From Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013 to years of managerial instability, expensive transfer mistakes, financial difficulties and institutional restructuring, Manchester United's decline has become one of the most significant stories in modern football.
Introduction: The end of an era and the beginning of a difficult transition
When Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement in May 2013, Manchester United were celebrating another Premier League title. It was the club's 20th English league championship and Ferguson's 13th during an extraordinary 26-year managerial career at Old Trafford.
At that moment, few could have imagined how dramatically the club's sporting position would change over the following decade.
Manchester United had built an identity around winning, consistency, strong leadership and the ability to develop players capable of competing at the highest level. Under Ferguson, the club had become one of the most successful institutions in world football, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, 13 Premier League titles and numerous domestic trophies.
However, Ferguson's departure exposed a problem that went beyond finding a replacement manager. His influence had been so significant that many of the club's footballing structures, decision-making processes and internal relationships had become closely associated with his leadership.
More than 13 years later, Manchester United's difficulties cannot be explained simply by the departure of one manager. The club has experienced repeated managerial changes, inconsistent recruitment, financial pressure, declining sporting standards and uncertainty over its long-term footballing identity.
The central issue is that Manchester United have repeatedly attempted to rebuild the team without first establishing a consistent institutional strategy.
The club has continued to generate enormous commercial revenues, attract global attention and spend heavily in the transfer market. Yet those advantages have not translated into sustained dominance on the pitch.
To understand the decline, it is necessary to examine the different stages of the post-Ferguson era and the decisions that shaped them.
1. David Moyes: The first mistake in the succession plan (2013–2014)
Manchester United's first major decision after Ferguson's retirement was to appoint David Moyes, who had built a reputation at Everton for organising competitive teams despite working with relatively limited financial resources.
Ferguson personally recommended his fellow Scot, believing that Moyes possessed the character, work ethic and managerial qualities required to continue his project.
However, replacing Ferguson was an enormous challenge, and Moyes struggled to establish authority over a dressing room that had become accustomed to a very different managerial personality.
The 2013–14 campaign exposed several weaknesses. United lacked consistency, struggled to break down organised defensive opponents and experienced difficulties against direct rivals. Their performances at Old Trafford, traditionally one of the most intimidating venues in European football, also became increasingly unpredictable.
The club finished seventh in the Premier League, missing out on qualification for the following season's Champions League. It was a significant decline from the previous campaign, when they had won the title with 89 points. Moyes was dismissed in April 2014, before the end of his first season.
The important point, however, was not simply that Moyes failed. The club had appointed a manager without adequately preparing the organisation for the transition. Ferguson's departure, together with the retirement of chief executive David Gill, meant United lost two influential figures at practically the same time.
The succession plan therefore suffered from a lack of continuity at both managerial and executive levels. United had attempted to replace Ferguson's leadership without sufficiently protecting the footballing structure that had supported his success.
2. Louis van Gaal: Tactical discipline without a long-term identity (2014–2016)
After Moyes' dismissal, Manchester United appointed Louis van Gaal, a highly experienced manager who had enjoyed success with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team.
His appointment represented an attempt to introduce a more structured footballing philosophy and restore the club's competitiveness.
Van Gaal brought tactical organisation, positional discipline and an emphasis on controlling possession. He also invested heavily in the squad, bringing players such as Ángel Di María, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial to Old Trafford.
There were positive moments. United returned to the Champions League in his first season, finishing fourth in the Premier League, while his second campaign ended with an FA Cup victory in 2016. However, his footballing approach generated considerable criticism.
United often dominated possession without creating enough meaningful opportunities. Their attacking play became predictable, and the team struggled to maintain the intensity and creativity traditionally associated with the club.
The problem was not necessarily that Van Gaal lacked a tactical philosophy. Rather, his philosophy did not consistently produce the attacking football supporters expected from Manchester United.
There was also a wider question about recruitment. United continued spending significant sums, but the squad was not being assembled around a clearly communicated long-term sporting project.
Despite winning the FA Cup, Van Gaal was dismissed shortly afterwards. His departure reinforced a growing pattern: Manchester United were changing managers and footballing philosophies without developing a stable identity that could survive those changes.
3. José Mourinho: Trophies, immediate success and unresolved problems (2016–2018)
The arrival of José Mourinho in 2016 was expected to bring Manchester United closer to the standards of Ferguson's era.
