Manchester United have hinted at a new role for Bruno Fernandes

The next Manchester United manager will have to come up with a formula for success this summer and if this season has proved anything, it's that talent alone is not enough. United haven't lacked for individual quality at times this campaign, but they haven't always played like a team and the subject of leadership has never been far from the surface.

Most of that debate has centred around Harry Maguire's captaincy — and that will be one of the first big decisions for a new manager — but there's also been the wider issue of who is trying to steady a ship that had started to list badly.

There are leaders within this squad, however, and it was a role Bruno Fernandes took to on his arrival at United in January 2020. Within weeks of arriving, he was handing out on-pitch dressing downs to teammates who weren't meeting his standards, something which happened a lot back in that team.

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That trait has been less obvious recently and Fernandes has had to focus on his own form this season, although he's not alone in having a campaign that is below his usual standards. He also has a tendency to become distracted when things aren't going for him, arguing with officials and becoming engaged in squabbles with opponents who are working out which buttons to press.

But Fernandes found form for his country in midweek and will have a spring in his step against Leicester City this weekend, having signed a contract that could keep him at United until 2027, while also giving him a significant — and well-deserved — pay rise.

If United do decide on a change of captaincy this season then Fernandes is certainly a candidate, having worn the armband on seven occasions alone this season. The