Sir Alex Ferguson has long laid out a framework for how Manchester United should handle underperforming managers — guidance that feels especially relevant amid growing pressure on current boss Ruben Amorim.
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Widely regarded as United’s most iconic manager alongside Sir Matt Busby, Ferguson steered the club to 13 Premier League titles during his remarkable 26-year tenure, which ended in 2013. ..Continue Reading
Since his departure, the club has struggled to recapture its former glory, managing just five trophies — two FA Cups, two League Cups, and one Europa League — over the past 12 years.
The current situation is among the bleakest in United’s recent history. The team finished a disappointing 15th in the league last season and fell short in the Europa League final against Tottenham.
The new campaign hasn’t offered much relief either, with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw with Fulham, followed by a shock League Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town via penalties.
Calls for Amorim’s dismissal have grown louder, yet he remains in charge for Saturday’s home fixture against Burnley, despite whispers of a potential move to Benfica.
While Ferguson hasn’t commented directly on Amorim’s situation, his past insights — particularly those shared during interviews with Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse in 2012 — offer valuable perspective.
Ferguson emphasized the importance of long-term vision, resilience in leadership, and backing managers through difficult periods, principles that could guide United’s decision-making today.
His legacy isn’t just about trophies — it’s about building a culture of patience, development, and strategic thinking.
Whether United chooses to stick with Amorim or make a change, Ferguson’s philosophy remains a touchstone for navigating turbulent times.
When speaking about the foundation a manager needs, Ferguson explained: “At some clubs, you need only to lose three games in a row and you’re fired. In today’s football world, with a new breed of directors and owners, I am not sure any club would have the patience to wait for a manager to build a team over a four-year period. Winning a game is only a short-term gain – you can lose the next game. Building a club brings stability and consistency.”
In 2015, Ferguson spoke to ESPN and maintained that by sticking with a manager, “you get consistency and you get success.”
“There’s no evidence that sacking a manager gives you success,” Ferguson said.
“But there is evidence at Manchester United, at Nottingham Forest, at Arsenal that [if] you retain the manager for long periods, you get consistency and you get success.”
What happens with Amorim remains to be seen, but based on his previous quotes, it’s fair to say Ferguson believes he should be given at least some more time.