Manchester United's Decline: A 21-Year Saga of Mismanagement and Frustration

Manchester United's recent 4-1 loss to Como marks yet another low point in the club's alarming decline. This goes far beyond what fans witnessed on the pitch in Italy; it’s the result of over two decades filled with instability, mismanagement, and growing resentment. Sky Sports News Chief Correspondent Kaveh Solhekol takes a closer look at the factors contributing to United's struggles and what lies ahead. Bruno Fernandes's candid remarks have stirred some debate, but honestly, they’re a breath of fresh air. Yes, some might argue that such comments should stay behind closed doors, but it’s clear the players are frustrated. They want to signal to fans that all is not well behind the scenes. Lisandro Martinez echoed these sentiments, pointing to issues within the club’s upper management, especially during transfer windows. Fernandes's comments were simply a reflection of the unrest in the dressing room, a symptom of the larger problem stemming from the Glazers' ownership. Why shouldn’t players be allowed to express their thoughts? It’s about time someone shed light on the chaos unfolding at Old Trafford. But let’s get real: how many players on this squad truly belong at Manchester United? How many would even make it into the starting line-ups of teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester City? Fernandes must be looking around, wondering why he’s still sticking it out here. On a positive note, the club’s revenue is hitting record highs despite not competing in Europe last season. But that’s where the good news ends. Until new ownership comes in and clears the Glazers' debt, it’s hard to see any silver lining for United. The Glazer family’s reign has reportedly cost Manchester United over £2 billion in the last 20 years. Meanwhile, other clubs are investing and improving. Some fans have even suggested that relegation might be a blessing in disguise—an opportunity to sell the club and start over. That’s how dire the situation has become. There’s a real possibility this team could find itself in a relegation scrap for the remainder of the season. Perhaps those fans might get their wish. Is managing this team an impossible task? Not exactly. There are tougher jobs out there in the EFL. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are trying to make a difference, but with Ratcliffe based in Monaco and allowed only limited time in the UK, while the Glazers are primarily based in the U.S., it’s tough to see how change can happen. The club is burdened with debt when it once stood proud as debt-free. Many individuals in the organization lack a true understanding of Manchester United’s rich history. With 40% of staff laid off and fans being priced out of season tickets, it’s hard to find any positives. Right now, United doesn’t feel special anymore. Clubs like Brentford and Brighton are performing better. Fans are surprised when United wins, not when they lose. Upcoming matches against Bournemouth feel like a toss-up; a loss wouldn’t even shock anyone. The fans know the issues. It’s not about Michael Carrick or the players; the root problem lies in the ownership model. Even if Sir Alex Ferguson returned, don’t expect miracles. He wouldn’t be able to turn this ship around. I remember when he took over from Ron Atkinson; it took him five years to clinch a title, and back then, United had the best players and resources. That landscape has drastically shifted. They aren’t among the wealthiest clubs anymore and might even fall out of the top ten. Ferguson’s past successes won’t fix the current mess. Fans who idolized Ferguson often point out that he never opposed the Glazers. He was the one figure who could have potentially stopped their leveraged buyout, but instead, he went along with it. We could even look further back to the saga surrounding his horse, Rock of Gibraltar, which indirectly led to the Glazers beginning their share acquisition. It’s a long, tangled history that’s contributed to the current plight of Manchester United.