Man United: How to Revive the Giant? Lessons from Liverpool, Arsenal and City

The Manchester United Dilemma: How to Revive a Giant?

Do you remember the words of the new Manchester United star?

“We must be together. This is not the time to blame anyone. It’s not the time to look for those responsible. It’s time to support each other: with the coach, his team, the players, and the club’s management.”

Juan Mata

No, we are not talking about the new additions. These words were spoken by Juan Mata, in January 2014, after his arrival at Manchester United. These statements are from April of that same year. Mata, who had been sidelined from Chelsea by José Mourinho, joined United for a considerable sum. His words, however, resonate today. A vicious cycle that repeats itself over and over again. The coach is blamed for the poor performance, a player signed by the coach defends the coach, the club’s history is evoked to believe in a better future, and finally, failure leads to the dismissal of the coach. David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag… history repeats itself. United seems to be stuck in a downward cycle for a decade. Despite good numbers, the feeling is frustration. The Glazer family, after acquiring the club, has seen a decline in results, but an increase in the club’s value. How could United build a competitive team, capable of competing with Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City? The answer is simple: copy the best.

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Step One: Learn from Liverpool

When Fenway Sports Group (FSG) took control of Liverpool, the team was coming from a seventh place. Then, a series of mediocre results. But in the last nine seasons, Liverpool has only finished outside the top four once. They have won the Premier League twice and the Champions League once. How did they do it? In the 2010-11 season, Liverpool had the ninth-highest revenue in world football. To compete, they needed to be more efficient with their spending, using data. Ian Graham, former head of research at Liverpool, highlighted the importance of investment from above and a decision-making structure that ensured the impact of data on the club’s management. Michael Edwards, along with coach Jurgen Klopp and Mike Gordon, had the final say on signings. They found undervalued players, such as Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah. The United, on the other hand, has never had a similar decision-making structure. Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure left a power vacuum, which has been filled randomly. Other clubs have become smarter in their investment decisions. This dichotomy is the main reason why United has underperformed. United could become the Los Angeles Dodgers, combining first-class analytical decision-making with almost unlimited spending. The key is hiring a sporting director who ensures the long-term cohesion of the team.

Step Two: Develop a youth system like Arsenal’s

Arsenal values young players. Their youth system is a success. Bukayo Saka is one of the best players in the world, and Arsenal didn’t have to pay anything for him. The youth system is a shortcut for building a team. Even Manchester City has benefited from the emergence of Phil Foden. Arsenal has signed youngsters before they reach their prime. United, on the other hand, has signed older players, without a clear strategy. The United needs a plan and an investment in its youth academy to produce quality players.

2:11 Why Antony felt disrespected at Manchester United. Real Betis winger Antony reflects on the end of his difficult spell at Manchester United.United has signed older players without a clear strategy. Many of their young signings haven’t worked out. This is due to the lack of a unified process for player identification and randomness.

Step Three: Train like Manchester City

Many coaches have arrived at United with their own players, without building a long-term team. United needs to be flexible, like Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has shown flexibility, adapting to the needs of his team. United needs coaches who can take advantage of the available talent and find the best way to use it. The United needs to find a coach with a history of pragmatism.

1:28 Burley: Backing Amorim will cost Ratcliffe dearly. Craig Burley reacts to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s statement of backing Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim for the next ‘3 years’The United needs a coach who adapts to the available talent and does not impose a rigid system.

Step Four: If it doesn’t work, sell the club

United have the money, but they need to be good at decision-making, talent identification, and choosing coaches. There is a cultural and organizational rot at the club. The decision-making structure is complex, and financial success removes the urgency for change. The shadow of Ferguson weighs negatively. If Ratcliffe is in control, he can implement the necessary changes. Otherwise, United will remain stagnant.