Introduction
Football, or soccer, is not just a sport but a way of life for millions of people around the world. And one club that has captured the hearts and minds of fans for decades is Manchester United. The club’s rich history, successful past and passionate fan base make it one of the most iconic and beloved football clubs in the world.
However, in recent years, Manchester United has faced struggles on and off the pitch. Despite being one of the richest and most well-known clubs, they have failed to live up to their expectations and have undergone several changes in management. But with the appointment of a new manager, the club seems to be experiencing a revival. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Manchester United’s journey under new management and how it has impacted the club as a whole.
Background on Manchester United
Manchester United was founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club and became Manchester United in 1902. The club has a long and illustrious history, winning 20 Premier League titles, 12 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, and 3 Champions League titles. They are also one of the few English clubs to have won the treble, consisting of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season (1998-1999).
The club’s home ground, Old Trafford, is one of the largest stadiums in the UK, with a capacity of over 75,000 fans. This shows the immense support and following the club has not only in Manchester but globally.
Previous Struggles and Management Changes
Despite their success and dominance in the 90s and early 2000s, Manchester United has faced a decline in recent years. The club’s last Premier League title was in the 2012-2013 season, and since then, they have failed to make a significant impact in both domestic and European competitions.
The struggles started when their iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after 26 years at the helm. He had built a legacy of success and stability for the club, and his departure left a void that was difficult to fill. The following managers, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and Jose Mourinho, all struggled to replicate Ferguson’s success and were eventually sacked due to poor results and lack of progress.
The changes in management also resulted in frequent changes in playing style and tactics, causing inconsistency and instability within the team. This ultimately affected the performance and morale of the players, leading to a decline in results and fan dissatisfaction.
New Management and Its Impact
In December 2018, Manchester United appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as their new caretaker manager until the end of the season. Solskjaer was a former player and a fan favorite who had previously managed the club’s reserve team. His appointment brought hope and excitement among the fans, and he quickly turned things around for the club.
Under Solskjaer’s management, Manchester United experienced a surge in form and results. They went on an 11-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Solskjaer’s positive and attacking style of play brought back the traditional Manchester United flair, and the players seemed revitalized and motivated.
Key Players and Tactics
Solskjaer’s arrival also saw a change in tactics and a focus on youth players. Manchester United has always been known for nurturing young talent, and under Solskjaer, this philosophy has been revived. He has given opportunities to academy graduates like Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Mason Greenwood, who have all flourished under his management.
The addition of new signings like Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Bruno Fernandes has also strengthened the team. Maguire’s leadership and defensive abilities have stabilized the backline, while Wan-Bissaka’s pace and attacking prowess have added a new dimension to the team’s play. Fernandes, in particular, has been a standout performer, with his creativity, passing, and goal-scoring abilities making him a key player for Manchester United.
Solskjaer has also implemented an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, which has seen the team playing with more freedom and fluidity. This has allowed players like Rashford, Anthony Martial, and Paul Pogba to thrive and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Success and Revival
The positive impact of Solskjaer’s management can be seen in Manchester United’s recent performances. They finished third in the Premier League in the 2019-2020 season, securing Champions League qualification after missing out in the previous season. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Europa League, showing improvements in their cup runs.
One of the most significant achievements under Solskjaer has been defeating Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig to reach the Champions League knockout stages this season. This was considered a major feat as Manchester United were drawn in a tough group and were not expected to progress. But they exceeded expectations and are now among the top contenders for the trophy.
Future Outlook
With the club’s revival under Solskjaer, the future looks bright for Manchester United. The appointment of a permanent manager in March 2019 shows the club’s faith in Solskjaer and his vision for the team. He has also been backed by the board in terms of transfers, with the recent addition of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane further strengthening the squad.
Manchester United’s focus on youth players and attacking football aligns with the club’s values and traditions. This, coupled with their financial resources and global fan base, makes them a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s journey under new management has been nothing short of a revival. From struggling to secure top-four finishes to now being title contenders, Solskjaer has brought back the winning mentality and culture at the club. His tactics, along with the performances of key players, have been crucial in the team’s success.
While there is still room for improvement, the future looks promising for Manchester United. With a blend of experienced players and talented youth, they have the potential to dominate both domestically and in Europe once again. And with the unwavering support of their passionate fans, Manchester United’s revival seems to be just the beginning of their bright future ahead.
