For over a decade, Manchester United has struggled to rediscover its former glory, cycling through numerous managers in search of success. Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has seen several high-profile appointments, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and Erik ten Hag. Despite significant investment in players and tactical shifts, United has failed to establish consistent dominance, leaving fans frustrated with repeated false dawns.
Former United boss Erik ten Hag has now spoken candidly about the club’s ongoing struggles, dismissing the idea that simply changing managers will lead to progress. In his blunt assessment, he identified a fundamental problem that continues to hinder United’s ability to move forward. Until this issue is addressed, he believes no managerial appointment will be enough to restore the club’s success.
Ten Hag’s remarks emphasize that the club’s core issue lies beyond the dugout. He believes that United’s overall football structure and decision-making process are deeply flawed. Without a well-defined sporting strategy, the club will remain stagnant, regardless of who is in charge. According to him, without a competent sporting director and a clear, long-term plan, the team will continue to struggle.
Over the years, United’s footballing decisions have often been dictated by commercial priorities rather than a coherent sporting vision. Managers have repeatedly found themselves restricted by a transfer policy that lacks consistency and direction. As a result, the squad has lacked cohesion, with expensive signings failing to fit into a broader tactical system. Ten Hag argues that this approach prevents United from competing with clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal, which have built their success on stability and long-term planning.
The club’s chaotic recruitment strategy and absence of a clear footballing identity have significantly contributed to its decline. Unlike their rivals, who prioritize building teams that align with their tactical philosophy, United has taken a short-term approach, often spending heavily without addressing the root causes of their struggles. This pattern has led to repeated failures on and off the pitch, reinforcing the cycle of underachievement.
Ten Hag’s criticism echoes similar warnings from past managers. José Mourinho previously pointed out United’s structural issues, while Ralf Rangnick famously stated that the club needed “open-heart surgery” to fix its deep-rooted problems. However, despite these warnings, the same issues persist, preventing United from evolving into a truly competitive force.
There is now renewed optimism that meaningful change could be on the horizon. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group taking control of football operations, some hope that United will finally embrace a modern, well-structured approach to football management. A clear, long-term vision, supported by the right personnel, could be the key to unlocking the club’s potential.
Until this fundamental problem is resolved, United is likely to remain trapped in a cycle of frustration. No matter how many managers are appointed, the club will continue to struggle unless a major shift in its footballing philosophy occurs. Whether INEOS can deliver the necessary transformation remains to be seen, but without it, United’s path to success will remain uncertain.
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