Manchester United is arguably the biggest club in the world. The club has been known for winning trophies and having incredible players. Although in recent years, United has struggled massively.
Not only did United have great players, but they also had the greatest manager of all time. Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign was incredible and will simply never be matched.
Ferguson rejuvenated the club and managed to win 13 league titles. Due to Ferguson’s dominance, United managed to overtake Liverpool’s title record. The great man also managed to win: five FA cups, four league cups, and six European trophies.
Since Ferguson’s retirement, United haven’t competitively challenged for a Premier League title. World-class managers Louis Van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho came and failed.
Over the years the club has been slowly declining in terms of trophies and performances. Although the business side of the club is only growing and this would be down to Ed Woodward.
Woodward was appointed executive vice-chairman back in 2012 and has landed multiple huge sponsorship deals. Although Woodward’s role also includes overseeing club operations, as well as supporting the current manager. This side of Woodward’s role has been under scrutiny, especially when it comes down to recruitment.
In Mourinho’s final season with United, he made it clear to the board a centre-back was needed. Mourinho demanded the signing of Harry Maguire however Woodward stalled the deal due to the hefty price tag. One season later, Maguire signs, but for £30 million more than the initial price.
It is clear that United need a director of football to improve player recruitment. Signings simply haven’t been good enough and this has been evident, due to the poor results.
After Mourinho’s sacking things needed to change at United. They needed something different. Many believed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could achieve great things after his successful caretaker spell. Unfortunately, this hasn’t been the case for Solskjaer as the club currently sits in seventh place, and trail leaders Liverpool by 38 points.
The club is arguably in its worse state. Poor leadership from top to bottom has left United in free-fall for almost 10 years. A huge clear out is needed, and the mindset of the club needs to change.
Ever since Ferguson’s retirement United has been run as a business, not a football club. The current owners seem blind to the state of performances and recruitment as they remain content with Woodward’s job.
For United to be successful again, the club needs a whole revamp. From the coaching staff, players, and the owners. Things need to change!
