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Manchester United return to Carrington following the World Cup next week and will need their leaders to help regain focus and it will be interesting to see what the mood will be like when the majority of their senior stars return.
Erik ten Hag’s first job will be to lift the spirits of those who regret missed opportunities and who will be frustrated at how their national team commitments ended this winter.
Another interesting dynamic will be that of the dressing room spirit.
Then, of course, there is the man who won’t be returning: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ten Hag insists the matter is now dead and the club has moved on, but there will inevitably be mentions of his name when the dressing room reunites without him.
It won’t be much of a problem replacing what he offered on the pitch this season, though there is certainly a gap in the squad hierarchy now that their most influential leader has gone.
Harry Maguire remains at the top as the club captain, and Bruno Fernandes has been the vice-captain all season long. They will both return having shone for their respective nations at the World Cup and remain two of the most influential players.
The same can be said of Raphael Varane who could return to Carrington with another World Cup winner’s medal around his neck.
A key component of the French international’s status is that he is a serial winner, just like summer signing Casemiro. The Brazilian is not the most vocal member of the United squad, but he once again leads by example through his actions.
Christian Eriksen has also added priceless experience to the Old Trafford dressing room since arriving and has continued to grow in stature at United having already exceeded most expectations in his role this season.
United’s leadership group is completed by two players who have been at the club for a long time. David de Gea is a veteran in goal who is respected by his peers, while Victor Lindelof is the captain of Sweden and is now approaching his sixth year at the club.
With the team set to reconvene at Carrington next week ahead of the resumption of the season, Ten Hag is going to need all the help he can get from his most experienced players to focus on the immediate challenge ahead and regain momentum.
There will be a different atmosphere following Ronaldo’s high-profile exit, but in his place, there is now an opportunity for somebody else to step up and embrace the responsibilities of being a leader.
Six leaders might soon become seven.
This article was updated 7 months ago
