Tom Heaton paid a (Image: Getty)
The unnamed Manchester United player has already received a “B****** G” from Tom Heaton, one of six members of Reuben Amorim’s new look leadership team. “Yes, but only in nature,” laughed Heaton.
“It’s not just about delivering some sort of b****** gs as you put it in. I think it’s about supporting people who need it and trying to guide it and channel it the right way.”
Heaton, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire represent three survivors of United’s previous leadership group, held in an improved version under Amorim.
The goalkeeper, who turns 40 next year, announced a 12-month extension with the Red Devils in June, remains one of the most influential figures in the changing room.
Fresh additions to the leadership circle include Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui. This brings together three players representing the three continents together with three young stars in their 30s, along with three young stars, along with three young stars.
The average age for the group is over 30 years old.
“They are responsible for the group,” Amorim outlined. “There are a few things I had to deal with last year. This year, I told them, you’ll deal with it. The little issues are with you guys. You’re responsible. All these small changes, I think it’s helping the group.”
Tom Heaton, who had 14 years of connection with United on two spells, returned to his childhood friend club in 2021.
He shared insights into dressing room dynamics.
“It gives Bruno a bit of support in that regard. It’s how it happened, and it’s part of it, and I’m honoured to ever try to influence it as much as possible.”
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As for his tenure at United, Darott is just behind Lukeshaw. He is currently in his 12th year with the club. Despite being part of Erik Ten Hag’s leadership group, the show only started four games last season, three of which were in May.
Amorim is said to be particularly attracted to Darot and Fernandez, a natural trend given Portuguese heritage. Dalot’s proficiency in four languages also makes him one of the most accessible team members.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Darotto and Martinez in 2022 and named three teammates he respected at United, with Casemiro being the third team in the leadership group, including 10 hugs.
By 2024, Darott had followed in the footsteps of Ronaldo by being named United’s Player of the Year. His status as an advanced player, language skills, consistent availability and likeability clearly resonated with his peers and won him a vote.
Darrott received an upgrade from Amorim to squad number “2” in the summer and took the captain’s armband in Stockholm last month in the second half of a goalless stalemate between Leeds United and United.
Ironically, he no longer guarantees a starting verse, and Amad is now a preferred choice of right flank to link with Bryan Mbeumo.
From the leadership group, only Fernandez could realistically feature from his first whistle with Arsenal on Sunday.
This is unlikely to threaten the remaining players in the changing room.
“It clearly brings you more responsibility,” admits Darrot.
“So I’m trying to be the same person, but obviously, we’re talking about a group of very good players with different personalities, so I think we can try and create a culture that demands the biggest from ourselves, too.
Tom Heaton is one of six members. (Image: Getty)
“But we have to be the first to give an example. I think that’s the best way to lead too. We have to bring the club back up and show everyone who tries to make it the same. As I say in Portugal, everyone is on the same boat.”
Darrott maintained his intimate friendship with Ronaldo and benefited from keeping Rafael Vallan and Casemiro close during the United victory 2022/23 campaign.
His durability is so legendary that he has been absent from just 13 club games since returning to United from a stint during the season at AC Milan in 2021.
The insider revealed that Darrot “just took all the good traits when playing with Cristiano and further strengthened his dedication.”
To minimize muscle discomfort and strengthen circulation, Dalot wears a leg compressor during long flights.
Sources have noted the harsh contrast between Dalot’s current lean physique and his appearance in his June 2018 announcement. At the time, 19-year-old Dalot had kept him out of his actions for three months and recovered from the injury to Meniscus, who looked young.
Now he is hiring a private chef to prepare meals from home. Fernandez has been missing two United games due to injuries for over five years.
“He has the highest pain threshold I’ve ever encountered,” a Carrington source revealed.
His influence remains important. Like a 1-1 stalemate with Fiorentina on Saturday, Fernandez encouraged Patrick Dolgue to strengthen his strength in the 78th minute.
A minute later, Dolg was dashing into the penalty area.
Amorim included Mazraoui – 10 hug signatures – “He’s my favorite character.” Last season, Mazrawie played in seven different positions and took only two games off.
Joshua Zilky highly praised how inspiring Martinez has given the treatment room despite being on the sidelines since February 2nd due to a knee injury. Martinez led United as captain in the Europa League draw against Fennelverse in the 1-1 Europa League last year.
Maguire was released from his captain’s duties in July 2023 by 10 hugs, so he again wore an armband under Amorim’s leadership when he won a 4-0 victory at Everton on December 1st.
Despite several turbulent seasons and a failed £30 million move to West Ham United, Maguire’s resilience shines, marking him as one of the more admirable acquisitions since Il Alex Ferguson’s departure.
The Red Devils celebrated the announcement of their improved Carrington training facility last Friday. Reminiscing his early training at Lyttleton Road and The Cliff, Tom Heaton praised the opening as a “club moment.”
He said: “We’re always in it, especially as players. So I think we can use it to go again and move forward, move forward and make sure all the young people are in line with it.”
Darott isn’t as outwardly as his fellow Portuguese Fernandez, but he is still determined to keep his teammates on track. “Of course, we wouldn’t have been able to join that group otherwise,” he insisted.
“I think this decision was obvious as we’re talking about six players with different personalities, but at the same time we need to start demanding more from each other.
“I think that’s the only way we want to go wherever we want to go.”
Push yourself for some harsh words behind the scenes.
This article was first published in Manchester Evening News
