The Decline of Manchester United Post-Sir Alex Ferguson: What Went Wrong? - SportsLounge

When Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after 26 years at the helm, Manchester United faced a daunting future. Under his stewardship, the club enjoyed unprecedented success: 13 Premier League titles, two UEFA Champions League trophies, five FA Cups, and numerous other honors. However, in the decade since Ferguson’s departure, United have struggled to find stability, identity, and the winning formula that defined the club’s golden era.

From 2013 to the present, United have cycled through five permanent managers and two caretakers, including renowned names such as David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and now Erik ten Hag. Despite their individual credentials, these managers have struggled to bring back the glory days. But what has gone wrong for Manchester United? Is it a question of managerial quality, player quality, or something deeper?

The Coaches Post-Ferguson

1. David Moyes (2013-2014) Moyes, Ferguson’s handpicked successor, was seen as a long-term replacement. However, his tenure lasted less than a year, with United finishing seventh in the Premier League, their worst position since the competition’s inception. Moyes’ record:

• P51: W27, D9, L15
• Win rate: 53%
• Trophies: 1 (Community Shield 2013)

Moyes’ reign was characterized by a lack of confidence, tactical rigidity, and a failure to cope with the expectations of managing a club of United’s stature.

2. Louis van Gaal (2014-2016) Van Gaal, a tactician with a strong resume, brought an emphasis on possession football but often at the expense of creativity and excitement. His two-year tenure saw some stability, but the football was criticized for being boring and predictable. His record:

• P103: W54, D25, L24
• Win rate: 52%
• Trophies: 1 (FA Cup 2016)

3. José Mourinho (2016-2018) Mourinho, one of the most successful managers in modern football, was hired to restore the club’s status as a powerhouse. His first season brought success with the League Cup, Europa League, and Community Shield, but cracks began to appear in his third season. Mourinho’s pragmatic style clashed with the club’s attacking traditions, and internal conflicts with players became public. His record:

• P144: W84, D32, L28
• Win rate: 58%
• Trophies: 3 (Europa League 2017, League Cup 2017, Community Shield 2016)

4. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (2018-2021) A club legend as a player, Solskjaer provided a sense of nostalgia and initial optimism. He improved United’s attacking output but failed to win a trophy during his three years. Solskjaer’s tactical naivety and inability to make the leap from potential to title contender was evident. His record:

• P167: W91, D37, L39
• Win rate: 54%
• Trophies: None

5. Ralf Rangnick (2021-2022 – Interim) Rangnick, known for his innovative pressing football, struggled to implement his ideas in a short tenure marked by inconsistency and poor performances. His record:

• P29: W11, D10, L8
• Win rate: 38%
• Trophies: None

6. Erik ten Hag (2022-present) The current manager, Erik ten Hag, enjoyed a successful debut season, winning the League Cup in 2024 and restoring some optimism around the club. Ten Hag is known for his tactical discipline and philosophy, but United’s struggles have persisted, especially against mid-level teams. His record:

• P79: W49, D9, L21
• Win rate: 62%
• Trophies: 1 (League Cup 2024)

The Decline: Why Has Manchester United Faltered?

1. Leadership Vacuum

Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure left a leadership void that has yet to be filled. The managerial merry-go-round has prevented the club from developing a long-term vision or establishing a consistent style of play. Each manager has brought a different philosophy, creating a lack of continuity in how the team operates both on and off the pitch.

2. Player Quality and Recruitment

The quality of players at Manchester United has been inconsistent. Several high-profile signings, such as Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez, and Paul Pogba, have failed to live up to their billing, while the academy has not produced stars of the caliber of Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes. Recruitment has been reactive rather than strategic, leading to an unbalanced squad lacking cohesion and leadership on the pitch.

3. Lack of Identity

Under Ferguson, United had a clear identity built around attacking football, never-say-die spirit, and relentless pressure. Post-Ferguson, the club has struggled to forge a new identity. Managers like Mourinho implemented a defensive approach that contradicted the club’s attacking heritage, while others like Solskjaer tried to recapture the past without modernizing.

4. Tactical Confusion

Manchester United’s tactical approach has been inconsistent, with each manager imposing a different style. While Ten Hag has attempted to instill a more structured system, the team often struggles against weaker opposition, suggesting that the players may not be fully buying into his ideas or lack the technical ability to execute them.

5. Off-the-Field Issues

The Glazers’ ownership has been a major point of contention among fans. Their perceived lack of footballing knowledge and focus on commercial success has created a disconnect between the board and the supporters. Many believe that the club’s priorities have shifted away from on-pitch success to financial performance, further contributing to the decline.

Is Manchester United Now an Average Team?

The reality is that Manchester United, once the benchmark for success in English football, has fallen behind their competitors. Teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea have surged ahead due to better management structures, superior recruitment strategies, and clear footballing philosophies. While United are still one of the biggest clubs in the world in terms of brand and revenue, on the pitch, they have struggled to meet those lofty expectations.

The team’s lack of consistency and inability to dominate weaker sides suggest they are no longer the formidable force they once were. Their recent loss to a mid-table team at the start of the 2024/25 season is indicative of the larger problem: United have lost their fear factor.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s decline since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure can be attributed to a combination of managerial instability, inconsistent recruitment, a lack of clear identity, and off-the-pitch distractions. While there have been moments of success, the club has yet to rediscover the formula that made them dominant under Ferguson.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season unfolds, Erik ten Hag faces a monumental task. He must instill a clear identity, restore the club’s culture of winning, and bring consistency back to the team. Whether Manchester United will ever return to the heights of their former glory remains uncertain, but the challenges ahead are significant, and the time to find solutions is running out.

The Red Devils may not be an average team by historical standards, but in the present Premier League landscape, they are struggling to maintain their status among the elite.