Former Manchester United chief executive David Gill remains firmly interested in the club after leaving over 10 years ago.
The former Red Devils CEO served for the club for 16 years between 1997 and 2013 – in probably the most successful spell in the club’s history.
Gill saw trophies galore, legendary players go by and got to work alongside one of the greatest managers in football history – Sir Alex Ferguson.
It hasn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows since his departure.
David Gill on post-Fergie Manchester United
The former Manchester United Chief Executive sat down with Rio Ferdinand on FIVE to discuss all things about his time at Old Trafford.
They got on to the topic of the aftermath of Gill’s departure – most notably the signings and the general business conducted after Gill and Ferguson exited. “It’s been very difficult and very disappointing,” Gill begins.
“It’s not a lack of investment, it’s the quality of that investment. It goes back to, some of it is around the type of player. We were always looking at people like you Rio when you came in, or [Cristiano] Ronaldo, or Wayne [Rooney].
“The young players, the best in class in that area, we could then look to work with them and give them a great career for 8, 10, or 15 years whatever that may be. That is what we were all about. Alex was much more motivated working with young players.
“Robin was possibly, well Edwin was slightly different for goalkeepers clearly, but Robin van Persie was the oldest player we bought, 29 when we bought him, that was the oldest we ever bought when I was in there.”
When put like that, it’s actually baffling to think of all the players Manchester United have bought way past their sell-by date. This is reflected in the club’s biggest ever sales – which includes Dan James of all players.
- READ MORE: David Gill admits the reason Man Utd were ‘never that close’ to signing legendary 97-cap Brazilian
Erik ten Hag also guilty of this…
Who are Manchester United’s best players at the moment? It’s Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.
The formidable young trio back up the club’s philosophy of trusting, and ultimately investing money and time in youth.
Erik ten Hag deserves credit for this, but he is also at fault for throwing money at players who weren’t worth the investment.
Casemiro, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, all probably examples of this, players that United will now struggle to get any sort of return on or the best years of their careers.
Onana and Mount could bring it back, but they weren’t exactly signed as wonderkids either much like that of Rooney or Ronaldo.
Manchester City are now a prime example of what Gill and Fergie used to do. They acquire talent before they’ve made it, and have the pull to do so.
Hopefully – one day, United can get back to this. Hojlund was definitely a step in the right direction.
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