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Six things Man Utd got horribly wrong after Sir Alex Ferguson's emotional farewell speech
On this day in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson said an emotional farewell to his beloved Manchester United, but in the years since the great Scot's retirement, the club have make some disastrous decisions
When Sir Alex Ferguson delivered his iconic retirement speech on this day back in 2013, few could have predicted the magnitude of Manchester United's demise.
It was always going to be a challenge for the Red Devils to deal with the demands of the post-Ferguson era, but the nine years since his sudden retirement have been nothing short of a disaster. Fergie bid farewell having clinched a 20th English top-flight title, but almost a decade on, and United have never been able to repeat the Scot's last feat.
In the years since, the club have spent in excess of £1billion on players and appointed five permanent matches in a desperate attempt to rediscover an elusive recipe for success. However, that has continued to evade United, who have endured all manners of woes since the legendary Scot said his goodbyes.
Here, Daily Star Sport take a closer look at all the things United got horribly wrong as the club have spectacularly struggled since snubbing the Scot's advice in his famous farewell speech.
Not standing by his successor
What has been Manchester United's biggest mistake since Sir Alex Ferguson retired? Let us know in the comments section.
Perhaps the most poignant words from Fergie's farewell were with regards to his chosen successor, David Moyes. The departing United icon urged the club and its supporters to stand by the incoming former Everton boss during the period of transition, as he reminded those at the club about his shaky start to life at Old Trafford.
Ferguson uttered the words: "I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important."
Clearly not important enough. Moyes was sacked a mere 10 months on from his appointment, making his managerial stint the third-shortest in United history. So much for that patience Ferguson called for.
Signing Fellaini
Though the squad Moyes inherited had just been crowned Premier League champions, some fresh faces were certainly needed as rivals Manchester City continued their ascent to the top of the game. However, the only arrival in the summer after Ferguson's departure was Marouane Fellaini - a player Moyes knew well from his Everton days.
United splashed out £27.5million on the big Belgian who proved particularly effective for Moyes' Toffees when stuck up front. Fellaini made a mere 15 Premier League starts in his debut campaign as he struggled to acclimatise to his new surroundings and failed to fit into United's system.
Though the wild-haired midfielder was used to being effective in Everton's side, he was never suited to United's style and was far from the creative, classy presence the club craved in the middle of the park. Juan Mata was acquired in the January transfer window, however the damage had already been done, and United's decision to make Fellaini the only player they signed in the summer after Ferguson left proved a significant factor in the Red Devils finishing the following season in 7th.
Snubbing Ferguson's last signing
Though Ferguson hardly left United in the best shape before his departure, the Scot ensured he completed one final piece of promising business before bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career. Fergie snapped up a 20-year-old Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace in January of 2013, with a view to him joining up with the squad in the summer, as he panned for United's future.
The Eagles starlet was deemed one of English football's hottest prospects at the time and the dazzling forward looked set to go on to become the latest in a long-line of iconic wingers at the club. Ferguson's untimely departure then left Moyes to inherit a player who he wouldn't see eye-to-eye with.
Despite Zaha asserting himself as the star of United's pre-season and then making Moyes' first starting XI - the victorious Community Shield contest with Wigan - the Ivorian was soon exiled by the Scot. Zaha would return to Palace the following summer, after a short loan stint with Cardiff, before going on to establish himself as a club legend with the South London side and leaving United fans to wonder 'what if'?
Upholding his high expectations
During his 26-year reign at United, Ferguson demanded the highest of standards. Upon bidding his farewell, he would state his desire to see such expectations upheld at the club going forward.
The great Scot said: "The players... I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you're wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don't ever let yourself down. The expectation is always there."
However, those standards have significantly slipped in the years since. In the wake of a 4-0 battering to Brighton at the weekend, Bruno Fernandes admitted he, alongside his United team-mates, were not fit to wear the shirt - a telling admission which epitomises the last nine years at the club. It appears Ferguson's demands evaporated into the ether.
Recruitment and squad harmony
At United, Ferguson was revered for always being able to get the best out of his players. The Scot understood it was a squad game and sought to utilise his players as best he could, ensuring all were made to feel valued and a part of the team's success.
However, this season alone has highlighted the extent of the disharmony in the dressing room, with constant reports of disagreements, disgruntlement and a clashing of egos. Ultimately, the club's failings on that front boil down to poor recruitment.
Since Ferguson left, United have struggled spectacularly on the transfer front, often recruiting players who don't fit the profile needed - Fellaini and Donny van de Beek to name but two - and players whose attitude doesn't complement the club's ethos - Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria for example. United need look no further than fierce rivals Liverpool to see what could have been as Jurgen Klopp has seemingly applied Ferguson's blueprint to the Reds with great success.
As Ferguson's farewell speech drew to a close that day, the Scot gave a special mention to one player in particular. He added: "Before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes, who retires today. He's unbelievable; one of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have."
As if losing Ferguson wasn't enough, the ageing Scholes also hanging up his boots at the same time would prove to be another crushing blow. As mentioned, Fellaini failed to fill the void - a void which United hasn't been addressed since.
The likes of Ander Herrera, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Fred have all tried and failed to succeed Scholes as the heartbeat in United's side. Though Scholes was arguably a player of unique ability, the Red Devils have got it all wrong when it has come to signing a midfielder capable of controlling play and dictating a game's tempo.
