The wait for Manchester United’s next title has now stretched to a dozen years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, and a return to former glory appears a distant prospect.
During the Premier League’s initial 21 years, the Red Devils secured the title 13 times. However, since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the club has experienced a revolving door of leadership, with six different permanent managers taking the helm.
Currently, in the ongoing season, Manchester United finds itself in 14th place in the Premier League standings under the management of Ruben Amorim, following a 15th-place finish in the previous season.
Manchester United legend shares his perspective on the club’s challenges
Nicky Butt, a prominent figure from the famed Class of 92 that spearheaded Manchester United’s era of dominance under Ferguson, has joined forces with his former teammate Paul Scholes and presenter Paddy McGuinness for a newly launched podcast titled The Good, The Bad & The Football.
FourFourTwo attended a recording session of the podcast and engaged in a conversation with Butt to gather his insights on the current state of Manchester United.
“If they achieve a top-half finish this season, I wouldn’t be entirely satisfied, but considering the circumstances, it’s a result you’d accept, recognizing that the journey back to our desired level will be a gradual one,” Butt shared with FFT. “We currently have a significant distance to cover.”
When questioned about the summer signing he was most enthusiastic about, he responded: “I believe it’s Matheus Cunha. He possesses Premier League experience from his time with Wolves, where he performed exceptionally well, making a strong initial impact. Although he’s been sidelined with an injury, I’m eager to witness his contributions this season.”
In response to the question of which player from Ferguson’s esteemed Manchester United squad Butt would integrate into the current team, he stated: “Most likely Roy Keane. I believe he would inject a sense of urgency and make a remarkable impact as the on-field leader, effectively serving as the manager on the pitch and the captain.
“Furthermore, his quotes would undoubtedly be compelling and provide intriguing insights.”
Potential Candidates to Replace Ruben Amorim
Butt also shared his comprehensive assessment of Manchester United’s decline and the difficulties they have faced under Amorim’s leadership.
“At its core, the club is currently plagued by deep-seated issues,” the former midfielder conveyed to us. “Even if Amorim were to be dismissed tomorrow, the question remains: who would step in to replace him? No one possesses a definitive answer or can confidently name a suitable candidate.
“Even if a prime Sir Alex were to take charge, he wouldn’t be able to orchestrate an immediate turnaround; it would necessitate time and patience. Similarly, the implementation of Pep’s or Klopp’s strategies wouldn’t yield the desired results.”
The Good, The Bad & The Football, featuring Butt, Scholes, and McGuinness, represents a newly launched weekly video podcast accessible on all prominent podcast platforms and YouTube. An upcoming issue of FourFourTwo magazine will feature an extensive conversation with the trio, delving into their perspectives on football and their respective careers.
