Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has identified one of Manchester United’s biggest issues since Sir Alex Ferguson called it time on his legendary career at Old Trafford.
Ferguson’s 26-year dominance at United saw the Red Devils climb the echelon of world football and compete for Premier League titles on a regular basis.
The 82-year-old Scotsman was instrumental from the United dugout and behind the scenes at Old Trafford, with Ferguson playing a key role in transfers.
Ferguson retired from football in 2013 after leading United to their last Premier League title, with the Red Devils struggling in the aftermath of his retirement.
Five managers, including Erik ten Hag, have stepped into the United hot seat since 2013 and have struggled to lead the Red Devils back to the top of English football.
Merson on United and Ferguson
Ferguson was spotted at Old Trafford on Sunday for United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham, with Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe sitting alongside him.
Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent minority stake purchase in United was confirmed on Christmas Eve in 2023 and his Ineos organisation will be at the helm of football operations.
There are high expectations for the 71-year-old British billionaire to make meaningful change at Old Trafford after the Glazers’ underwhelming management of the club.
Speaking in his column for Sky Sports, Merson has insisted that United’s big issue has been a lack of “stability” since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
“The new investors have to hit the ground running,” he said.
“They need change and they started that with the departure of Jadon Sancho on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
“With that deal, you have to believe the manager is staying long term and in fairness, if you get rid of Ten Hag, how many managers are out there who you could get in as a replacement?
“Could you tempt a Carlo Ancelotti for a season or so? It’s debatable.
“What United do need is stability. They’ve done the changing manager thing a number of times since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. It hasn’t worked.”
Merson on United amid Ratcliffe’s arrival
Merson argued that United “don’t have any excuses now” and must “start winning football matches” after a mixed season so far for the Red Devils.
The Sky Sports pundit insisted that the Red Devils’ fortunes would not “turn around overnight” even if someone else replaced Ten Hag as United manager.
“We’ve seen Mikel Arteta at Arsenal backed,” he continued.
“When many were calling for change, the Gunners gave him a chance to stamp his authority at the club and look where they are now.
“It’s all well and good me questioning Ten Hag and speculating how he can keep his job, but if someone else comes in I don’t think United’s fortunes turn around overnight.
“However, the club don’t have any excuses now. The players and manager can’t stand behind the owners. They have to start winning football matches.”
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