28 Dec 2025 09:18:59
With a weakened squad and, in particular with no Bruno, we hold on for a win and do not concede a goal. If he's out for a month and we go on a run, what would that say? That in the position Amorim needs to play him with Cunha and Mbuemo being first choices, he doesn't have the defensive discipline to hold the team together.
In a great team you cannot be relying on one player alone. Bruno may have become our talisman, but at what cost? That's the unknown. Some have talked of leadership. Does Bruno really have what it takes compared to, say, a tough focused player in the Roy Keane mould, like perhaps Licha? He's a whiner and it's not inspiring. A gifted and creative non possession oriented player under whose leadership we have won virtually nothing and who has gone missing at vital times, like for example in the Europa final last year.
Are we about to begin to see life after Bruno? If we want to become a consistent trophy winning team, his age alone means we need to look to the next midfield era. I think he goes (along with Ugarte and possibly Mainoo - all profit) in the summer to be replaced by one or two of our much talked about targets. I'd rather keep Cas on a much reduced salary for another season as back up for whoever comes in.
28 Dec 2025 10:25:12
I'm not Bruno's biggest fan but his goals and assist stats are incredible; take him out of the team and there is a big gap to he filled. However, I've never seen him as Captain material, but we have had so few leaders in the team the choice has been limited.
I think playing him as 1 of a midfield 2 always carries a risk and puts too much pressure on his partner. Personally I think he is better in a 3 or playing further forward.
Bruno aside, midfield is where we need to strengthen to get some control and whatever funds we have should be spent there. Cas has been solid this year but struggles to get through 90 minutes, that will just get worse. If we were to sign 2 top top CMs, then it makes selection interesting bit that would be a great step forwards.
28 Dec 2025 15:37:23
1 game as captain against a poor Newcastle side and all of a sudden Licha is captain material. Says more about the fragile mindset of "United Supporters" than anything about Bruno.
28 Dec 2025 15:47:45
UA, who else would you have in this squad?
28 Dec 2025 17:47:06
Ah come on UA, surely you can see Martinez is a leader.
28 Dec 2025 18:21:04
UA
Never really heard anything negative about Licha except for his injuries. When he came back after long layoff his performance levels weren't up to speed, but rumours were he was playing with pain.
This time they have been extra careful to the point he has been going crazy to get back on the pitch. I hope he stays fit, he is a leader and more importantly his play making from the back is elite. It goes un-noticed but we really missed it when he started with all these injuries.
Until he has played a season without major problems, I will not trust that he can get fully back. Just like shaw to be honest, still waiting for his next relapse. Both talented players. We need talented players that play consistently.