Ruben Amorim told what's missing from his Man Utd squad amid tactics debate

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Manchester United's shortage of on-field leaders represents Ruben Amorim 's most pressing challenge - at least according to former Premier League frontman Emile Heskey. The Red Devils have endured a troubling campaign, prompting scrutiny over Amorim's tactical blueprint.

United are in 10th place in the Premier League standings, managing three victories, one draw and three defeats from their opening seven top-flight games. They also suffered an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

The team, however, emerged as 2-0 victors against Sunderland in their final game before October's international break. It's a result they will aim to capitalise on when Premier League action resumes next weekend.

Much discussion has centred on Amorim's unwillingness to abandon his preferred 3-4-2-1 system. Yet Heskey has highlighted a different concern within the United ranks.

"Nothing seems to go right for Ruben Amorim," he told Pundit Arena . "Everyone keeps talking about the tactics, but when you put 11 players on the pitch, they've got to fight.

"Where's your leaders? I remember playing at Liverpool , I was only 22 at the time, we had Gary McAllister and he would be on to us. Steven Gerrard was younger than me, he would be on to us, Sami Hyypia, too.

"It doesn't look like Man Utd have any leaders on the pitch, who are really digging people out."

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Bruno Fernandes , United's captain, has been a constant presence on the pitch this season, missing only three minutes of their Premier League matches. However, his role within the team has sparked much debate.

The arrivals of summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, both playing in attacking positions, has seen Fernandes shifted to a deeper role. It has led to some questioning whether this allows him to perform at his best.

Ahead of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland last week, Fernandes addressed these concerns, stating: "I love playing football, whatever the position.

"They can put me at full-back, winger, or as a goalkeeper. I'll always give my best."

He added: "Everyone has their preferences. But we have to adapt to the coach's ideas."

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