|
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE
|
Decade of Decline After SAF’s Departure
I have followed Manchester United for over 20 years, and for much of that time, it has been a thrilling journey. However, the last decade has been quite tumultuous. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013, along with then-CEO David Gill, many fans feel the club hasn’t been the same. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s (SAF) departure, Manchester United has had seven full-time or interim managers, all attempting to replicate his success and return the club to its former glory. Each manager worked hard, but their tenures haven’t gone as expected. Even the current manager, Erik Ten Hag, faces immense challenges. These difficulties are compounded by constant negative press, which often undermines the manager and disrupts team unity. Sadly, Manchester United fans frequently fall into the emotional traps set by clickbait media, creating a frenzy that makes it difficult for everyone connected to the club.
Glazers’ Mismanagement and Rising Debt
The Glazer family, the club’s majority owners through Red Football LLC, have been widely criticized for their mismanagement following SAF’s departure. Rather than implementing a feasible long-term strategy, they opted to spend large sums of money, attempting to solve problems with quick fixes rather than sustainable plans. This approach has led to a massive debt—around £1 billion—with little to show for the investment.
INEOS Partnership Brings Hope
In response to increasing fan protests and dissatisfaction, the Glazers became open to sharing ownership. Sir Jim Ratcliffe of INEOS has since emerged as a potential partner, taking control of Manchester United’s football operations. Ratcliffe’s focus on recruiting top managers and signing young talent has instilled some optimism, offering hope for a brighter future.
Fan Division Over Erik Ten Hag’s Leadership
Manchester United’s fanbase, among the largest in the world alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona, is accustomed to a winning culture. However, in recent years, the fanbase has become deeply divided, with manager Erik Ten Hag (ETH) at the center of much of the debate these days. Fans welcomed Ten Hag with excitement following his successful tenure at Ajax, but from the beginning, he has had to contend with significant controversies, including the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and the off-field issues involving Mason Greenwood. These controversies, combined with injuries, have made team selection difficult, and while Ten Hag remains optimistic, fan patience is wearing thin as results falter.
Clickbait Media and Fan Reactions
Confidence is crucial for any team, and while Manchester United boasts talented players, the team’s performance has been mediocre at best. I would argue that fan support mirrors this inconsistency. The clickbait-driven media capitalizes on the negativity surrounding the club, as sensational headlines like “INEOS to Sack ETH!” draw more attention than positive news. Sadly, much of the fanbase is susceptible to these media narratives, making the situation at Manchester United likely to get worse before it gets better.
MUFC’s Lack of a Proper Reset
Since SAF’s departure, Manchester United has yet to experience the kind of “rock bottom” reset that clubs like Liverpool or Arsenal underwent before rising again. Instead, the Glazers’ approach of placating fans with short-term fixes and lavish spending has kept the club in a state of limbo, burdened by debt. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe seems determined to change course, focusing on long-term planning and sustainable success rather than hollow victories. This long-term vision may be why Ten Hag remains optimistic despite short-term struggles. He likely understands that achieving lasting success requires patience and preparation, rather than quick, superficial results.
Patience Needed for Long-Term Success
True and lasting success requires time, process, and patience. Often, the leader who helps you out of tough times is not the same one who takes you to the top. Take Manchester City, for example: while Pep Guardiola is credited with their dominance today, other managers before him were essential in laying the groundwork. For Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag may be part of this necessary process. Despite the current difficulties, his belief in the team and its potential remains strong. Unfortunately, many in the fanbase lack the same patience, with calls for his sacking growing louder. This short-term mentality weakens the bond between fans and the team, making it difficult for the supporters to motivate the players during tough times. In truth, the team often reflects the mentality of its fans—and vice versa.
Fan Support Vital for ETH and the Team
Ten Hag and the team would benefit greatly if the fanbase offered unwavering support. This is no easy task, as emotions run high with each match, especially when performances disappoint. ETH chooses to focus on the positives, which can make him seem out of touch at times during press conferences. However, it’s his determination that keeps the team’s belief alive. As fans, can we do the same? Can we support the team even when results are poor? Can we stand by Erik Ten Hag through difficult times and believe in the process? Will we clap for the manager and players, even in adversity, to give them the encouragement they need to keep going?
The Broader Lesson of Trusting the Process
The current situation at Manchester United reflects a broader lesson about life. Just like the team, many of us strive for greatness, often facing challenges along the way. Wealth or leadership alone isn’t enough. Success is a process, and trusting that process is often hard. But, like gold, the most valuable outcomes come at the end of rigorous refinement. Sometimes, all we need is someone to remind us, “You can do it,” or “Don’t give up.” Those moments of encouragement, however small, can make a difference. That’s what the team needs now. So next time, instead of throwing stones, clap for Erik and the boys. It’s not just for them—it’s for you, to remind yourself that you chose to encourage rather than discourage. And don’t stop there; offer that same support to others around you. Be the reason someone keeps going!