Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag side by side at Manchester United.

Ranking Man Utd's Managers Post-Sir Alex Ferguson: Mourinho vs Ten Hag

Manchester United's Upcoming Match Against Fenerbahce: A Historical Perspective

Manchester United's last visit to Fenerbahce was back in November 2016, a time when global attention was fixated on Donald Trump's campaign for the U.S. presidency. Fast forward to today, history seems to be repeating itself as Trump seeks another term in office, coinciding with the Red Devils’ much-anticipated trip to Istanbul this Thursday.

A Tale of Two Managers: Mourinho and Ten Hag

The narrative surrounding the upcoming match will inevitably involve Jose Mourinho, who previously led United in their last encounter in Istanbul. Before the fateful 2-1 defeat, Mourinho expressed his admiration for Turkish football and shared his ambitions of managing Fenerbahce one day. His dream came true when he took the helm last summer and will now face his former club.

Fenerbahce's Management Changes

Since Mourinho's departure from Fenerbahce in 2018, the club has changed managers three times, yet the quest to reclaim past glory, reminiscent of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, remains elusive. Currently, Fenerbahce finds itself back in the Europa League, reflecting ongoing challenges and aspirations.

Mourinho's Legacy at Manchester United

Mourinho is noted for obtaining the highest points total in a single season for Manchester United since Ferguson's departure, demonstrating his capability as a Premier League manager. He is also tied with the current manager Erik ten Hag in terms of major trophies won; both have claimed two significant titles.
Both managers have a tendency to highlight their achievements and the difficulties endured by the club prior to their respective tenures. However, the question remains: how do they measure up against the six different managers who have taken charge of United since Sir Alex Ferguson?

A Managerial Comparison Post-Ferguson Era

  • Sir Alex Ferguson (Retired) - The iconic manager led the club to numerous victories and set a high standard for success.
  • David Moyes - Undertook the daunting task of following Ferguson but struggled to maintain the team's competitive edge.
  • Ryan Giggs (Interim) - Assumed temporary control following Moyes but could not stabilize the team.
  • Louis van Gaal - Known for his tactical knowledge, he led the team to an FA Cup but faced criticism for playing style.
  • Jose Mourinho - Brought in immediate success with trophies, but his controversial style polarized fans.
  • Erik ten Hag - Currently at the helm, striving to build a new legacy and restore Manchester United's glory.

Conclusion

The upcoming match against Fenerbahce not only marks a significant encounter for Manchester United but also highlights the club's long-standing struggles to find stability and resurgence following the Ferguson era. As Mourinho prepares to face his old club, football fans around the world will be eager to see how the line-up unfolds and whether Manchester United can reclaim its position at the pinnacle of football.

Meta Description

Explore Manchester United's historic match against Fenerbahce as they return to Istanbul. Delve into the comparison of managers post-Ferguson and the legacy of Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag.

Back to blog

Leave a comment