Manchester United’s Post-Fergie Cycle Rolls On

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Michael Carrick, Head Coach of Manchester United, shows appreciation to the fans following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 25, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Getty Images Manchester United have been in a persistent cycle of unfulfilled promise since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, leaving fans questioning if true greatness will ever return to Old Trafford. ​ There have been six permanent and four caretaker managers at Old Trafford since the Scot departed in 2013, and while some trophies have been won, the Red Devils have never been close to recapturing the greatness they possessed under his leadership.

Most enjoyed promising honeymoon periods that ultimately faded. On five occasions that bosses have been sacked midway through the season, the man United have turned to has been an ex-player who thrived under Ferguson’s guidance. And while Ryan Giggs and Ruud Van Nistelrooy did little to suggest they could take the mantle on full-time, Ole Gunnar Solskjær impressed so much he was given the job.

History appears to be repeating itself in 2026, with Michael Carrick having strung together a series of impressive results since taking over from Ruben Amorim. Carrick, who is in his second stint as caretaker manager, also has the same lack of managerial pedigree as Solskjær - with only an unimpressive spell at Championship side Middlesbrough on his CV. So it may not be surprising that, when asked about comparisons to the Norwegian former boss, the coach is not particularly enamoured.

“You can compare to all sorts of different situations [with] managers and coaches and teams,” he said when asked. “It just depends on what you choose to compare. But it’s irrelevant really.