Manchester United’s Post-Fergie Cycle Rolls On

Manchester United have been in a persistent cycle of unfulfilled promise since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, leaving fans questioning if true greatness will ever return to Old Trafford.​

There have been six permanent and four caretaker managers at Old Trafford since the Scot departed in 2013, and while some trophies have been won, the Red Devils have never been close to recapturing the greatness they possessed under his leadership.

Most enjoyed promising honeymoon periods that ultimately faded.

On five occasions that bosses have been sacked midway through the season, the man United have turned to has been an ex-player who thrived under Ferguson’s guidance.

And while Ryan Giggs and Ruud Van Nistelrooy did little to suggest they could take the mantle on full-time, Ole Gunnar Solskjær impressed so much he was given the job.

History appears to be repeating itself in 2026, with Michael Carrick having strung together a series of impressive results since taking over from Ruben Amorim.

Carrick, who is in his second stint as caretaker manager, also has the same lack of managerial pedigree as Solskjær – with only an unimpressive spell at Championship side Middlesbrough on his CV.

So it may not be surprising that, when asked about comparisons to the Norwegian former boss, the coach is not particularly enamoured.

“You can compare to all sorts of different situations [with] managers and coaches and teams,” he said when asked.

“It just depends on what you choose to compare. But it’s irrelevant really. That’s not a negative or a positive. It just doesn’t have a link at all.”

Carrick may resist comparisons with Solskjær because Solskjær’s lack of top-level coaching experience was a persistent concern during his tenure. Carrick may not want similar doubts raised about his credentials.

Few would class the spell as successful, and it certainly isn’t someone an aspirational Manchester United coach would want to be compared to.

A similarity he would probably like highlighted is the great improvement in team performance he has overseen since taking charge.

Since becoming interim manager in January, Carrick has led United to nine wins, two draws, and two defeats in 13 matches. This run has elevated United from mid-table struggles to securing a Champions League spot.

The victories are even more impressive, coming against league leaders Arsenal, second-placed Manchester City, and challengers Chelsea.

A recent 2-1 win over Brentford nearly secured United’s place in Europe next season.

Even sceptics like Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher now expect the appointment to become permanent.

“He’s going to be the Manchester United manager, certainly next season, no doubt about that – and you can’t say he doesn’t deserve it,” he said on Sky Sports.

“They are absolutely sensational results. They’re the results of a title-winning team or a team going for the league.

“Now I know that pressure isn’t on Manchester United right now; they haven’t got European fixtures, all these other things will come into it, but I don’t think anybody could have come in and done any better results-wise.”

“The biggest criticism of Ruben Amorin was that he never adapted, Carrick has shown he can adapt.”

Locker room enthusiasm is high, says defensive stalwart Harry Maguire.

“I think obviously the results help that the feeling [of confidence about Michael Carrick] massively,” he said.

“We had two tough fixtures when Michael first come in, and I think everyone was probably looking at them thinking ‘oh no’, with Arsenal and Man City, and we managed to get the six points.

“Everyone’s believed in it, and we’ve gathered together. We’ve got the confidence. We know that we can score goals from anywhere.

“I think we can still get a lot better at this formation as well. I think we can work as a back force, slide across the pitch a lot quicker, like we should have done.

Wisely, the hierarchy is not rushing decisions.

It’s been reported by Sky Sports that “the message coming out of Carrington seems to be ‘no distractions until the football is done’.”

Given everything that happened with Solskjær, that seems like a wise decision.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com