A far cry from the heroics of the 1998-99 season, Manchester United fans have endured a painful six-year wait for a trophy and an even longer 10-year period without a Premier League title despite being England’s most decorated club.
So why has the Red Devils’ fall from grace been so damaging?
Manchester United’s longest serving manager beating Sir Matt Busby’s record in 2010, Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 left a gaping hole of uncertainty surrounding the club and was the start of an unimaginable turn of events.
A total of eight managers have tried their hand at the job since Fergie’s departure, Jose Mourinho being the most successful winning three trophies and finishing in second during the 17-18 league campaign despite being sacked that following summer due to the lack of progression in the Champions League, crashing out in the round of 16.
Manchester United fans will put the Reds’ demise down to the involvement from the Glazers, who have recently put the club up for sale.
Why did the owners let this famous club spiral out of control?
As successful and dominant as Manchester United were in the early 2000’s, the Glazers have been criticised by fans for burdening the club with debt. When the £790 million pound takeover of the Red devils was completed in 2005, the Glazer’s borrowed £500 million against the club, whilst only covering £270 million with their own money. This particular shady business move was the beginning of an ongoing battle for power at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’.
Fast forward to the present day, Erik ten Haag has been in charge for just under a year and the Red Devils are playing the best football they have played for years, squad morale is high and fans are happy.
With the Premier League reaching the midway point with just 18 games to play, Ten Haag’s men sit 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal and 4th overall chasing a top three finish in order to secure Champions League football returns home to Old Trafford.
Hopeful of a FA Cup run and a possible Carabao Cup final to look forward to, United’s chances to end their six -year trophy less curse is looking closer.
Erik Ten Haag will need to secure the signature of a midfielder this window if his team are going to have any chance of glory or success this season following a bad injury to Christian Eriksen against Reading, who has became a big figure within United’s starting XI since joining in the summer of last year.
Transfer deadline day is upcoming, yet still no sign of action from the club and their attempts to persuade a late arrival, rumours of a new number nine in Victor Osimhen from Serie A side Napoli are growing every day with major interest despite the Nigerian international enjoying his best season in a blue shirt sitting 13 points clear with one hand on the league title.
Manchester United enter a crucial point in the season and the club’s most challenging stage is set to begin as Erik Ten Haag’s side are yet to be eliminated from any of the three cup competitions they have played in, whilst also challenging at the top half of the league table.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United secure cup glory this season whether it comes in form of a League cup or League title it will mean just as much to the Dutchman as he looks to become the first manager since Jose Mourinho to win a trophy in his debut season.
