Might not be the right thread for this but I’ve been feeling this for a while.
I’m probably wrong but I just get the impression that when we had fergie we had a manager who oversaw EVERYTHING in the club, from academy through to first team (including scouting and planning with his brother) and that the board and glazers just focused on the commercial side. Both playing to their strengths and the board capitalising on the success on the pitch.
However since fergie retired I just sense a disconnect in the board and that we are just run by a business. Every transfer we make seems to be firstly based on commercial resale value, whereas it should be on synergy with the squad and planning for the future.. that’s what United always stood for... making great players, not buying them.
I think the club desperately needed ribalta to take a sporting director role and him work with the manager to identify weaknesses and use the lure of the Club to attain them. Now that United is not the footballing powerhouse it once was it seems harder for the board to get these players without over spending. What we’re seeing is the board seeing the lack of value in overspending and just a general disconnect between what’s right for the “brand” and what’s right for the football club.
Honestly can not see a change in fortune until we sort out the infrastructure of the club. With a extensive scouting network who is independent from the manager, a sporting director to keep tabs on the academy and recruitment. And a manager who’s sole purpose is managing his team to the best of his powers and communicating with the scouting network on what he needs.
I mean look at Galactico Woodward, he just wants bale bale bale.. I reckon Mourinho would have made some more and better signings like Fred if it were just down to him.
Don’t hate me for this post. Just what I think really.