruitment. Ratcliffe, in fairness, is trying to rectify damage done to the football department and culture during Glazer rule, inc £50m upgrade of Carrington and almost £200m spent on attack. But they urgently need a keeper (Lammens arriving, no pressure). Heaton v Burnley? He’d bring more communication and determination. But Tom’s 39. If only Henderson was still there. Where was the succession planning (as at LFC). United also need a quick, dominating midfielder. Players must take responsibility. Maguire does. Cunha & Mbeumo have the right personality. But how many leaders do United have compared to 7/8 at LFC packed with national captains? Some positives. Incredible support. Still the biggest club in the country. Still huge news. Hated, adored but never ignored. #MUFC