Erik ten Hag hailed the leadership of Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane after Manchester United recorded their first Premier League victory of the season by defeating Liverpool.
The Red Devils produced an inspired display to see off their arch-rivals at Old Trafford, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford getting on the scoresheet. Fernandes was handed the captain's armband for the North-West derby as Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire were benched.
The Portuguese playmaker has previously excelled as the main man in Manchester and Ten Hag suspects acting as skipper brought the best out of him. Fernandes helped the hosts establish their dominance as their energy and intensity proved crucial in the shock victory.
Varane, who was partnered with Lisandro Martinez at the heart of defence, also stepped up to the plate as United stifled the Liverpool attack for long periods. Ten Hag has hailed the duo but insists that more of their teammates must also take on the responsibility.
He told Sky Sports : "I think he took the responsibility and I think he showed leadership with Rapha Varane on the pitch. They make a huge difference but that is what we have to bring but not just them two, we need more leaders. When you want a winning team, you want more leaders and you need spirit what we showed today."
Adding to United's delight, they have bolstered their options with the capture of Casemiro from Real Madrid. The Red Devils have signed the midfielder for £60million and he will bring huge experience to Old Trafford, having won the Champions League on five occasions. Ten Hag is confident that the Brazilian will add further leadership to his squad.
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He added: "We were talking about leadership and we were talking about leadership on the pitch but he [Casemiro] is one as well. He knows the game, he knows how to win, in his career he’s won so many trophies and that’s important to have in your team. Rapha Varane has it so with him and Casemiro, Ronaldo has it, you need some as a guidance for young players who didn’t achieve the trophies till now but now that’s what we want to achieve."
United's struggles in recent years have been underlined by their trophy drought, which dates back to 2017. Since that success, the club's players have endured several near misses and are facing six years without a trophy. Therefore, the acquisition of individuals who have won honours at other clubs is key.
