Appointment of Carrick as United captain highlights lack of leaders at the club...

Social media is awash with fans wishing Michael Carrick well after being appointed as United's new captain, it's all very nice and he's well liked by many Manchester United fans. However, like his predecessor Wayne Rooney, Carrick will more than likely find himself sat on the bench next season, and therefore of no value in the red hot heat of battle. It doesn't seem that long ago that Roy Keane was chivvying his team-mates along and snarling at opponents in the tunnel before a ball was kicked, as well as inspiring the team to epic comebacks like he did with that towering header in the Champions League semi-final against Juventus in 1999.

Roy Keane was a player who led by example, like Bryan Robson another great United captain, his finest 90 minutes came against Barcelona in 1984 the second leg of Cup Winners Cup. United were two-nil down from the first leg, the return leg at Old Trafford will never be forgotten for those like myself who were lucky enough to be there.

Leading by example is what the great captains do. Sadly, but truthfully, the role of United captain (like at many clubs) has been reduced to a largely ceremonial role. The fact that it has come to this isn't by choice of course, it is because true leaders of the desired quality are in very short supply. There is another theory that clubs on the continent view the role of club captain as a ceremonial role and a none playing captain is deemed acceptable.

Once your team crosses the touchline the manager is helpless to affect events directly on the pitch where leadership is concerned. Jose Mourinho needs to find a player who is a leader in the best traditions of former great Manchester United club captains. Easier said that done of course...but one hopes it's on Jose's to do list.

Blades axe United legend in Brussels coup d'état...

The King is dead, long live the King - Bryan Robson has been reportedly (and there's no other way of putting this) sacked again.

To Manchester United fans of my generation Robbo remains a hero and always will be. Yet today, and not that surprisingly following several weeks of murmurings of discontent at Bramall Lane, Robbo has been 'relieved of his duties'. The decision to axe Robson, was according to reports made in Brussels, there's talk of a new managerial regime being installed.

Last month Robbo master-minded Sheffield United's win over Man City in the FA Cup and deservedly so. Reds fans will not need reminding that our illustrious leader Ferguson hasn't achieved that feat this season with the Reds on the wrong end of two defeats to near neighbours City.

While Sheffield United have done well in the FA Cup this season, in the league it has been a different story. Robson was of course following in the footsteps of local hero Neil Warnock, so it was always going to be a hard act to follow especially when things didn't go to plan.

It remains to be seen whether Robbo will stay on at Bramall Lane in some capacity, or indeed will he ever be given another managerial job in England, that must be in doubt given his track-record.

Captain Marvel's managerial record:
Middlesbrough: 31 May 1994 - 6 December 2000. Contract ended by mutual consent
Bradford City: 24 November 2003 - 17 June 2004 -Short-term contract not renewed following relegation
West Bromwich Albion: 9 November 2004 - 18th September 2006 - Contract ended by mutual consent
Sheffield United: 22 May 2007 14 - February 2008 - Relieved of his duties.

Bryan Robson back in management game?

According to the latest news former United star Bryan 'Robbo' Robson could be set to takeover from Neil Warnock at Sheffield United where he will link up with another United legend Brian Kidd.

Robson has been out of football since he left West Brom, and like Kiddo the former Red's midfielder and England captain remains hugely popular with the Red Army and I'm certain everyone will wish the pair well for next season.