In related news, Manchester United have named Michael Carrick as their new interim manager. This will be the club’s 11th managerial turnover since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013. Carrick will succeed Ruben Amorim, who left the club on January 5. The last time, Carrick took over when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in 2021. This third transition has taken place as the team has continued to struggle on the field to return to their once prominent status.
Ever since Ferguson’s storied 26-year tenure, which ended in 2013, Manchester United has taken a tumultuous path. The club has appointed ten managers in this time, six of those permanent and four interim appointments. Apart from these changes, none of these appointed managers have been able to conjure the Old Trafford legacy again. As the fans still miss the good ol’ days.
In the thirteen years since Ferguson left, Manchester United has only won seven trophies. These accomplishments only serve to emphasize the sad state of affairs as compared to the organization’s deep history of success. The intervening years now read like a cavalcade of missed opportunities. Fans love to reminisce about all the dark days they’ve suffered through. They sometimes want to delete the embarrassing episodes from human history.
Carrick’s appointment is interesting not only for the fact that it carries on the club’s search for stability. Even though each managerial change has led to some success on paper, the defined pattern continues to be one of inconsistency and underachievement. His acceptance of this interim role represents the beginning of that new chapter. Told mostly in photographs, this poignant story has been rife with stumbles, accomplishments and most importantly promise.
Ruben Amorim’s reign as Manchester United’s sixth permanent manager was over before it even began. This underscores the many issues that have plagued the club for years. His inability to continue to drive the ship in the right direction ultimately led to his downfall. His departure has opened the door for Carrick to again step up and lead the team. He hopes to bring much-needed direction and leadership to a rudderless squad.
As Carrick and fellow staff member Jason Wilcox arrived at the training ground to discuss his appointment, they faced the daunting task of revitalizing a squad that has struggled under pressure. Yet the hopes from supporters are as high as ever, even after the challenges of the last few years.
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