Manchester United have failed to reach previous heights since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
As a football club, Manchester United remains one of the biggest in the world, but the team is not competing for the biggest honours like yesteryear.
United fans have had over a decade to suck it up, a lot of them, myself included, spoilt from a young age. Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson was bound to be the biggest task in sport, and some might say the impossible task.
It was made harder by United due to the negligence shown by the Glazer family. Ferguson maintained success at the club after their debt-ridden takeover, but their influence worsened after they lessened the legendary Scot’s influence at the football club.
Still, it made for an emotional rollercoaster, seeing Ferguson wave goodbye after winning his 13th Premier League title as United manager.
Sir Alex Ferguson given iconic Old Trafford farewell
After retiring from management in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson will go down as one of the greatest managers of all time – along with Sir Matt Busby.
United were already crowned league champions ahead of Ferguson’s final game at Old Trafford as manager.
United took on Swansea City in the Premier League on a bittersweet day as Ferguson stepped out at Old Trafford for the final time as manager. His desire to win was still there as United beat the Swans 2-1 thanks to goals from Rio Ferdinand and Robin van Persie.
Old Trafford was also saying goodbye to Paul Scholes, who was retiring as a player for the second and final time.
Ferguson was handed a mic on the pitch after the full-time whistle when he addressed the crowd.
“You have been the most fantastic experience of my life,” Ferguson told the Old Trafford faithful.
“I’d also like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important.”
Ironically, the new manager Ferguson was referring to at the time was David Moyes, who was destined to fail in the biggest job in football.
The wait for Premier League success drags on
United have been unable to win the Premier League since Ferguson retired in 2013.
Ruben Amorim has set himself a challenge to achieve that without any timeframe, but Ineos will be demanding improved league form next term.
United are currently 16th in the Premier League and could finish as low as 17th.
The Red Devils are currently focused on winning the Europa League.
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