At least it is not only Manchester United fans witnessing the decline of the Red Devils but the whole football world. Manchester United has not been the same since the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish left Old Trafford a decade ago and the club has been in a mess ever since. The last three years at Manchester United have been chaotic right from players’ controversies, the media, ownership as well as management.
Manchester United fans have been prompted to express their anger at all the cauldron of controversy, turmoil, and unmet potential surrounding the club in the last three years. What was once a powerhouse of European football has seen a staggering series of events that have left fans, players, and pundits alike scratching their heads. From player conflicts to boardroom shenanigans, the drama at Old Trafford has been nothing short of a soap opera.
Let me take you through the various incidents that have unfolded, shedding light on the tumultuous state of affairs at one of football’s most storied clubs and as it stands, these incidents just don’t sit right with most Manchester United fans.
Antony’s Allegations
Even before the allegations put forward by his girlfriend broke out, Manchester United fans were getting impatient with Anthony for lack of performance despite huge fee signing. The accusations of assault against Antony is now the second of the such after Mason Greenwood was accused of the same by his girlfriend that saw the club suspend him. Shockingly for Anthony, it is not just his ex-girlfriend accusing him of assault but three women have come forward with allegations, with one poised to share her story in a televised interview. This disturbing revelation has cast a shadow over the club and raised questions about the environment within the team. Anthony has since then been dropped from the Brazil national team.
Sancho Speaks Out
After their 3-1 loss at the Emirates right before the international break, Ten Hag made comments on Jadon Sancho that saw the English international put out a statement on social media. Jadon Sancho boldly stepped forward, declaring that he was being scapegoated for the club’s struggles. This left many Manchester United fans shocked with a section of them saying it is right to contradict your manager at times but putting it out on social media is so wrong and definitely not a way someone who plays for a top club should express his grievances.
His statement shed light on the internal tensions and frustrations that players were experiencing, hinting at deeper issues that needed to be addressed. A section of Manchester United fans though have supported Sancho saying he is not always being given game time but often mentioned when things go wrong. Some United legends have since come out condemning Sancho’s statement even suggesting if it was under Sir Alex Ferguson, Sancho would never play a game for Manchester United. This further complicates the state of the club and makes you wonder the future for Jadon Sancho.
The Greenwood Conundrum
After Mason Greenwood’s girlfriend, Harriet accused him of sexual assault, Manchester United fans were angered by the mishandling of the Mason Greenwood situation and this saw another significant blow to the club’s reputation. Richard Arnold’s handling of the matter left much to be desired, leaving fans and pundits alike baffled at the lack of a clear and decisive response from the club. Greenwood is currently on loan at Getafe after his assault case was dropped.
The Takeover Saga
The prolonged takeover saga not only left Manchester United fans in limbo but also created a cloud of uncertainty over the jobs of employees at the club. As the staff turned on the Glazers and began leaking stories, it became evident that the ownership question was not just a matter of finances, but a deeply entrenched issue affecting the morale and stability of the entire organization. Till now, the Glazers have not sold the club.
Ronaldo’s Controversial Remarks
Cristiano Ronaldo, an icon in his own right and Manchester United legend, made waves with his candid remarks. Right before leaving the club Ronaldo appeared on Piers Morgan uncensored where he made the comments. From disrespecting the club’s manager to criticizing the way the club was being run, Ronaldo’s comments highlighted the frustration and disillusionment among the players.
Bailly’s Allegations
Eric Bailly’s revelation that the club appeared to favor British players was a startling admission. It shed light on the potential biases within the team selection process, adding another layer of complexity to the already troubled squad dynamics. This gave birth to divided opinions among Manchester United fans as Harry Maguire was showing poor results game after game but was still starting over Bailly.The Ivorian has however been released permanently by the club.
Internal Strife: Lingard and Martial
Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial’s public falling out with the club management was a testament to the deep-seated issues that were brewing within the dressing room. Their social media posts, accusing Ralf Rangnick of dishonesty, only served to further exacerbate tensions. This made Manchester United fans see their club in a different way.
Rangnick’s Candid Assessment
Ralf Rangnick who served as United caretaker manager, made candid assessment of the squad, suggesting that half of them had the wrong attitude and that the board was directionless, was a stark wake-up call for the club. His call for “open heart surgery” indicated the magnitude of the changes that needed to be implemented.
The last three years at Manchester United have been a roller-coaster ride of controversies, conflicts, and disappointments and Manchester United fans are right to be angry. The club’s management, particularly the Glazers, have come under intense scrutiny for their role in perpetuating this chaos.
For Manchester United to reclaim its former glory, serious introspection, structural changes, and a renewed commitment to its players and fans are essential. The road ahead may be challenging, but it’s not insurmountable, and with the right steps, the club can rise from the ashes and regain its status as a footballing powerhouse.
