Ferguson to Ten Hag: How Manchester United’s New Managers Fared on Debut
First impressions are often misleading, especially in football management, where debut results can hardly define the future of a manager. The history of Manchester United’s post-Ferguson managerial reign illustrates this perfectly, with several high-profile appointments facing mixed beginnings.
Alex Ferguson – Oxford 2-0 Manchester United, 8 November 1986
When Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford, his first match resulted in a disappointing loss to Oxford United. Two days after leaving Aberdeen, Ferguson was thrust into the United job with a makeshift squad, including Paul McGrath, Jesper Olsen, and Graeme Hogg. The match saw goals from John Aldridge and Neil Slatter, leaving Ferguson frustrated. He later admitted the weight of media attention affected his players, many of whom were visibly nervous. Despite the loss, Ferguson would go on to transform Manchester United into a footballing powerhouse, with his first piece of silverware coming four years later in the 1990 FA Cup.
David Moyes – Swansea 1-4 Manchester United, 17 August 2013
David Moyes’ debut at the helm of Manchester United came with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Swansea. United’s Community Shield win over Wigan was followed by the thumping result, with Robin van Persie scoring twice and Danny Welbeck adding another two. The mood was positive, and optimism was high for the defending champions. However, Moyes’ reign quickly faltered. United’s form dipped dramatically, and they finished seventh in the Premier League, 22 points behind Manchester City. Moyes was dismissed after just 10 months in charge, leaving behind a campaign far below the expectations set by his debut win.
Louis van Gaal – Manchester United 1-2 Swansea, 16 August 2014
Louis van Gaal’s start to life at Old Trafford was less than ideal. In his debut match, United suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea. Wayne Rooney’s equalizer could not prevent the loss, as Gylfi Sigurdsson sealed the win for the visitors. The loss was part of a poor start to the season, including a shocking 4-0 League Cup defeat to MK Dons. Van Gaal eventually led United to the 2016 FA Cup, but his tenure ended soon after, with the club parting ways following a series of underwhelming results despite the cup triumph.
José Mourinho – Bournemouth 1-3 Manchester United, 14 August 2016
Mourinho’s debut with Manchester United was much more promising. A 3-1 victory against Bournemouth in the opening match of the season, following a 2-1 win over Leicester in the Community Shield, gave United fans cause for optimism. Mourinho’s team immediately looked solid and his tactical approach was well received. By the end of the season, he had delivered the League Cup and Europa League trophies, signaling his success in his first year. However, his time was eventually overshadowed by a tumultuous final season, marked by public clashes with players and staff, culminating in his dismissal in December 2018.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær – Manchester United 2-1 Watford, 30 March 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first match in charge was a dream start, securing a 2-1 victory over Watford. Solskjær had taken over as caretaker manager after Mourinho’s sacking, and the win was part of a remarkable run of results that saw the club climb the table. His permanent appointment followed, but the subsequent seasons were filled with ups and downs. Solskjær led United to third place in 2019-20 and second place in 2020-21, but inconsistency eventually led to his dismissal in November 2021, ending a tenure that began with such promise but faltered under pressure.
Erik ten Hag – Manchester United 1-2 Brighton, 7 August 2022
Erik ten Hag’s first competitive match in charge of Manchester United was a humbling defeat against Brighton, with his side losing 2-1 at Old Trafford. The result exposed the issues of the squad and highlighted the challenges Ten Hag faced in implementing his “proactive” style of play. Despite a positive long-term vision for the club, the defeat underscored the difficult nature of the job. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the League Cup and securing third place in the league, but his start was far from the smooth transition many had hoped for.
Conclusion
The experiences of Manchester United’s post-Ferguson managers show that a debut result often does not correlate with long-term success or failure. Whether it was Ferguson’s disappointing loss to Oxford, Moyes’ emphatic win against Swansea, or Ten Hag’s opening-day setback against Brighton, each manager’s journey has been shaped by more than just their first impression. While early signs can be deceiving, it is the subsequent period of adjustment, challenges, and triumphs that truly defines a manager’s legacy at a club as demanding as Manchester United.
