What chance do Manchester United players have of behaving better when technical director Darren Fletcher is booked on the sidelines during a Champions League exit?
Manchester United would sweep the board if trophies were given simply for whining and grumbling.
It was during the second half of United's humiliating Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid at Old Trafford this week that one event summed up the club's present lack of discipline and leadership both on and off the pitch. Darren Fletcher was penalised for whining to the match officials as he lost his calm on the sidelines as United's European dream turned into a nightmare once again.
All he could do was stand there, back against the wall, with a thunderous expression on his face, before spitting on the ground. Fletcher is the club's technical director, but what exactly is he doing in the technical area? And what hope is there that Ralf Rangnick's stars will act more composed and composed when someone like Fletcher is leading by example?
It's no surprise, therefore, that the United team now has a slew of players who have mastered the art of petulance, although for all the wrong reasons. While Atletico taught us about the dark arts of finishing a game, United looked like a bunch of schoolkids who had their football snatched away from them.
Bruno Fernandes' recent actions have been hilarious, with him ranting and raving at referees and linesmen as his modus operandi. Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire, who is also the captain, are close behind him.
During Manchester United's Champions League exit, players surrounded referee Slavko Vincic.
What is Manchester United's next step? Participate in the discussion in the comments area.
At United, where interim manager Ralf Rangnick has warned of mental fragility in his squad, it takes a special kind of person to thrive. The clouds looming over Old Trafford might not be as black if individuals stated above spent more time channeling their energies into winning games rather than acting like spoiled brats throwing tantrums.
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