Bart Vriends believes the opportunity in front of United is clear – and he’s ready to lead from the front.
As the Reds prepare to face Auckland FC on Friday night at Coopers Stadium, the Dutch defender has stepped into the captain’s role in the absence of Craig Goodwin, who continues his recovery from injury.
And it’s a responsibility Vriends is embracing with pride.
“I’ll happily take the captain’s band and lead the team,” Vriends said.
“Craig is a big loss for us, but we’ve got a strong leadership group here, and I’ll do everything I can to help the team on and off the pitch.”
United enters the clash in strong form, unbeaten in recent weeks and building momentum at the perfect time of the season.
While there have been frustrations around dropped points, the belief within the group has only grown.
“We’ve been playing really good football,” Vriends said.
“We’ve been the dominant side in most games, and that gives us a lot of confidence heading into the final part of the season.”
Now, with only a handful of matches remaining, the focus is clear.
“This is the time you want to be a football player,” he said.
“We can finally try to win something with this club — and that’s what it all comes down to.”
For Vriends, the role of captain is nothing new — but the way he leads has remained consistent.
Whether wearing the armband or not, his focus has always been on setting standards and driving the group forward.
“I’ve always wanted to take responsibility,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m first captain or not, I’m here to help the team and raise my voice when it’s needed.”
That leadership has been key in guiding a young and ambitious United squad through the highs and challenges of the season — and now into a defining stretch.
Friday night presents another opportunity — not just to continue the unbeaten run, but to turn strong performances into results.
And against an Auckland side that has produced plenty of entertaining clashes in the past, Vriends is expecting another big test.
“They’re a strong and solid side,” he said.
“But we’re in a very good moment as well, and I feel like we can go there and win.”
With confidence high, leadership strong, and belief building, United’s message is clear.
Now is the time.
