Is This the Lowest Point of Manchester United’s Post Ferguson Era?

A Club Drifting Without Direction

Manchester United head into another grim chapter of a season that feels increasingly hollow. With no permanent head coach, no European football and early exits from both domestic cups, the scale of the decline is hard to ignore. Nearly 13 years after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, the club still lives in his shadow, with no clear long-term vision in sight.

This weekend, Manchester City arrive at Old Trafford as the sharpest contrast imaginable. Pep Guardiola has been in charge for a decade, collecting trophies with ruthless consistency. United, meanwhile, turn to Michael Carrick as interim head coach once again, hoping familiarity can steady a deeply unstable ship.

Carrick Steps In as Problems Pile Up

Carrick inherits a team facing its shortest competitive season since 1915, with just 40 matches scheduled. For some supporters, fewer games almost feels like mercy. Performances have been poor, results worse, and the atmosphere increasingly flat. United have won just three of their last 13 matches, leaving Carrick with little margin for error.

The Manchester derby could either briefly unite the fanbase or push morale even lower. Many supporters fear the latter, especially given City’s dominance and United’s lack of belief.

Living in the Past Has Failed

United’s post Ferguson strategy has repeatedly leaned on nostalgia. Former players have been asked to restore the club’s identity, from Ole Gunnar Solskjær to Ryan Giggs, with Carrick now the latest example. Each appointment promised a return to old values, but none delivered lasting success.

High-profile managers such as Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho and Erik ten Hag brought structure but short lifespans. No manager has survived three full seasons. Solskjær lasted the longest but left without silverware, while his decision to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back ultimately ended in turmoil.

Ownership and Recruitment Under Fire

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment was meant to signal a reset, yet doubts remain. Key decisions, including backing and then swiftly dismissing Ruben Amorim, have damaged confidence in the leadership. Big-money signings have failed to justify their fees, while academy players have thrived after leaving.

The result is a club stuck between eras, spending heavily without clarity. Manchester City’s visit will offer another harsh reminder of how far United have fallen, and how long the road back still is.