No cups, no Europe, 40 matches: is this Manchester United’s post-Ferguson nadir?

January 16, 2026

TL;DR

Manchester United is experiencing another difficult season, marked by a lack of a permanent head coach and no European football.
The club has struggled to find stability since Sir Alex Ferguson left nearly 13 years ago.
Michael Carrick will temporarily manage United, highlighting a perceived lack of a functioning long-term plan.
This season will feature only 40 competitive games for United, the fewest since 1914-15.
Fans have differing opinions on the 'lowest point' since Ferguson's retirement, citing various defeats and managerial spells.
Short-term managerial appointments and attempts to recapture the club's 'DNA' have not yielded consistent success.
No manager has lasted more than three years since Ferguson's departure.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment has not yet brought the expected new era, with continued scrutiny on club hierarchy.
The club's failure to qualify for lucrative European competitions has impacted revenue.
Despite spending significant money on players and coaches, the club has seen little return and has even sold promising academy players.
Carrick's appointment is the 12th since Ferguson's retirement, with only five trophies won in that period.

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