From ferguson to instability: How many managers has united had, and who was the Longest-Serving one?

Manchester United’s performance since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure cannot be described as anything but a success. The “Red Devils” have struggled to find stability in their coaching staff, with the constant changes in managers now serving as a classic case study in modern soccer.

It is telling that from 1937 to 2013, when the Scottish legend stepped down after 26 years at the helm and 38 titles, United had gone through a total of 11 managers. The same number holds true for the period that followed, as over the past 13 years, another 11 managers have taken the helm.

In fact, the club is now close to hiring its 12th manager since the Ferguson era, as Michael Carrick was let go early Thursday morning (11/12).

In the years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United has failed to maintain the same momentum, winning only seven trophies. Of these, three came under the guidance of José Mourinho, who remains the manager with the most titles during that period.

In second place is Eric ten Hag, with two titles to his credit, while David Moyes and Louis van Gaal each led the “Red Devils” to the top once each.

As for the length of their tenures on the bench, however, Mourinho is not at the top. The title of longest-serving manager in the post-Ferguson era belongs to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who remained in the position for 1,068 days. The Portuguese manager follows with 900 days, while Ten Hag is third, with a tenure of 850 days.

The list of managers in the post-Ferguson era

1. David Moyes – 295 days – 51 games (1.73 points per game) – 1 title (2013–14 Community Shield)
2. Ryan Giggs (interim) – 68 days – 4 matches (1.75 points per match)
3. Louis van Gaal – 679 days – 103 games (1.81 points per game) – 1 title (2015–16 FA Cup)
4. José Mourinho – 900 days – 144 matches (1.97 points per match) – 3 titles (2016–17 Europa League, 2016–17 Carabao Cup, 2016–17 Community Shield)
5. Ole Gunnar Solskjær – 1,068 days – 168 games (1.85 points per game)
6. Michael Carrick – 141 days as interim manager (across two stints) + 173 days as head coach – 35 matches (1.71 points per match)
7. Ralph Rangnick – 179 days – 29 games (1.45 points per game)
8. Erik ten Hag – 850 days – 128 matches (1.84 points per match) – 2 titles (2023–24 FA Cup, 2022–23 Carabao Cup)
9. Ruud van Nistelrooy (interim) – 14 days – 4 games (2.50 points per game)
10. Rubén Amorim – 420 days – 63 games (1.43 points per game)
11. Daren Fletcher – 8 days – 2 matches (2.25 points per match)

• Titles under Alex Ferguson: 38 in 27 years / Titles since Alex Ferguson: 7 in 13 years

*photo source: AP