OPINION
Outgoing Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera’s comments clearly show the abysmal state of disrepair the club is in.
Speaking for the first time since his departure was confirmed, the 29-year-old told The Telegraph that the Old Trafford club will need “time” to improve.
“I really believe in Ole,” the Spaniard said. “I really believe in [his coaching staff] Michael [Carrick], Kieran [McKenna], Mick Phelan, Demps [Mark Dempsey], but I think there is a tough job ahead.
“That is my opinion as a fan and as someone who knows the club at the moment. These fans are the best but they [the management team] need time. They need time because this is not going to be from the first day.”
The one word that will resonate with United fans here is time; the Red Devils have been in a similar position before. After appointing David Moyes on a whopping six-year contract, the club got rid of him not even one year into that deal.
Then it was Louis van Gaal’s turn, and despite winning the FA Cup, he was axed after two seasons. Out of all the recent managers United have had, Mourinho has been the most successful, delivering the Europa League and the League Cup.
But things went sour with the Portuguese boss too, and after a miserable start to his third season in charge, he was out the door as well.
The one thing that Moyes in particular – and Van Gaal to an extent – did not have was time in the job. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United must become a club known for sacking managers.
The Norwegian boss was appointed permanently at United on a three-year contract after a fantastic opening spell as interim manager. The one thing United must ensure they do is give him the full three years to sort this team out.
There is a lot of work to be done, including players who need to be sold and bought, and the club must be patient in letting Solskjaer craft his team. There is a long way to go, but as long as the Red Devils do not act in haste again, they have a chance at becoming a force again.