Manchester United, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, has had a rollercoaster of a journey in recent years. Dubbed a “sleeping giant” by fans and pundits alike, the club’s trajectory has been marked by both moments of brilliance and significant struggles.
The 2024-25 season presents another critical chapter for United as the club continues its attempts to reclaim its former glory. Historically, Manchester United has been synonymous with dominance, but recent seasons have exposed weaknesses in squad depth, tactical coherence, and managerial stability. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and underperforming big-money signings have all contributed to their current predicament.
The heart of the problem has been Manchester United’s inability to build on past successes. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the club has gone through a series of managerial changes, each new head coach bringing their philosophy but failing to deliver long-term consistency. The likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all showed moments of potential but ultimately couldn’t keep United at the pinnacle of football for sustained periods.
The latest challenge is on Erik ten Hag, who had a strong initial season but now faces increasing pressure due to inconsistent performances and the scrutiny of big-money signings like Antony and Jadon Sancho, who have struggled to meet expectations. Young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo have provided glimpses of hope, but more is needed to maintain a competitive edge in the Premier League and Europe.
Injuries to key players have been another persistent issue. With important members of the squad often sidelined, Manchester United’s depth has been stretched, revealing gaps in quality across certain positions. The club’s heavy reliance on key players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes means that any drop in form from these individuals has a profound effect on the team’s overall performance.
Financial challenges also loom large despite the club’s global reach. Managing high wages and significant transfer costs while still underperforming on the field has created tension among fans and management. However, the club still retains an incredible fanbase, solid financial backing, and world-class facilities, all of which keep the hope alive that United can soon reawaken their “sleeping giant” status.
The journey of Manchester United is far from over, and as long as they address the key issues—strengthening squad depth, stabilizing management, and cultivating young talent—there is every possibility that the Red Devils can roar back to the top of world football.