Mourinho had won league titles in England, Italy, Spain and Portugal. His experience of managing elite clubs made him an attractive appointment for a team desperate to return to the top of European football.
His first season produced three trophies: the Community Shield, the League Cup and the UEFA Europa League. The Europa League victory was particularly important because it secured Champions League qualification and represented United's first major European trophy since Ferguson's departure.
The following season, United finished second in the Premier League with 81 points, their highest league finish of the post-Ferguson period until that point. Nevertheless, the Mourinho project eventually became increasingly complicated.
His relationship with several players deteriorated, while disagreements over recruitment and the club's ambitions became more visible. Mourinho repeatedly expressed frustration about the transfer market, arguing that the squad required additional investment and improvements in specific positions.
There was also a stylistic problem. Although United were capable of producing strong defensive performances and winning important matches, their attacking football remained inconsistent.
The 2018–19 season began poorly, and Mourinho was dismissed in December 2018. His period demonstrated an important contradiction: United could still win trophies and compete for major positions, but they were struggling to build a sustainable project.
The club had recruited one of the most successful managers of his generation, yet the underlying organisational problems remained unresolved.
4. Ole Gunnar Solskjær: Emotional reconnection without the final step (2018–2021)
Ole Gunnar Solskjær's appointment initially brought a different atmosphere to Old Trafford. A former Manchester United striker who had played under Ferguson, Solskjær understood the club's traditions and the expectations surrounding its identity.
His interim period was particularly encouraging. United produced several memorable performances, including their dramatic Champions League victory against Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
He was subsequently appointed permanent manager. Solskjær attempted to restore a more attacking approach, place greater emphasis on young players and rebuild the relationship between the team and supporters.
There were positive developments. Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay received important opportunities, while Bruno Fernandes became one of the team's most influential players after arriving in January 2020.
United finished third in 2019–20 and second in 2020–21. They also reached the Europa League final in 2021, although they lost to Villarreal on penalties. However, the team continued to show tactical weaknesses.
United often relied heavily on individual quality, particularly Fernandes' creativity, Rashford's attacking movement and the pace of their forward players. Defensively, the team lacked consistent organisation, while the midfield frequently struggled to control matches against technically strong opponents.
The recruitment of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 was another major turning point. His return generated enormous excitement, but it also created questions about the team's tactical balance, attacking structure and long-term planning.
Solskjær was dismissed in November 2021 after a series of disappointing results. His tenure was arguably one of the more encouraging periods after Ferguson, but he could not turn promising progress into a consistent challenge for the Premier League title.
5. Erik ten Hag: A promising beginning followed by another rebuilding failure (2022–2024)
Erik ten Hag arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 after establishing himself as one of Europe's most interesting coaches with Ajax. His appointment was intended to bring a more modern tactical approach, emphasising positional football, pressing, technical quality and collective organisation.
His first season provided reasons for optimism. United won the League Cup in 2023, finished third in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final. However, the following campaign exposed serious weaknesses.
United finished eighth in the Premier League in 2023–24, their lowest league position at that stage of the post-Ferguson era. Their defensive structure was frequently exposed, the midfield lacked control and the team struggled to establish a consistent playing style.
Winning the FA Cup against Manchester City provided a positive conclusion to the campaign, but it did not eliminate the concerns surrounding the overall performance. Recruitment was again a major issue.
Ten Hag brought several players with whom he had previously worked, including Antony, Lisandro Martínez and André Onana. Some demonstrated their quality, but the overall recruitment strategy produced inconsistent results and expensive commitments.
Antony, in particular, became a symbol of the difficulties associated with United's transfer market after arriving from Ajax for a substantial fee. Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024 after a poor start to the new campaign.
The broader lesson was familiar: another manager had been given significant authority to rebuild the team, but the club had not established a sufficiently effective system to ensure that recruitment, coaching and long-term planning worked together.
6. Ruben Amorim: Another attempt to impose a new footballing philosophy (2024–2026)
Following Ten Hag's dismissal, Manchester United turned to Ruben Amorim, who had established an impressive reputation at Sporting CP.
The Portuguese manager arrived in November 2024 with a clear tactical philosophy, built around a three-at-the-back system, wing-backs, positional rotations and an aggressive approach to pressing.
