Manchester United is currently going through a turbulent period that cannot be ignored. The club, once known for its stability and success, is now facing issues such as financial mismanagement, poor performance on the field, and growing frustration among its fanbase.
The numbers are staggering: since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has spent a whopping £1.6 billion on transfers and £75.2 million on sacking managers. This has resulted in their worst league start since the 1980s. However, a glimmer of hope emerged a few months ago when Sir Jim Ratcliffe announced his intention to acquire a minority stake in the club. Many fans saw this as an opportunity for a fresh start. The addition of Dan Ashworth, a highly respected football executive, further reinforced the belief that the club was heading in a new strategic direction.
For the first time in years, positivity was seen among supporters both in the stands and online. But things have taken a turn for the worse in recent months. Ashworth’s sudden departure after only five months, reportedly due to internal conflicts, has overshadowed what was initially seen as a strong move. Fans are now questioning if these changes were truly transformative or just another addition to the club’s long list of mistakes.
Since Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United has gone through managers at an alarming rate, with each exit costing millions: David Moyes: £5.2m severance package after less than a season. Louis van Gaal: £8.4m after winning the FA Cup. José Mourinho: £19.6m, a record-breaking payout. Ole Gunnar Solskjær: £10m, including severance for the coaching staff. Erik ten Hag: £10.4m to part ways with him and his team. In total, these managerial changes have cost the club £75.2m since 2013.
The transfer market has also been a major issue for the club. Despite spending over £1.6 billion, the results have been underwhelming: Paul Pogba: £89m, left on a free transfer—twice. Harry Maguire: £80m, now a squad player, often criticized for his performances. Jadon Sancho: £73m, on loan and to be sold at a fraction of the price. Antony: £86m, yet to prove himself at this level. Despite the massive spending, the squad remains imbalanced and uninspired, resulting in the club’s worst start to a season in decades. This reckless approach to spending has left fans questioning the club’s direction.
Dan Ashworth’s arrival was seen as the beginning of a new era of professionalism and planning. His reputation as a top football executive raised hopes that the club would finally have a long-term vision. However, his sudden departure has raised concerns about what is happening behind the scenes. If the reports of disagreements with Ratcliffe are true, it is a worrying sign. The constant turnover of key personnel, not just managers but also executives, undermines any chance of sustained success. Moreover, if Ashworth’s exit involves a payout, it adds to the financial burden on a club that is already struggling.
As if the financial mismanagement was not enough, fans are now being asked to bear more of the burden. Matchday ticket prices have been raised to £66 per game, with no discounts for children or pensioners. Sir Jim Ratcliffe defended this increase, stating that it only affects 3% of fans and that Manchester United’s prices should not be lower than those of Fulham. However, given the context, it is easy to understand why this move feels like a slap in the face. This decision has sparked outrage among many supporters, making them feel undervalued and disconnected from the club. At a time when unity and support from the fanbase are crucial, such actions only risk creating a bigger divide.
If Manchester United wants to turn things around, they must act quickly and decisively:
Stability in Leadership: Ratcliffe’s involvement and the next executive appointments must bring real stability, not more chaos. Smarter Spending: The focus must shift to signing players who fit the club’s identity and needs, rather than chasing big names. Fan Engagement: The club must address the concerns of its supporters, starting with rethinking the ticket pricing structure.
Rediscovering Identity: United needs to go back to its roots – developing young players, playing attacking football, and having a winning mentality. Manchester United is at a crossroads. The optimism brought by Ratcliffe’s arrival and Ashworth’s appointment is not completely gone, but it is fragile. Without swift and strategic action, this positivity could dissipate, leaving fans even more disillusioned.
After enduring over a decade of underachievement, the hope is clear: to see Manchester United rebuild, not just financially, but also on the field. The question is, does the club’s leadership have the ability to make it happen
