Manchester United have become synonymous with success over the past three decades with failure a strange word for fans and players alike. In recent times, however, the story has changed for the Red Devils.
Following the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013, the club has failed to find a replacement for the Scot, going through a carousel of managers: something most fans are not used to.
After the disaster of David Moyes, United appointed Loius Van Gaal who got them an FA cup trophy but no Champions League football. Then came Jose Mourinho. The controversial Portuguese tactician was heralded by many as the answer to United’s managerial woes and the man to steer the club into a new and familiar era of success at the club. At the start that was true but Mourinho’s nadir came in his 3rd season after a 3-1 loss to Liverpool. It was too much for the club to take and many felt he had to leave. After Jose’s departure, a club Legend was appointed in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He had a great start but it tapered to a poor run of form and now with Europa League football secured a fan by the name Kwaku Sarfo Mensah feels this is the way United can return to their glory days.
On Football Structure At United
Every successful team is run by football people. People who understand the game and what it needs. People who are passionate about the sport. Every successful club has a CEO who is passionate about the sport and also has in-depth knowledge about the sport. Even if the person isn’t quite a football person, he/she has a football brain by his/her side taking the football decision. Nasir Khelafi is CEO of PSG but has had Leonardo etc taking the football decisions. Ferran Soriano is CEO of Man City and although he’s been in football for long, he has Txiki Begrestain taking football decisions.
In the curious case of Man Utd, I personally would want Ed Woodward to stay, why because with all the rebuild we need money to fund it and there’s no better CEO in football who brings in more money, Not even the legendary Florentino Perez. Ed isn’t a football person. He’s never been in football. He’s been an investment banker all his life. His principle and approach are obviously different. What he needs to do is to bring in seasoned football people to build a good technical structure which will be spearheaded by a technical director. These people should take the football decisions. Ed should focus on the commercial and administrative role.
On Who Should Be Manager
These guys should bring in a manager and set realistic targets for the manager. Let’s say a 3-5year development plan with KPIs that are assessed at the end of every year. With this plan must come investment into the playing body. With this plan, the manager must be backed all the way. This, in my opinion, is the only way out for ManUtd.
The standard is so high now in the premier league. Can you imagine 97points May not win you the league this year? That’s how high the standards are now.
Man Utd as a club has never reached 90+ points. Ever!
Jurgen Kloop after 4 years at Liverpool has done his greatest job ever in terms of total point tally-97 and is currently set to lose out on the Premier League trophy.
This is where we are at now. That’s the target. Either you aim at 100points or you forget entirely.
On Players To Recruit/Buy
On players to bring in, we need players with an incredible work ethic and quality.
I think we should splash hard cash at Spurs and take both Son and Kane. This is a long shot but the more realistic one will be to get Son.
I also think we can lure Lewandowski to Old Trafford. He could give us an RvP season or 2.
So 2 signings in the attack. I’ll dispose of Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez both because of their wages and performance. Lingard and Mata will be squad players. We can’t change everything at once. The following summer will see us change more in the attack.
In midfield, Fellaini hasn’t been replaced since he left, plus the possibility of Herrera leaving. We need to bring in Thomas Partey and a young tempo controlling midfielder eg Frenkie De Jong. (I know he’s off to Barca but he’s just an example).
In defense, we need to dispose of Phil Jones, Darmian and Marcos Rojo all because of fitness and performance.
We need to bring in Koulibaly or Jan Vertonghen and Skriniar as a RCB. We also need to sign a young left back as cover for Luke Shaw.
I’ll keep Young not for football reasons but as a leader to instill discipline and positive team ethics.
CK Akonnor is a bad coach, he treated me unfairly – Appiah Kubi
This is just year 1 summer 1 of our 3-5 year development plan. KPIs being top 4 with minimum 75points. A trophy (any at all).
Also, we should stop this philosophy nonsense and be more strategic and goal oriented.
Left to me alone, José should be brought back and a good football structure built with the above KPIs set plus absolute backing from the board. If you want to match Pep Jose is your guy. He’s done it at Real Madrid and given the necessary support he’ll do so at Manchester United
Avid Fan: Kwaku Sarfo Mensah
Twitter: @ksarfo_
So there you have it the thoughts of a very passionate Manchester United fan. Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box.