His appointment represented another attempt to introduce a recognisable footballing identity at Old Trafford. However, Amorim inherited a squad assembled by several different managers, with players recruited for different tactical systems and individual requirements.
This created an immediate challenge. His preferred 3-4-3 formation required specific profiles, particularly in the wing-back positions, central defence and midfield. Not every player in the squad was naturally suited to those responsibilities.
The 2024–25 season became particularly difficult. United finished 15th in the Premier League, their lowest position in the competition since 1973–74, although they reached the Europa League final before losing to Tottenham Hotspur.
The European campaign provided some encouragement, but the domestic performances highlighted the scale of the rebuilding process. Amorim's departure in January 2026 once again demonstrated the club's difficulty in maintaining continuity.
The question surrounding his tenure was not simply whether the 3-4-3 system was appropriate for Manchester United. It was whether the club had recruited the players and established the institutional conditions necessary to support the manager's project.
Once again, a managerial change became the immediate response to a problem that had developed over several years.
7. Michael Carrick and the continuing search for stability (2026–present)
Michael Carrick's return to Manchester United's managerial structure in January 2026 represented an opportunity to introduce greater familiarity and continuity.
A former United midfielder who had worked as part of the coaching staff under Mourinho and Solskjær, Carrick understood the club's culture and the expectations associated with the position.
His initial impact was encouraging. United improved considerably during the second half of the 2025–26 campaign and finished third in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification.
This was a significant improvement on the previous season's 15th-place finish. However, the new campaign has once again raised questions about the club's consistency.
Reports in early November 2026 described a difficult run of results, with United sitting 17th in the Premier League after a nine-match winless sequence across competitions. Carrick's position had consequently come under scrutiny.
This situation illustrates the continuing challenge at Old Trafford. Even when a manager produces an improvement and restores Champions League qualification, the club must demonstrate that the progress can be maintained over a longer period.
The objective cannot simply be to appoint another manager whenever performances deteriorate. United need a structure capable of supporting the head coach through difficult periods while holding the entire football operation accountable.
8. The Glazer ownership: The financial and institutional problems behind the decline
It would be difficult to explain Manchester United's decline without examining the ownership structure and the influence of the Glazer family.
The Glazers completed their leveraged takeover of Manchester United in 2005. The transaction placed substantial debt on the club, creating a financial burden that has remained an important subject of criticism among supporters.
During Ferguson's successful years, the team's performances often overshadowed concerns about ownership. United continued winning trophies, competing in Champions League finals and generating enormous commercial revenues.
However, following Ferguson's retirement, questions about the club's financial priorities and infrastructure became increasingly prominent. One of the main criticisms has concerned the relationship between commercial success and sporting investment.
Manchester United have remained one of the world's biggest football brands, generating substantial income through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, merchandise and matchday revenue. Nevertheless, this commercial strength has not always been accompanied by the same level of sporting organisation.
According to Sky Sports' examination of the Glazers' tenure, United spent more than £1.5 billion on new players after Ferguson's departure during the period covered by its analysis, while their net transfer expenditure was also among the highest in world football.
This raises an important question: how can a club spend so much money without building a team capable of consistently challenging for the Premier League?
The answer is not necessarily a lack of investment. It is the effectiveness of that investment.
Another concern has been the condition of Old Trafford and the club's training infrastructure. While several European competitors invested heavily in stadium modernisation and training facilities, United faced criticism over the maintenance and development of their own facilities.
The stadium, which had been one of the most recognisable symbols of English football, increasingly became part of the wider debate about the club's priorities.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS: A different approach, but still an unfinished project
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in 2023–24 introduced a new dimension to the ownership structure. Ratcliffe acquired an initial 27.7 per cent stake in the club, alongside responsibility for football operations, promising to improve recruitment, infrastructure and organisational efficiency.
The changes included restructuring the executive team, appointing new football executives and implementing significant cost-cutting measures.
Omar Berrada became chief executive, while Dan Ashworth was appointed sporting director before leaving the club after a relatively short period. Jason Wilcox also became an important figure in the football operation.
However, the restructuring process has been controversial. The club announced hundreds of job reductions, including a major redundancy programme, as part of its attempt to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency.
