Explore the ongoing issues behind Manchester United’s disappointing season. Tactical flaws, recruitment missteps, and deeper structural problems in the league spotlight.
What Went Wrong for Manchester United Again?
Manchester United—one of the most storied clubs in world football—is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. A team with a rich legacy, global fanbase, and deep financial backing should not be floundering season after season. And yet, as the 2025/26 campaign progresses, the Red Devils are still chasing consistency, identity, and results.
So, what went wrong this time? Let’s break down the familiar, frustrating puzzle that has become Manchester United in the modern Aw8 Sg league era.
⚠️ Managerial Instability: Another Chapter of Uncertainty
In the last decade, Manchester United have become synonymous with managerial turnover. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, the club has gone through a carousel of managers—each bringing a new philosophy, system, and transfer agenda. While Erik ten Hag initially brought optimism, cracks started appearing by his third season.
- Inconsistent tactical identity: Is United a high-pressing team? A possession side? Counter-attacking? It’s still unclear.
- Failure to adapt: Ten Hag’s rigid structure has been exposed in key matches.
- Dressing room rifts: Reports of unrest and disjointed communication have surfaced again.
The result? Confusion on the pitch, and a fractured dressing room off it.
❌ Recruitment Woes: Big Fees, Small Returns
United’s transfer policy continues to be one of the most criticized in the league. While rival clubs land value-based signings, United are still paying top dollar for underperforming stars.
Notable concerns:
- Overpaying for unproven players (e.g., Antony, Mason Mount)
- Ignoring obvious squad gaps – especially in central midfield and right back
- Poor succession planning – there’s no long-term vision
The recruitment structure lacks synergy between scouting, analytics, and coaching staff—a crucial modern-day football requirement.
🧠 Tactical Confusion: No Clear System
One week, United press high. The next, they sit back. Often, they do neither effectively. The lack of a coherent tactical identity has become a hallmark of United’s play.
Issues include:
- Lack of control in midfield
- Weak transitions from defense to attack
- Reliance on moments of individual brilliance
Teams like Manchester City and Arsenal have thrived by mastering fluid systems. United, in contrast, look reactionary rather than proactive.
🤕 Injury Problems & Squad Depth
Injuries have undoubtedly played a role, but they’ve also exposed the lack of depth in crucial areas.
Key players like Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw, and Rasmus Højlund have missed chunks of the season. But more alarming is how their absence completely dismantles United’s shape.
There’s also been little development from bench players—raising questions about coaching quality and fitness standards.
💸 Off-Pitch Distractions: Ownership & Structure
Manchester United’s issues extend beyond the pitch. Ownership drama, delayed investment plans, and the INEOS partial acquisition have all contributed to off-pitch uncertainty.
Problems include:
- No clear sporting director structure
- Conflicting visions from board and manager
- Commercial focus overtaking football priorities
The Glazer ownership continues to frustrate fans, while internal politics delay meaningful reform.
⚽ Individual Form: Regressions and Inconsistencies
Several key players have either stagnated or regressed:
- Bruno Fernandes has lacked leadership consistency.
- Jadon Sancho remains sidelined and unsettled.
- Marcus Rashford’s form has dipped dramatically since his breakout season.
- Casemiro looks off-pace and susceptible to pressing.
Even promising talents like Alejandro Garnacho struggle to perform in a chaotic system. In short, very few players are improving—suggesting a failure in development.
🏟️ Fan Disillusionment and Stadium Atmosphere
Old Trafford used to be a fortress. Now, it’s often subdued—reflecting the mood of a disillusioned fanbase.
- Banners calling for ownership change
- Chants of frustration toward players and management
- An empty feeling of déjà vu every season
The bond between fans and the club is fraying, and without results, there’s little hope to restore that connection.
📉 Statistical Downturn
A look at the numbers paints a grim picture:
- Fewer goals scored than any other traditional “top six” team
- Among the lowest xG (Expected Goals) difference in the league
- Poor pressing stats and one of the lowest pass completion rates
Manchester United are not just underachieving—they’re underperforming across every measurable metric.
🔁 Lessons Still Not Learned?
What hurts United fans most is not just the failure, but the repetition of failure. The club:
- Doesn’t learn from previous transfer mistakes
- Fails to modernize internal football operations
- Repeats PR-driven signings instead of long-term fits
It’s a cycle of short-term fixes, misplaced optimism, and eventual disappointment.
🔮 What Needs to Change?
To break free from this loop, United need:
- Clear footballing structure – A real director of football and scouting synergy.
- Defined playing style – Built from academy to first team.
- Smart recruitment – Young, coachable, system-fit players.
- Managerial patience – With the right manager and vision.
- Ownership alignment – Whether it’s INEOS or someone else, football needs to come first.
📣 Support the League—And Demand Better
The Premier League thrives when its biggest clubs set the standard. Manchester United’s struggles impact not just their fans, but the entire league’s global appeal.
As fans, we should support the league by holding big clubs accountable, demanding transparency, and encouraging a higher standard of football. Whether you wear red or not, a stronger Manchester United is good for the game.
Support the league. Demand more. Football deserves it.
