For over a decade, Manchester United has tried and failed to recapture its former glory. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, the club’s path has been marked by missteps, underwhelming seasons, and managerial changes that have left fans yearning for the days when they were the dominant force in English football. The question lingering in fans’ minds remains: will Manchester United ever reach the pinnacle of English football again?
A Past of Triumph and a Present of Struggle
In the 1980s, United were still searching for stability and success in the post-Busby years. The slogan “This season we mean business!” became almost a joke, as it was repeated year after year without much success. But with Alex Ferguson’s arrival in 1986, the club slowly found its feet. After a challenging few years, Ferguson brought United to the top of English football, ending a 26-year league title drought and leading them to multiple league titles, domestic cups, and two Champions League trophies.
This winning momentum continued well into the 2000s, up to Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. However, under the ownership of the Glazers, United struggled to maintain that success. The once-unbreakable club now seemed to waver, lacking the decisive and transformative leadership that Ferguson had provided for so long.
The Glazer Ownership and Post-Ferguson Decline
The Glazers’ acquisition of Manchester United in 2005 marked a new chapter in the club’s history. Their ownership approach focused heavily on financial gains, taking the club from being a footballing powerhouse to what some critics describe as a corporate-driven entity. With the focus shifting to financial aspects, fans have seen repeated managerial changes, inconsistent recruitment strategies, and a decline in on-field performance.
While Ferguson managed to deliver titles even under Glazer ownership, the lack of a long-term vision became evident once he left. Successive managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho, faced struggles to find a balance between the club’s traditions and the modern demands of football. The hiring process seemed haphazard, leaving fans to wonder if anyone could restore Manchester United’s ethos.
The Managerial Merry-Go-Round and Lack of Identity
Since 2013, Manchester United has appointed multiple managers, each with a unique style but none with the staying power or support Ferguson had. Moyes, chosen by Ferguson as his successor, was dismissed within a season. Van Gaal introduced youth players but couldn’t deliver sustained success. Mourinho managed to secure trophies but faced an increasingly divided dressing room. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a fan favorite and former player, briefly rekindled hope with a second-place league finish but could not guide the team beyond inconsistent form.
The arrival of Erik ten Hag in 2022 initially brought hope with his modern footballing approach. He guided the team to a League Cup victory and a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, a challenging start to the 2024-25 season led to his dismissal, marking yet another chapter in United’s ongoing managerial turmoil.
A New Era Under Jim Ratcliffe?
In early 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought a minority stake in the club, voicing his intention to restore the club’s standards. Ratcliffe has been vocal about the need to address structural and cultural issues within the club. His hiring of executives with experience at top clubs, like Manchester City’s Omar Berrada and Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth, shows a move towards establishing an effective leadership structure.
Ratcliffe has also been clear about his commitment to reforming the club’s recruitment and playing style, aligning it with a distinct “Manchester United” philosophy. However, fans are understandably skeptical, having seen several “rebuilds” fall apart in recent years.
Ruben Amorim: United’s Potential Next Hope
Ruben Amorim, currently managing Sporting CP, is reportedly on United’s radar. Known for his tactical prowess and ability to build cohesive teams, Amorim could be the manager to provide stability. He’s recognized for maximizing player potential and integrating youth talent, aligning with United’s tradition of promoting from their academy. However, expectations need to be managed; Amorim would likely need at least a few years to develop a cohesive and competitive squad.
Tactical and Recruitment Challenges
United’s tactics and recruitment strategy have been a source of criticism in recent years. Ten Hag’s plans were reportedly compromised by the club’s inability to secure key transfer targets like Frenkie de Jong. Instead, the club signed multiple midfielders, which led to inconsistent team selection and a lack of cohesion on the pitch. Amorim, if appointed, would need to address these issues quickly.
In the transfer market, United’s recent spending has raised questions about their strategy. Big-money signings have often failed to deliver, while rivals like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa have made calculated signings that have significantly boosted their fortunes. For example, Liverpool’s transformation under Jurgen Klopp saw them go from mid-table to Champions League and Premier League contenders within a few years. This level of strategic recruitment and tactical alignment is what United needs.
Aiming for 2028: Is It Realistic?
In a staff meeting, Omar Berrada reportedly set a target for Manchester United to become Premier League champions again by 2028, marking the club’s 150th anniversary. Given their current state, this timeline might seem both overly ambitious and modest at the same time. While clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool have established themselves as title challengers, United still lack the consistent performances and squad depth needed to compete at the highest level.
To meet this target, United must refine their recruitment strategy. Building around young talents like Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Hojlund, who have shown potential, could be key. These players, coupled with smart acquisitions, could form the nucleus of a title-challenging team in the years to come.
Challenges from the Competition
Manchester City has won six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons, establishing themselves as the dominant force in English football. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and even Aston Villa have all made strides, while United have often appeared stagnant. For United, simply catching up to these teams will require a substantial overhaul in approach, both on and off the pitch.
The Importance of Establishing a Winning Culture
Beyond tactics and transfers, establishing a winning culture within the dressing room is essential. The teams that have found recent success, such as Liverpool and Manchester City, share a clear identity and culture driven by strong managers and supportive boards. United, on the other hand, have frequently appeared disjointed, with players who seem to lack the same drive and unity that characterized the Ferguson era.
Building a Foundation for Sustained Success
A successful football club requires consistency, long-term vision, and effective leadership. Manchester United’s recent history shows that leadership instability and lack of clear direction have hindered their ability to return to the top. For Ratcliffe, Berrada, and potentially Amorim, the key challenge will be establishing a foundation for success that doesn’t rely solely on immediate results.
This involves trusting a manager, creating a recruitment strategy that aligns with the club’s style, and developing young talents within the club’s academy. Ferguson’s success was built on these principles, and the current leadership will need to embrace a similar approach if United are to achieve their goals.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
Manchester United’s journey to the top won’t be an easy one. However, the right combination of leadership, tactical consistency, and effective recruitment could see them return to the summit of English football. As Ratcliffe and his team lay the groundwork for a potential revival, fans will be watching closely to see if United can rise again and reclaim their place among England’s elite.
