Manchester United’s Struggles and Prospects for the Future

Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, Manchester United has faced significant challenges in reclaiming its status among the elite football clubs. Despite having experienced managers like Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Erik ten Hag overseeing trophy wins, the club has yet to secure a 14th Premier League title.

Last season, United found themselves in a disappointing 15th position in the Premier League, marking their lowest performance in the modern era. This season, the situation has further deteriorated, reaching a 111-year low as the team failed to qualify for European competitions and was eliminated from both domestic cup tournaments early on.

The recent departure of coach Ruben Amorim was attributed to inconsistency and an inability to adapt his tactical approach. Following a brief caretaker period for Darren Fletcher, the club has now entrusted Michael Carrick with interim management duties.

Looking ahead, United plans to appoint a permanent manager by summer, with names such as Oliver Glasner, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, and Luis Enrique already circulating in discussions. Rene Meulensteen, a former assistant to Ferguson, has suggested that Carlo Ancelotti—a manager with a proven track record at top clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan—should be considered for leadership.

Meulensteen remarked to Casinostugan, “Ancelotti has the pedigree to manage at this level. He understands what a winning culture entails and would assert his management style decisively.”

He further elaborated on the evolving landscape of football management, emphasizing the importance of alignment between coaches and club directors. “Football has changed significantly. Today’s coaches must collaborate effectively with Directors of Football and Technical Directors who oversee the broader operational strategy. In Amorim’s case, it appears there was a disconnect in vision, which contributed to his downfall.”

While Meulensteen endorses Ancelotti for the managerial role at United, he expresses skepticism about Amorim’s immediate prospects in the Premier League due to his lack of a robust record. Conversely, he believes that Amorim could find opportunities back in Portugal, where he has previously achieved league success.

“It may be increasingly challenging to maintain success in management when looking at examples like Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and his brief stint at Real Madrid. Each situation is unique, and while Alonso’s record remains strong, Amorim’s path may differ due to his less established credentials. However, I am confident he will find a managerial position again.”

For now, Carrick will lead United until the end of the 2025-26 season, starting with a challenging derby match against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. Following that, the team will face Premier League leaders Arsenal, as they strive to make headway toward achieving a top-four finish and securing Champions League qualification for the 2026-27 season.