Sport Nation 2Patrice Evra, the former Manchester United defender, has expressed his opinion on why he believes Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United, is partly responsible for the club’s current struggles. Manchester United, once dominant under Ferguson, has not been able to reclaim its past glory since the manager retired in 2013. Evra, who won several major titles under Ferguson, has pointed out that the lack of leadership and role models within the current squad has contributed to the club’s ongoing downfall.
Manchester United’s Decline Since Ferguson’s Departure
Manchester United’s struggles this season are part of a larger trend that has seen the club fail to secure a Premier League title since Ferguson’s departure in 2013. During his time as manager, Ferguson transformed Manchester United into one of the world’s most successful and feared football clubs. Under his guidance, the team won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles, among other honors.
However, since Ferguson retired, the club has experienced a steep decline. The Red Devils have endured several disappointing seasons and have failed to establish themselves as title contenders in the Premier League. The current season has been no different, with United sitting in 12th place after eight games, trailing league leaders Liverpool by 10 points. These results reflect the ongoing challenges the club has faced in trying to restore its reputation as a dominant force in English football.
Evra’s View on Ferguson’s Role
Evra, who played under Ferguson from 2006 to 2014, shared his thoughts on the club’s struggles during an interview with BBC Sport. He reflected on the values and culture that existed at Manchester United during Ferguson’s tenure and how those have been lost in recent years. According to Evra, the departure of Ferguson and key players, including himself, left a leadership vacuum that has contributed to the club’s current problems.
“It’s always tough to talk about United right now because back in the day, we used to play for the fans, for the badge, for the history,” Evra said. “We lose a little bit of those values. I blame myself, I blame Sir Alex Ferguson. When we left, we left too early, and it’s difficult for the players because they don’t have any example.”
Evra’s remarks highlight the importance of leadership and role models within a team. During Ferguson’s time, players like Evra, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Rio Ferdinand embodied the values of the club, providing inspiration and guidance to younger players. However, since the departure of these key figures, the current squad has lacked the same level of leadership, which has hindered their ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Manchester United’s Struggles Under Erik ten Hag
Since Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United has gone through several managers, none of whom have been able to replicate the Scotsman’s success. David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær all had brief stints in charge, but none could return the club to its former glory. Current manager Erik ten Hag has faced similar challenges despite winning the FA Cup and the League Cup during his tenure.
Ten Hag, who arrived at United with high expectations after a successful spell at Ajax, has found it difficult to mount a serious Premier League title challenge. The Dutchman’s tactical approach has often been questioned, particularly in big games, and his record in European competitions has been underwhelming. Despite these issues, Ten Hag remains in charge, though his future at the club is uncertain given the team’s inconsistent performances.
This season, Manchester United has once again struggled to find form, leading to increased speculation about Ten Hag’s position. The team’s performances have been lackluster, and they have failed to establish themselves as title contenders. United’s most recent league results have left them far behind in the title race, and their European campaign has also been underwhelming, with a crucial Europa League match against Fenerbahce on the horizon.
The Loss of Identity and Values at Manchester United
Evra’s criticism of the club’s current state goes beyond Ferguson’s departure and extends to the broader loss of identity and values that once defined Manchester United. The Frenchman believes that the players currently representing the club do not have the same connection to the badge or the history of the team that previous generations did.
In the past, Manchester United’s players were known for their passion, commitment, and dedication to the club’s cause. Under Ferguson, there was a strong emphasis on playing for the fans and upholding the club’s traditions. However, Evra argues that these values have been lost in recent years, and the current players lack the same sense of responsibility and pride that previous squads had.
This sentiment has been echoed by many Manchester United fans, who have expressed frustration with the lack of leadership on the pitch. Despite having a number of high-profile international players in the squad, there is a feeling that no one has stepped up to fill the leadership void left by the likes of Giggs, Scholes, and Nemanja Vidić. As a result, the team has struggled to perform consistently, and there has been a noticeable drop in the overall quality of their play.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
As Manchester United prepares for the upcoming Europa League match against Fenerbahce, the pressure continues to mount on Ten Hag and his squad. The team’s poor start to the season has left them with little room for error, and a positive result in Europe could provide a much-needed boost to their confidence.
However, the larger issues facing the club remain unresolved. Manchester United’s struggles cannot be attributed to a single factor, but rather a combination of poor leadership, a lack of direction, and questionable recruitment decisions. While Ten Hag will be focused on improving results on the pitch, the club’s hierarchy must also address the deeper structural problems that have plagued the team since Ferguson’s departure.
In the long term, Manchester United will need to rebuild their identity and restore the values that once made them one of the most successful and respected clubs in the world. This will require strong leadership both on and off the pitch, as well as a renewed commitment to the club’s traditions and culture.
Conclusion
Patrice Evra’s criticism of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United highlights the deep-rooted problems facing the club in the modern era. While Ferguson’s departure marked the end of an era, the club’s failure to replace the leadership and values he instilled has contributed to their ongoing decline. With Manchester United struggling once again this season, the pressure is on for both the players and the manager to turn things around. However, without addressing the fundamental issues within the club, it is unlikely that United will be able to recapture the success they enjoyed under Ferguson.
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