Manchester United have again relapsed into their characteristic, bad habit of taking one step forward, only to take two steps back.
The Red Devils’ recent 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League epitomised this erratic pattern under Erik ten Hag, after having begun impressively with a flourish as United surged ahead with two quick goals. However, the supporters’s idyllic dream soon turned dramatically, as Porto scored twice withIn seven minutes to bring level the score. The hosts were brimming with confidence and they scored the third goal of the match right after the break.
This alarming trend of the Red Devils to relinquish control after initially surging ahead raises troubling questions not only about the manager and the team’s leadership, which has inadvertently focused the spotlight on captain Bruno Fernandes.
After his controversial dismissal against Spurs, one would have expected the Portuguese to approach the game with more maturity befitting his experience.
Already on a yellow card, Fernandes attempted a high boot that could easily have warranted a second booking. While fortunate that he did not make contact with Perez, his actions were reckless and deserving of another yellow.
Having played over 200 games without a red card, he has been dismissed twice in four days. There is no doubting his abilities as an amazing player, with United definitely worse for wear when he is not on the pitch.
However, in times of adversity, the captain is relied on to rise to the occasion and lead the resurgence. Sadly, Fernandes has rarely shown that ability, instead giving in to the tendency to throw his arms about and mouthing complains, which only exacerbates the pressure rather than alleviating it.
Not in the least enamored of losing losing, and rightly so, he needs to exercise control and channel that seething frustration into motivation to regalvanise his teammates instead of resorting to petulance.
A true leader invariably finds the inner strength and discipline to pull his team up in the toughest of times rather than throwing tantrums and sulking when the going gets tough.