The fundamental question is whether financial efficiency can be translated into sporting efficiency. Reducing expenses may improve the financial position, but Manchester United ultimately need to create an environment in which football decisions are made by specialists with clear responsibilities.
The Ratcliffe era has therefore represented a significant organisational change, but the results must be judged by the club's ability to develop a sustainable sporting model.
9. Recruitment: Spending enormous sums without building a balanced squad
One of the most persistent problems since Ferguson's retirement has been Manchester United's transfer strategy. The club has repeatedly spent substantial amounts on players who were expected to transform the team, only for several of those investments to produce disappointing results.
The issue has not been the absence of financial resources. United have been among the biggest spenders in European football throughout the post-Ferguson period. The problem has been the lack of consistency in identifying players who fit a long-term tactical and sporting project.
Some players arrived with excellent reputations but struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Others were recruited at considerable cost without the club having a sufficiently clear plan for their positions and responsibilities.
The case of Antony is particularly relevant. United invested heavily in a player who had previously worked with Ten Hag at Ajax, but his performances did not justify the financial commitment.
Similarly, Sancho arrived after an impressive period at Borussia Dortmund, but his time at Old Trafford was affected by inconsistent performances and a public disagreement with Ten Hag.
Casemiro provides another interesting example. His experience and quality initially improved United's midfield, but the club struggled to establish a long-term succession plan for a player whose physical profile was becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate in an intensive Premier League system.
The financial consequences have been considerable. In October 2026, Sky Sports highlighted that United's net transfer expenditure since 2016 was approximately £1.4 billion, around 40 per cent higher than that of any other Premier League club in the comparison. Its analysis also found that their expected-points performance had consistently lagged behind their recruitment expenditure.
This is perhaps one of the clearest indications of the problem. Manchester United have not simply failed to spend enough money. They have frequently failed to spend it effectively.
10. The loss of a recognisable Manchester United identity
One of the most interesting aspects of United's decline is the disappearance of a recognisable footballing identity.
Under Ferguson, the club was associated with several characteristics:
- Aggressive attacking football.
- High intensity and competitive mentality.
- Strong wing play and attacking transitions.
- A willingness to develop young players.
- Leadership and accountability within the dressing room.
- The ability to perform under pressure.
These characteristics were not always expressed through the same formation or tactical system. Ferguson adapted his teams to different generations of players and different opponents.
However, the club maintained a consistent mentality and a clear understanding of what was expected from its players. After his departure, successive managers introduced different approaches.
Moyes attempted to maintain elements of Ferguson's structure. Van Gaal prioritised possession and positional discipline. Mourinho focused on defensive organisation and tactical pragmatism. Solskjær attempted to restore attacking transitions and counter-attacking football. Ten Hag introduced positional play and pressing, while Amorim brought his 3-4-3 structure.
Each approach had its own merits, but the constant changes created difficulties for the club. Players were recruited for one system, only to find themselves working under another manager with different requirements.
The result was a squad that often appeared unbalanced, with players whose technical characteristics did not necessarily complement one another. Manchester United need a footballing identity that is not dependent on the personality of a particular manager.
That does not mean the club should never change its tactical approach. Modern football requires flexibility. However, the recruitment strategy, academy development and first-team philosophy should be connected through a shared long-term vision.
11. The midfield problem: A recurring weakness across different generations
Another major problem has been the inability to establish a consistently balanced midfield. During Ferguson's final years, Manchester United already faced questions about the age and technical profile of their midfield options. However, the club never successfully addressed the issue over the following seasons.
The midfield has frequently lacked the correct combination of defensive protection, technical quality, physical intensity and creativity. Paul Pogba was expected to become the central figure in the midfield for several years, but his performances were inconsistent.
Nemanja Matić provided experience and positional discipline, but he was not part of a long-term solution. Fred and Scott McTominay contributed in different ways, yet neither consistently established himself as the dominant controlling midfielder required by the team.
Bruno Fernandes brought creativity, leadership and goals, but his responsibilities often became too extensive. More recently, Casemiro's physical limitations and the need to develop younger midfielders have again highlighted the importance of recruitment planning.
Kobbie Mainoo represents an important example of the club's academy potential. However, developing a young midfielder requires an appropriate tactical environment and experienced players who can support his progress.
