There are few things in this world that go together like Sir Alex Ferguson, and Manchester United. Two footballing entities that felt as if they were made for one another. There are few teams that enjoyed as much footballing dominance over an extended period of time quite like Sir Alex’s United. But will we ever see United gain the same dominance as they did under the master Scotsman?
The literature on this one is very much split. Many believe that United’s time will come again, and it’s easy to see why. With one of the most star studded starting elevens in world football, it’s easy to assume that it’s just a matter of time before United add to their already significantly impressive trophy cabinet.
The other side of the argument tends to think otherwise, as many believe that there is only one Sir Alex. This belief is heavily rooted in Fergie’s antics as a manager, and the way he could get the most out of players. Sir Alex was renowned for taking groups of players that were there and there about, and turning them into absolute world beaters. There are few managers in this day and age who are able to boast the same ability.
These days, managers tend to look more to players who already show exceptional talent. We’ve seen this with the likes of Chelsea and City in recent times, and there is a growing belief that this will become the standard, in the English Premier League, as well as across the world. Clubs are becoming more and more comfortable spending large amounts of money on rising talents. The stats don’t lie, more than £38 billion has been spent on players over the past decade.
While some other clubs have just been cited in this article, Manchester United have also established themselves as high rollers, especially after the retirement of Ferguson. The signings of the likes of Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, and Jadon Sancho are examples of their new transfer strategy. While this is the case, United have never once looked anywhere close to replicating the form that they were once known for.
So where does this leave the Red Devils? Can they expect that their course will self correct with time? Is it a question of management, and upper level club identity? Is it the symptom of a new transfer strategy that is largely against what they’ve done in the past? The questions are endless, and the writing is on the wall – Manchester United are but a husk of what they were when Ferguson was at the helm.
Even those interested in soccer betting have picked up on United’s fall from grace. Before, bookies would provide United with exceptionally short odds to win their games, score goals, and win competitions, however these days, whenever they come up against one of the top 6, their odds are considerably longer than what they once were.
The idea that one man makes a football club is a myth, however, the right man can help a club go a long way. Fergie was that man, and it can be argued that no one will be able to show the ability to take the club to the heights that they once saw.
United quite simply have not managed to replicate the form that put them on the map as one of the best clubs in the world. Time, however, always tells, and it is only in the upcoming years that we will see whether or not the mighty red devils will once again lift the Premier League Trophy, or slowly continue to slip away from the best of the best.
