Manchester United have endured a turbulent few weeks, with Erik ten Hag’s side stumbling through a series of disappointing results. The club, renowned for its rich history of success, has found itself in an unusual predicament, struggling to find form across both domestic and European competitions. The Red Devils are winless in their last four matches, spanning all competitions. While these results include three draws and a single defeat, the team’s inability to secure victory has sparked concerns among fans and pundits alike.
On the surface, this winless streak might not appear disastrous—many clubs endure such runs over the course of a season—but the manner in which United have dropped points has been alarming. Leading in matches only to see those leads evaporate, particularly in their Europa League encounters against FC Twente and Porto, has become a worrying pattern. In both matches, Manchester United squandered promising positions, failing to secure wins that were well within their grasp. This inability to close out games has left Erik ten Hag searching for answers as his team struggles to find consistency.
One of the most significant blows during this difficult period came in the form of a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Not only was the result a setback, but the manner in which the Red Devils were outplayed by Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs was a cause for concern. The 3-1 loss marked their third Premier League defeat of the 2024/25 campaign, a worrying statistic for a team that once prided itself on being nearly invincible at home. Tottenham dominated possession, dictated the pace of the game, and exposed weaknesses in United’s defense, leaving fans questioning the club’s direction under Ten Hag.
Among the many players to underperform in that match, Bruno Fernandes stood out for all the wrong reasons. The Portuguese midfielder, who has often been the creative heartbeat of the team, delivered a performance that fell well below expectations. His struggles were compounded by a red card he received during the match, a decision that would later be overturned by the Premier League’s review panel. Despite this reprieve, the incident seemed to weigh heavily on Fernandes as he prepared for the Europa League clash against Porto, eager to atone for his mistake.
Unfortunately, the match in his homeland did not provide the redemption he sought. Instead of commanding the midfield, Fernandes looked out of sorts, his confidence visibly shaken. He struggled to assert himself in the game, frequently giving away possession and appearing unsure of his decision-making. His 67 touches were often misplaced or ineffective, and he lost six duels, further highlighting his inability to influence the match in United’s favor. To make matters worse, he received a second yellow card for a reckless high boot late in the game, resulting in his second red card in two consecutive matches—a scenario that only deepened the concerns about his form and leadership.
Fernandes’ recent performances have raised serious questions about his suitability as Manchester United’s captain. While he has been a pivotal figure for the club in the past, his erratic behavior and lack of discipline in key moments have cast doubt on his ability to lead by example. With back-to-back dismissals, his leadership is now under intense scrutiny, and there is growing speculation that a change in captaincy might be on the horizon.
One player who has emerged as a potential successor to Fernandes is goalkeeper Andre Onana. After a rocky start to his Manchester United career following his high-profile move from Inter Milan, Onana has begun to show the qualities that made him one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in Europe. Initially criticized by pundits like Chris Sutton, who labeled him a downgrade compared to David De Gea, Onana has since silenced his doubters with a string of commanding performances.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper himself admitted that it took time to adapt to life at Old Trafford, revealing that it took him six months to feel comfortable in Manchester. However, his perseverance has paid off, and he has become a vital player for Ten Hag’s side this season. His standout moments include a crucial penalty save against Southampton and a remarkable double save against Crystal Palace, which preserved a valuable point for United. These heroics have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike, with Statman Dave even naming him United’s “most important player” of the season.
Onana’s leadership qualities have also been recognized, with pundit Shaka Hislop noting the goalkeeper’s commanding presence in a defense that has often looked fragile. His ability to organize the backline and instill confidence in those around him has been a key factor in United’s ability to remain competitive, even when the team as a whole has faltered. With three clean sheets to his name and an impressive 81% pass accuracy, Onana’s stats speak to his importance not just as a shot-stopper, but as a leader on the pitch.
Given Fernandes’ recent struggles, there is growing support for Onana to take over the captaincy. His calm demeanor, combined with his ability to lead by example, make him an ideal candidate to guide Manchester United through this challenging period. While Fernandes’ creative talents are undeniable, his recent disciplinary issues have hindered the team’s progress, and a change in leadership could provide a much-needed boost for both the player and the club.
Onana’s rise as a leader within the squad has coincided with United’s defensive struggles this season. Despite their difficulties, Onana has remained a reliable figure, making 18 saves and preventing nearly three goals across his six Premier League appearances so far. His ability to remain composed under pressure has been crucial, and his leadership on the field contrasts sharply with the chaotic displays from Fernandes in recent weeks.
As Manchester United look to turn their season around, the question of who should lead the team moving forward will be pivotal. While Bruno Fernandes has shown moments of brilliance, his recent lack of discipline and inconsistent performances have raised doubts about his suitability as captain. Andre Onana, on the other hand, has steadily built a case for himself as a leader who can inspire his teammates and provide the stability the club so desperately needs. Whether Ten Hag decides to make a change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Manchester United’s leadership will be under the microscope
in the weeks to come.