The midfield is particularly important because it connects defensive organisation with attacking creativity. Without control in this area, Manchester United have struggled to dominate possession effectively, protect their defensive line and maintain consistent attacking pressure.
12. The academy: Protecting one of the club's greatest traditions
One of Manchester United's greatest historical strengths has been the development of young footballers. From the Busby Babes to the Class of '92, the club has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify, develop and integrate talented players into the first team.
Under Ferguson, the academy was not simply a development structure. It was an important part of the club's identity. Players such as David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt became central figures in one of the most successful periods in Manchester United's history.
The importance of academy development was also visible during Ferguson's final years, with young players receiving opportunities to become part of the first-team structure. In the post-Ferguson era, United have continued producing talented footballers, including Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
However, there have been concerns about the pathway from academy football to the senior team. Developing talented young players requires more than technical training. It requires a clear development plan, consistent coaching, appropriate competitive opportunities and a first-team environment in which young players can make mistakes and improve.
The club must also avoid treating academy graduates primarily as financial assets. Selling a young player can sometimes be the correct sporting and financial decision, but Manchester United should preserve the tradition of giving exceptional academy talents a genuine opportunity to establish themselves.
The academy remains one of the club's most important potential advantages, particularly at a time when recruitment costs are increasingly difficult to sustain.
13. Financial problems: How can a club generating almost £700 million still struggle?
Manchester United's financial situation is another important element of the wider story. The club remains one of the biggest commercial institutions in world football, but its financial performance illustrates the difference between generating revenue and operating sustainably.
The financial results for the year ending 30 June 2026 provide a particularly interesting picture.
Manchester United: Financial results 2025–26
£677.6m
Total revenue
£43m
Annual net loss
£577.6m
Net debt
£69.2m
Net finance costs
These figures reveal several important issues.
First, United have recorded seven consecutive annual losses, with combined losses of approximately £444 million since 2019. Second, despite generating record revenue, the club continues to face substantial financing costs.
Third, the financial pressure has influenced the club's ability to invest in the squad and infrastructure without carefully considering the consequences. The 2025–26 results also showed that commercial revenue declined by 4.8 per cent, while broadcasting revenue increased by 19.6 per cent, partly reflecting the team's improved league position.
This illustrates how strongly sporting performance and European qualification can influence the club's financial position. The challenge for United is to develop a financial model that supports sporting investment rather than allowing financial constraints and short-term commercial considerations to dictate football decisions.
It is important to recognise that the financial difficulties are not exclusively a consequence of recent sporting decisions. The leveraged takeover, accumulated borrowing, interest payments and historical operating losses have all contributed to the situation. The club therefore needs to address both its financial structure and its footballing performance.
14. Infrastructure and Old Trafford: A symbol of the wider problems
For decades, Old Trafford represented the ambition and stature of Manchester United. However, while other major European clubs modernised their stadiums and training facilities, United faced increasing criticism over the condition of their infrastructure.
The stadium's maintenance problems became particularly visible, with reports of leaking roofs and outdated facilities attracting international attention. This situation was especially concerning because Manchester United have the commercial resources and global popularity to operate among the most advanced football institutions in the world.
The club has also invested in modernising its Carrington training complex, with approximately £50 million allocated to the redevelopment under the new ownership structure. The long-term discussion surrounding Old Trafford is equally important.
Whether United ultimately pursue a major redevelopment or a new stadium, the objective should be to create infrastructure that matches the ambitions of the club. Modern football is increasingly influenced by sports science, player recovery, training technology, medical facilities and performance analysis.
These areas cannot be treated as secondary considerations. A club that wants to compete consistently with Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich must ensure that its infrastructure supports the highest sporting standards.
15. The Premier League competition has changed: United have failed to adapt quickly enough
Another important factor is the evolution of the Premier League itself. When Ferguson was managing Manchester United, the club faced serious competition from Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, but it possessed an exceptional ability to adapt and maintain its position.
Following his departure, the competitive environment became increasingly demanding. Manchester City developed into one of Europe's most sophisticated football operations under Pep Guardiola, investing in recruitment, coaching, infrastructure and long-term planning.
