It seems that we now live in an era where society no longer produces true leaders.
The characteristics of being tough, resilient, outspoken and focused on one outcome are not promoted and have been replaced by a culture of not overcoming adversity, trying not to upset people and handing out participation medals.
People who are confident and stand behind themselves are often not loved. It makes leadership very difficult and challenging.
If you believe in yourself, you are often called arrogant. If you are assertive, you are labeled as aggressive. These are all terms used to belittle people by those who feel uncomfortable or jealous of strong, striking people.
The effect on our politics and businesses is clear, but it also trickles down to our national game, where true captains are a dying breed.
Roy Keane was always seen as a good example at Manchester United. Some argued that he was too abrasive and combative; but if you were to weigh the benefits of Keane's leadership against the mistakes, it would be hugely in his favor.
I think we have lost the ability to overcome challenges or say what we really mean, or sometimes even stand up for what we believe and our true character.
Instead, it feels like we're living by Groucho Marx's famous vision: “These are my principles and if you don't like them… well, I have others.”
We have become softer. The ambition seems to be about becoming friendlier rather than bolder.
It is why a lack of resilience permeates our sporting environment and why the very rare breed of a true leader stands far above it all.
Some people see it as an improvement, the way we should evolve, but I would be careful what you wish for.
The material value of leadership is desperately needed in all walks of life and we do not want to lose it.
Leadership is essentially the ability to inspire, motivate, support, guide and ultimately bring people together for a common purpose.
We see the changes in football. It's harder than ever to be a leader on the pitch in the Premier League. It takes real conviction and not many people have that.
These days, Bruno Fernandes wears the Manchester United armband instead of a Keane or Steve Bruce or Bryan Robson. I say I have to acknowledge that Fernandes is a hugely talented player who is currently enjoying a moment in the sun after two decent results at Liverpool and Arsenal.
Given that boats rise at high tide, his level as current leader on the ground could be further boosted if compatriot Ruben Amorim creates the right culture at Old Trafford.
Likewise, Fernandes could revert to type at the first sign of vulnerability. We remember his performance when he scored seven goals at Liverpool. He was the poster child for what a Manchester United player should not be.
When Bruno was given the armband it was suggested he wasn't the kind of captain you wanted, but who else at Old Trafford could have done it, or could do it now? That in itself could explain the extent of the malaise and the task ahead of Mr Amorim.
Harry Maguire was booed by his own fans when he lost his job. Do you want to give extra responsibility to 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who is still learning the trade despite people calling him a great midfielder?
The inevitable comparison is always Keane, but the reality, even if I don't like it, is that the culture of the game – and the country – has changed.
The kind of leaders we used to see are rare. You don't see the stately, stirring figures of yesteryear. Virgil van Dijk is likely to be the identical captain for 2025 and most likely a return to the era of the aforementioned Keane. No surprise, as Liverpool are at the top of the league.
No one said Fernandes excelled under Erik ten Hag. Putting him in charge wasn't an act of genius; there must be more needs. For all the praise he's getting this week for saluting reserve goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, no one said that a month ago when United were thumped against Wolves and Fernandes was sent off.
Amorim's system should suit Bruno. The manager is a charismatic player who demands the basic principle of committing yourself, but it is far too early to hail this as a united revolution.
The draw against Liverpool, followed by the elimination of the riotous Arsenal from the FA Cup, could be the starting signal for something better at United. But what have they achieved unless they put a very poor Southampton team to the sword on Thursday evening?
I'm not surprised or excited about the way Fernandes has done it. It's too early to suddenly say he's a brilliant captain. If Manchester United want to win the league, is he the man to lead them on the pitch? You might scoff and say, of course not, but you can't judge by past standards.
If Amorim creates the conditions, as I secretly suspect, he could enable Fernandes to become a modern captain without the shaking fists and demonstrative outlook of his predecessors at Manchester United.
My advice to Marcus Rashford, if he would listen…
After Ruben Amorim's first training at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford showed his joy. In the usual self-indulgent fashion of footballers, it was probably a snook at Erik ten Hag, but you could be sure his love for the new manager wouldn't last long.
It will be resolved even sooner than I thought, and with Rashford still having three years left on a lucrative contract, someone will have to make financial cuts.
What would I advise him? I'm not sure I would try it. I had advised him to keep his mouth shut instead of saying that he wanted a new challenge, had a better attitude and was committed to it. Apparently none of these things have been done.
In a world of radiators and drains, it's not hard to figure out who Rashford is. Without a major change in prospects, his career will end in relative mediocrity.
Why Fury should avoid football
Tyson Fury once said he wanted to convince me about buying a football club – during the time we spoke – to which I replied that he would be doing himself a favor by giving it ample thought.
Even someone as rich as Fury will find that you can start to eat money when you own a club, even his local Morecambe in League Two.
Although Fury is widely believed to be a fighting man, he is not. It would be nice to see how he settles his bet with Piers Morgan as he bet him a million pounds the last time he retired that he wouldn't fight again.
Since Piers is now out of a job, he might be better off doubling down or quitting the latest version of a Fury retirement, which conventional wisdom suggests won't last long.
I have to say it would be vaguely amusing if Fury bought an EFL club and got let loose by calling up all the owners of other clubs while not paying top dollar for any of his players.
Just like we'll probably be asked to do when he steps back into the ring with Anthony Joshua!
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