It has been 5 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement and it is fair to say Manchester United have endured a tough time since then. Following Sir Alex’s departure, David Moyes took over at Manchester United. Great things were expected of the former Everton manager but this time as a Manchester United manager was disastrous as the Red Devils finished 7th in the league. David Moyes's torrid period as a Manchester United manager lasted just 10 months as he was replaced by the legendary Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal. The Dutchman did help United get back into the Champions League but his style of play was often criticised. Van Gaal lasted 2 seasons in which he won 1 FA cup title and that was all from the Dutchman.
Then came the current manager of Manchester United- Jose Mourinho. The Premier League veteran has had a mixed time with the Red Devils as United are yet to mount a serious title challenge.
All said, it is a testament to Ferguson's genius that 5 years on and Manchester United still miss him.
Things at Old Trafford haven’t been great for a long time now and looking at the current situation, things are on the decline. With so much going on at the Theatre of Dreams, we wonder what would be different if it was Sir Alex Ferguson in charge instead of Jose Mourinho. What if the legendary Scotsman wakes up one morning and takes back the position he left 5 years ago.
Here are the 5 things that would have been different under Sir Alex Ferguson's rule.
A happy Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are two of the hottest young prospects in Europe. The youngsters are loved by the United fans and development is integral to the club’s future plans.
Sir Alex was famous for his eye for talented youngsters. The former United manager famously built his team around two youngsters in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, a team that went on to conquer Europe. Before that, Sir Alex made the Class of 1992 famous as a team consisting of United boys who went on to win the historic treble in 1999.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford haven’t had regular game time and this did cost the Frenchman as Martial missed out on France’s World Cup squad.
It might be too much to say that Sir Alex would’ve started the duo in each and every game. More so, the man knew how to keep his players happy and with the potential of these 2 youngsters, Sir Alex would have been the best man for their growth.
Much more of Ander Herrera
United fans adore Ander Herrera. The Spaniard won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in 2017 as United claimed the Europa League title for the first time in their history. Herrera has been on and off United starting line-up for a long time and United fans have grown frustrated with Mourinho’s team selection.
There is a desperate need for a driving individual who could get the best out of his teammates and Herrera is the man to do it. United folklore adore Herrera for his sheer commitment on the field and the passion he shows whenever he dons the famous United shirt.
Sir Alex knew how to utilise his squad and the Scottish manager has a genuine liking for players like Ander Herrera who wear their heart on sleeves.
It is fair to say if Sir Alex was in charge of this squad, Anger Herrera’s name would be one of the first names on the team sheet.
The possible departure of Paul Pogba
The Paul Pogba fiasco keeps going on and on. The Frenchman was offloaded by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012, a decision the United board regrets. Pogba spent 4 years at Juventus winning a plethora of titles. Manchester United tried to sign back the Frenchman for many years and finally did accomplish their mission as Pogba returned home for a record-breaking deal worth £89m.
It has been 2 years since Pogba came back and United fans are yet to witness the consistency needed to become Manchester United’s midfield general.
The world knows what a serious man Ferguson was when it came to his players at Old Trafford. With Pobga's off the field stories along with his not to mention his vibrant hairstyles, Sir Alex would have given Pogba his famous hairdryer treatment on numerous occasions. The former United boss never considered any man bigger than the club which directs us to the possible departure of Paul Pogba had Sir Alex been in charge in place of Jose Mourinho.
Return of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo recently joined Juventus and possibly put an end to Manchester United’s hopes of luring him back to Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid man had a tremendous career with Los Blancos as he ended up being their all-time top scorer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has often labelled Dir Alex Ferguson as a father figure and it is hard to imagine the Portuguese switch to any other club but Manchester United had Sir Alex been in charge. The fans at Old Trafford adore Cristiano to date and have kept their fingers crossed in every transfer window since he moved to Real Madrid.
But the Portuguese possibly bottled all such hopes with his recent switch to Juventus. Manchester United’s woes continue in the Premier League as they are struggling in all the areas and a player of Cristiano’s magnitude would have done wonders to United’s fortunes.
The backing of all United fans
This might be the first time that United fans have started to turn their backs to the club. United fans are raging following United’s humiliation at home at the hands of Tottenham Hotspurs. The phase is similar to David Moyes reign and the United folklore are frightened to witness such a downfall once more in 5 years.
Sir Alex was a master of his craft but the great Scotsman did have a few dry patches as well but what kept him going was the constant backing of United's supporters. It is fair to say that fans are angry at the moment. It remains to see how the Red Devils get their season back on track following 2 humiliating losses.
Manchester United board, players, coaches need their fans to be with them in this tough period of an otherwise glorious football club.