Manchester United have struggled to reclaim their former glory since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. While some challenges were expected, the club has endured over a decade of instability both on and off the pitch. Several key failures have contributed to their decline, preventing them from returning to the pinnacle of English and European football.
1. Poor Managerial Choices
The transition after Ferguson’s retirement was expected to be challenging, but the club’s approach to appointing managers has only made things worse. Since 2013, Manchester United have had ten different permanent or interim managers, with many leaving prematurely due to poor performances.
Ferguson personally recommended David Moyes as his successor, but Moyes lasted just ten months, marking one of the shortest managerial stints in the club’s history. What followed was a constant cycle of hiring and firing, with Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, and current boss Rúben Amorim all having brief spells at the helm.
The lack of consistency has resulted in constant tactical changes, uncertainty among players, and an absence of long-term planning. Amorim, who is now tasked with rebuilding the team, is already under pressure as the club sits in 15th place in the Premier League, closer to a relegation battle than a top-four finish.
2. Boardroom Failures
Off the pitch, Manchester United’s financial and structural decisions have also played a major role in their decline. The Glazer family’s ownership has been heavily criticized, with the club burdened by debts exceeding £700 million. Over two decades, United have paid more than £1 billion in interest and refinancing costs, limiting their ability to invest in improving the squad.
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a minority shareholder has introduced a new approach to cost-cutting, but financial mismanagement has already done significant damage. United’s failure to consistently qualify for the Champions League has further impacted revenue, with commercial deals losing value when the club underperforms.
Additionally, poor transfer decisions have hurt the team. The club has a reputation for overspending on players, with the £85 million spent on Antony and the £72 million on Rasmus Højlund being examples of questionable signings. Former manager Erik ten Hag spent £600 million during his tenure but failed to significantly improve the team’s fortunes.
3. Lack of a Defined Playing Philosophy
Since Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United have struggled to establish a consistent footballing identity. Under Ferguson, the team was known for its winning mentality, adaptability, and strong squad cohesion. However, the club’s philosophy has since become unclear, leading to inconsistent performances.
Managers have implemented different tactical approaches, but none have lasted long enough to create a lasting style of play. Player power has also disrupted the squad, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho both causing unrest in recent years. Amorim has attempted to restore discipline by offloading Rashford to Aston Villa and Sancho to Chelsea, but dressing room tensions remain.
Reports suggest some players are questioning Amorim’s tactics, and pundits have voiced concerns about whether his ideas are being effectively communicated. The coach remains committed to his system, but without immediate improvements, pressure will continue to mount.
The Fallout Between Højlund and Dalot
Adding to the club’s challenges, tensions are rising among players, as seen in the recent Europa League draw against Real Sociedad. A visible disagreement between striker Rasmus Højlund and fullback Diogo Dalot highlighted the frustration within the squad.
During the match, Dalot had an opportunity to cross the ball early to Højlund, who had positioned himself well inside the box. Instead, Dalot hesitated, cutting back and allowing Sociedad’s defense to recover. The delay cost United a promising attack, and Højlund was visibly frustrated.
Amorim acknowledged the incident in his post-match comments, noting that Dalot’s hesitation might have stemmed from uncertainty about whether Højlund had the advantage. While the manager emphasized the need for unity, the incident raises concerns about on-field chemistry and decision-making.
Højlund’s struggles in front of goal are also worrying. The Danish striker has now gone 19 consecutive matches without scoring and failed to register a single shot on target against Sociedad. With crucial matches ahead, including a Premier League clash against Arsenal and the second leg against Sociedad, United must quickly resolve these issues to salvage their season.
The Road Ahead
Manchester United’s road back to success is far from easy. Years of managerial instability, boardroom mismanagement, and a lack of clear footballing philosophy have left the club struggling. While Amorim has been tasked with leading the rebuild, the pressure is immense, and results must improve quickly.
Patience, smart decision-making, and a commitment to long-term stability will be key in restoring United to their former glory.
