Whilst there are certainly other issues taking prevalence amidst United's current troubles, a matter coming to the forefront of the currently problematic phase is attitude. In many forms, the attitude of those on the pitch has been sub-par for some time now. Ralf Rangnick has alluded to body language recently, and that was certainly a bone of contention at St James' Park on Monday night.
The poor attitude came and has come in a number of forms. For the most-part, there was a severe lack of urgency against Newcastle, and mystifying lapse in focus too. Not only did the players look lethargic, but frustration also took the better of a number of them. Of course, the combination of factors proved a real hindrance to the performance.
Gary Neville has touched on it in the Sky Sports studio, but there is far too much moaning and complaining - both internally within the side between players and towards decisions. It’s pathetic at this level, to be frank. Bruno Fernandes got himself booked for dissent, not for the first time this season, and he’s thus suspended against Burnley. Fernandes isn't only guilty of whinging towards officials, but also towards teammates too. That is verging on unforgivable for one of the more senior players in a young squad, tasked with setting an example.
There is a difference between being constructive and motivating, and acting in a more negative and degrading manner. There are righteous fears that the line is being crossed at the moment, with some players up in arms at the slightest mishap from a teammate. Mind, those culpable are hardly covering themselves in glory with their performances at the moment either.
Cristiano Ronaldo is another of significance proving a troublesome senior figurehead in the realms of attitude. Something that has invoked frustration for a large portion of the season is Ronaldo’s urgency to rush straight off the pitch at full time. Even when games have been won, he has been heading straight down the tunnel rather than shaking hands and applauding the fans. It’s basic courtesy in football. Yes, he doesn't accept mediocrity - that's an excellent mentality. However, here, severe arrogance is being exuded. No matter how big a name you are and how high your status may be, it’s no doubt inexcusable to show such minimal visible respect towards those who pay and travel far and wide to watch your team play.
Despite his experience, Ronaldo was another guilty of boiling over. Similar to an incident involving Curtis Jones against Liverpool in October, he dangerously took a wild swipe in attempt to win the ball off Ryan Fraser on Monday.
At the moment, Edinson Cavani seems only one of a few senior players guaranteed to act as the senior figure that they are. He is someone who will always give his all and shows utmost respect to everyone involved within the club, stemming right to the fans. You could see how much his goal meant to him against Newcastle after his recent injury layoff. He cares for this club. He cares so much. You cannot allow social media to twist the narrative due to exit rumours; you can’t blame him if he wants to leave to chase certain gametime at somewhere like Barcelona - he isn’t in the youthful years of his career anymore. He is a real role model for those younger players, and a reassuring presence whenever he’s on the pitch.
Unlike teammates such as Fernandes and Ronaldo, Cavani is faultlessly motivating and always offering encouragement towards those wearing his colours. Where the former pair simply moan in disgust at any little thing, the Uruguayan is promptly offering support.
Attitude shouldn’t even be considered a problem at a club like Manchester United, especially amongst the senior names I have mentioned, but somehow it is a problem right now. It’s a real problem, in fact, and is undoubtedly doing no good for the younger contingent.
Few real examples are being set by these senior players at the moment. Gary Neville has been very vocal about the divide it could be causing within the dressing room, and he's not wrong. Everyone should be on a level playing field here at Manchester United, no matter age or fame or whatever else. There seems to be some real disharmony as it stands, and it is not healthy at all.
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