For over a decade, Manchester United has been caught in a seemingly endless cycle of managerial changes, fleeting moments of optimism, and broken promises. Since the departure of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has appointed multiple managers in an attempt to restore its dominance. However, despite the financial backing, high-profile player acquisitions, and shifts in tactical approaches, United has struggled to reclaim the consistent success it once enjoyed.
The managerial carousel has seen a succession of highly regarded figures take the helm, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Ralf Rangnick, and most recently, Erik ten Hag. Each of these managers arrived with their own philosophies, ambitions, and expectations, yet none have been able to fully revive the club’s fortunes in the long term. The constant changes in leadership have only added to the instability, leaving Manchester United searching for an identity and a clear path forward.
Now, former manager Erik ten Hag has spoken out about the deeper issues plaguing the club. In a frank assessment, Ten Hag made it clear that simply appointing new managers will not be enough to turn things around. While it is often easy to blame the person in charge when results do not go as planned, he argues that the club’s problems go beyond coaching staff changes. Instead, he has highlighted one crucial underlying issue that he believes must be addressed before United can hope to return to the heights of success they once enjoyed.
According to Ten Hag, the primary obstacle preventing Manchester United from progressing is not necessarily a lack of managerial quality, but rather structural issues within the club itself. He suggests that the real change needs to happen behind the scenes—whether in terms of football operations, recruitment policies, or overall club management. Without fixing these fundamental flaws, he believes that no matter how many managers come and go, the same cycle of disappointment will continue.
His comments resonate with long-time critics who have pointed to the club’s ownership, decision-making processes, and footballing philosophy as major factors behind its struggles. Manchester United, despite its immense financial power and global appeal, has often been criticized for inconsistent transfer strategies, poor squad planning, and a lack of long-term vision. Many believe that these issues stem from the way the club is run at the highest levels, rather than solely from managerial shortcomings.
Ultimately, Ten Hag’s message is clear: until Manchester United addresses its deeper structural problems, merely switching managers will not be enough to bring back the glory days. His remarks serve as a warning that, without real change, the club will continue to struggle regardless of who occupies the managerial seat.
