The Elusive Victory at Old Trafford
In 20 years of taking teams to Old Trafford, there was one thing I never figured out—how come it was always the longest game of the season? Not just a few minutes of Fergie time, but some afternoons felt like hours. That’s how it felt back then, when a trip to Manchester United pretty much meant a hard-fought draw at best. Teams often left feeling battered and bruised, wondering what they had just endured. The atmosphere, the opposition’s quality, and the sheer scale of United’s dominance combined to make every visit a battle for survival.
The Shift in Old Trafford’s Aura
These days, there isn’t a side in the Premier League who goes to Old Trafford and doesn’t believe they can’t win. Seven teams have already done so this season. United has lost more than they’ve won, a stark contrast to Sir Alex Ferguson’s era when two home defeats signaled a crisis. United was the best team in the country, and Sir Alex built several dynasties. When they were on it, you were in for a rough afternoon. The Red Devils were a relentless force, bombarding opponents with pace, crosses, and incredible movement. They could run all over anyone, and the football they played under Sir Alex was often out of this world. Even now, when I think back to those days, I marvel at the quality and intensity of the team.
Unforgettable Moments at Old Trafford
I lost every league game as a manager at Old Trafford, leading West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth twice, and finally QPR. However, I do know what it feels like to be a winning manager there, not just in Soccer Aid but in two FA Cup ties that are etched in my memory. The first was with West Ham in 2001, when Paolo Di Canio scored the winner against Fabian Barthez, who was appealing for offside. Barthez tried to con Paolo into turning to look at the ref, but Di Canio kept his composure and stuck it in the corner. It was a moment of pure skill and determination. The Portsmouth win in 2008 was even more controversial. Sulley Muntari scored the winner past Rio Ferdinand after Tomasz Kuszczak was sent off. Kuszczak had replaced Edwin van der Sar at half-time, leaving United without a keeper. Rio Ferdinand took the gloves, but Muntari’s goal secured our place in the semis. Sir Alex was devastated, as he had his eyes on another Treble. At least he can say United lost to the eventual winners, as we went on to lift the Cup that year.
A Fortress No More
The shift in Old Trafford’s aura is palpable. In Sir Alex’s era, teams went to United hoping for a point. Now, many are expecting a win. The Arsenal team that visits Old Trafford on Sunday will certainly be in that mindset, especially after their impressive performance in the Champions League. United’s struggles to score goals are a growing concern. They are so far behind the top teams that the gap seems insurmountable. Manager Rúben Amorim has his work cut out, and it will take years to turn the club around, if it can be done at all. The United of Fergie’s day was a team of superstars, where every position was filled with world-class talent. Amorim would be lucky to have just one such player.
Bruno Fernandes: A Beacon of Hope
Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light for Manchester United this season. He has been key to the club’s successes, but even he wouldn’t have a place in the United team of old. If Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer struggled to get a game, Fernandes wouldn’t stand a chance. Who would you drop? Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Nicky Butt, or Darren Fletcher? Not a chance. The current United squad lacks the star power and depth that defined the team under Sir Alex. Bruno and his teammates are doing their best, but the shadow of the past looms large.
The Road Ahead
The road ahead for Manchester United is long and winding. The club needs to rebuild from the ground up, not just in terms of players but also in the culture and spirit that defined it under Sir Alex Ferguson. The current situation is a far cry from the glory days, and it will take a significant effort to return to the top. However, the memories of those great teams and the games that made Old Trafford a fortress will always be there to inspire the next generation. Until then, every visit to Old Trafford will be a reminder of what once was and what could be again.