Liverpool also underwent a major transformation under Jürgen Klopp, developing a clear tactical identity and an effective recruitment structure. Arsenal, meanwhile, rebuilt their squad under Mikel Arteta, gradually establishing a younger team capable of competing consistently for major honours.
These clubs demonstrated that modern football success requires more than expensive players and a famous manager. It requires an integrated sporting operation.
Manchester United have frequently attempted to compete with these organisations by spending heavily in the transfer market, but spending alone cannot guarantee success. Their rivals have increasingly focused on developing players who fit specific tactical requirements, creating a balanced squad and maintaining consistency in decision-making.
United, by comparison, have often appeared to be reacting to their latest disappointment rather than following a clearly established plan. This difference has become increasingly important in a Premier League where tactical preparation, recruitment efficiency and organisational stability are essential.
16. What needs to change? Five priorities for Manchester United's future
Manchester United's problems are extensive, but they are not impossible to address. The club still possesses an enormous global following, strong commercial potential, a historic academy and the financial resources to compete at the highest level.
However, the next rebuilding process must be different from the previous ones.
1. Establish a clear footballing structure
The first priority must be creating a stable sporting department with clearly defined responsibilities. The head coach, sporting director, recruitment department, academy and performance specialists must work towards the same objectives.
Managers should have influence over the development of the team, but recruitment should not be entirely dependent on their personal preferences. This would reduce the risk of having to rebuild the squad every time a manager leaves.
2. Improve recruitment and player identification
Manchester United need to become more selective in the transfer market.
Rather than focusing primarily on expensive, internationally recognised players, the club should identify footballers whose characteristics fit its tactical requirements. Age, physical profile, technical ability, mentality, injury history and potential resale value should all be considered.
The objective should be to build a balanced squad rather than collect individual talents.
3. Develop a consistent playing philosophy
United need a recognisable footballing identity that can survive managerial changes. This does not mean appointing every future manager to play the same formation.
Instead, the club should establish certain principles regarding pressing, attacking transitions, defensive organisation, possession and player development. The first team and academy should share those principles.
4. Give young players a genuine pathway
Manchester United should continue investing in academy development. The club has a long tradition of producing talented footballers, and this remains one of its most important competitive advantages.
Young players should receive opportunities based on their performances and development rather than their commercial value or the pressure surrounding individual matches.
5. Restore financial and institutional stability
The ownership structure must prioritise long-term sustainability. This involves managing debt, improving operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure and ensuring that investment in the first team is supported by a financially responsible strategy.
The objective is not simply to reduce expenditure. It is to ensure that the money spent produces measurable improvements in sporting performance.
Conclusion: Manchester United's biggest problem is bigger than the manager
The decline of Manchester United since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013 is one of the most complicated stories in modern football. It is easy to attribute the club's difficulties to individual managers, expensive transfers or the ownership structure. However, the reality is that these problems are interconnected.
David Moyes inherited a club without a sufficiently prepared succession plan. Louis van Gaal introduced tactical organisation but struggled to establish consistent attacking football. José Mourinho delivered trophies but could not create a sustainable project. Ole Gunnar Solskjær restored some of the club's traditional attacking identity but failed to complete the rebuilding process. Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim subsequently experienced similar difficulties, while Michael Carrick's more recent challenge has again demonstrated the importance of consistency.
Throughout this period, Manchester United have spent enormous amounts of money, changed managers repeatedly and introduced different footballing philosophies. Yet the club has not won the Premier League since 2013.
The financial figures, recruitment record and managerial turnover demonstrate that the problem cannot be solved simply by appointing another famous coach or signing another expensive footballer. The most important lesson from the post-Ferguson era is that Manchester United need to rebuild the institution behind the team.
The club must establish a coherent sporting structure, improve recruitment, develop its academy, modernise its infrastructure and create an environment in which managers and players can work towards the same long-term objectives.
Manchester United still have the history, supporters and global influence to compete with the biggest clubs in football. Their third-place finish in 2025–26 also demonstrated that sporting improvement remains possible. However, returning to the top cannot be achieved through another short-term rebuilding exercise.
The real challenge is to create a Manchester United capable of competing consistently, regardless of who occupies the managerial position at Old Trafford. The Ferguson era demonstrated what Manchester United could achieve with stability, leadership and a clear footballing identity. The post-Ferguson era has demonstrated what can happen when those elements are missing.