Manchester United enters “dark age” following Sir Alex Ferguson era

After 25 years filled with trophies and success under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United entered a “dark age” following the Scottish manager’s retirement. Despite spending more than £1 billion on transfers and working with seven different managers, the club has failed to find stability.

Rúben Amorim, 40, who attracted attention by winning five trophies with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and was appointed Manchester United manager in November 2024, fell short of expectations, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Lowest win rate among managers

In the post–Alex Ferguson era, Rúben Amorim recorded the lowest league win percentage among Manchester United managers, at 32%.

The highest win rate during this period belonged to José Mourinho, with 53.8%, followed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at 51.4%. League statistics of Manchester United managers are as follows:

José Mourinho: 93 matches, 50 wins, 26 draws, 17 losses – 53.8%

Erik ten Hag: 85 matches, 44 wins, 14 draws, 27 losses – 51.8%

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 109 matches, 56 wins, 29 draws, 24 losses – 51.4%

Louis van Gaal: 76 matches, 39 wins, 19 draws, 18 losses – 51.3%

David Moyes: 34 matches, 17 wins, 6 draws, 11 losses – 50%

Ralf Rangnick: 24 matches, 10 wins, 7 draws, 7 losses – 41.7%

Rúben Amorim: 47 matches, 15 wins, 13 draws, 19 losses – 31.9%

Worst league finish in 50 years

Manchester United, under Amorim, finished last season in 15th place in the Premier League, marking one of the worst periods in the club’s history.

With 18 defeats, 9 draws, and 11 wins, the “Red Devils” recorded their lowest league position since their relegation in 1974.

In the same season, United reached the UEFA Europa League final but lost 1–0 to Tottenham.

£216 million spent could not prevent Grimsby shock

Amorim, who was given a three-year period by shareholder Jim Ratcliffe to prove himself, began the season after spending £216 million on transfers.

Despite signing players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Senne Lammens, United suffered a major shock in August, losing to fourth-division side Grimsby Town on penalties (12–11) after a 2–2 draw in the League Cup second round.

Only three teams earned fewer points

Since Amorim’s first match, only three clubs that have continuously competed in the Premier League have collected fewer points than Manchester United.

United earned 58 points during this period, while Tottenham had 49, West Ham 45, and Wolverhampton 42.

Sixth manager sacked this season

Amorim became the sixth manager dismissed in the Premier League this season.

As reported by CE Report, Chelsea parted ways with Enzo Maresca, Wolverhampton with Vitor Pereira, West Ham with Graham Potter, while Nottingham Forest dismissed Nuno Espírito Santo in September and Ange Postecoglou in October.