Daily Star Sunday
On this day in 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson said an emotional farewell to his beloved Manchester United, but in the years since the great Scot's retirement, the club have make some disastrous decisions
When Sir Alex Ferguson delivered his iconic retirement speech on this day back in 2013, few could have predicted the magnitude of Manchester United's demise.
It was always going to be a challenge for the Red Devils to deal with the demands of the post-Ferguson era, but the nine years since his sudden retirement have been nothing short of a disaster. Fergie bid farewell having clinched a 20th English top-flight title, but almost a decade on, and United have never been able to repeat the Scot's last feat.
In the years since, the club have spent in excess of £1billion on players and appointed five permanent matches in a desperate attempt to rediscover an elusive recipe for success. However, that has continued to evade United, who have endured all manners of woes since the legendary Scot said his goodbyes.
Here, Daily Star Sport take a closer look at all the things United got horribly wrong as the club have spectacularly struggled since snubbing the Scot's advice in his famous farewell speech.
Not standing by his successor
What has been Manchester United's biggest mistake since Sir Alex Ferguson retired? Let us know in the comments section.
Perhaps the most poignant words from Fergie's farewell were with regards to his chosen successor, David Moyes. The departing United icon urged the club and its supporters to stand by the incoming former Everton boss during the period of transition, as he reminded those at the club about his shaky start to life at Old Trafford.
Ferguson uttered the words: "I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important."
Clearly not important enough. Moyes was sacked a mere 10 months on from his appointment, making his managerial stint the third-shortest in United history. So much for that patience Ferguson called for.
Signing Fellaini
Though the squad Moyes inherited had just been crowned Premier League champions, some fresh faces were certainly needed as rivals Manchester City continued their ascent to the top of the game. However, the only arrival in the summer after Ferguson's departure was Marouane Fellaini - a player Moyes knew well from his Everton days.
United splashed out £27.5million on the big Belgian who proved particularly effective for Moyes' Toffees when stuck up front. Fellaini made a mere 15 Premier League starts in his debut campaign as he struggled to acclimatise to his new surroundings and failed to fit into United's system.
Though the wild-haired midfielder was used to being effective in Everton's side, he was never suited to United's style and was far from the creative, classy presence the club craved in the middle of the park. Juan Mata was acquired in the January transfer window, however the damage had already been done, and United's decision to make Fellaini the only player they signed in the summer after Ferguson left proved a significant factor in the Red Devils finishing the following season in 7th.
Snubbing Ferguson's last signing
Though Ferguson hardly left United in the best shape before his departure, the Scot ensured he completed one final piece of promising business before bringing the curtain down on his illustrious career. Fergie snapped up a 20-year-old Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace in January of 2013, with a view to him joining up with the squad in the summer, as he panned for United's future.
The Eagles starlet was deemed one of English football's hottest prospects at the time and the dazzling forward looked set to go on to become the latest in a long-line of iconic wingers at the club. Ferguson's untimely departure then left Moyes to inherit a player who he wouldn't see eye-to-eye with.
Despite Zaha asserting himself as the star of United's pre-season and then making Moyes' first starting XI - the victorious Community Shield contest with Wigan - the Ivorian was soon exiled by the Scot. Zaha would return to Palace the following summer, after a short loan stint with Cardiff, before going on to establish himself as a club legend with the South London side and leaving United fans to wonder 'what if'?
Upholding his high expectations
During his 26-year reign at United, Ferguson demanded the highest of standards. Upon bidding his farewell, he would state his desire to see such expectations upheld at the club going forward.
The great Scot said: "The players... I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you're wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don't ever let yourself down. The expectation is always there."
However, those standards have significantly slipped in the years since. In the wake of a 4-0 battering to Brighton at the weekend, Bruno Fernandes admitted he, alongside his United team-mates, were not fit to wear the shirt - a telling admission which epitomises the last nine years at the club. It appears Ferguson's demands evaporated into the ether.
Recruitment and squad harmony
At United, Ferguson was revered for always being able to get the best out of his players. The Scot understood it was a squad game and sought to utilise his players as best he could, ensuring all were made to feel valued and a part of the team's success.
However, this season alone has highlighted the extent of the disharmony in the dressing room, with constant reports of disagreements, disgruntlement and a clashing of egos. Ultimately, the club's failings on that front boil down to poor recruitment.
Since Ferguson left, United have struggled spectacularly on the transfer front, often recruiting players who don't fit the profile needed - Fellaini and Donny van de Beek to name but two - and players whose attitude doesn't complement the club's ethos - Paul Pogba and Angel Di Maria for example. United need look no further than fierce rivals Liverpool to see what could have been as Jurgen Klopp has seemingly applied Ferguson's blueprint to the Reds with great success.
As Ferguson's farewell speech drew to a close that day, the Scot gave a special mention to one player in particular. He added: "Before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes, who retires today. He's unbelievable; one of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have."
As if losing Ferguson wasn't enough, the ageing Scholes also hanging up his boots at the same time would prove to be another crushing blow. As mentioned, Fellaini failed to fill the void - a void which United hasn't been addressed since.
The likes of Ander Herrera, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Fred have all tried and failed to succeed Scholes as the heartbeat in United's side. Though Scholes was arguably a player of unique ability, the Red Devils have got it all wrong when it has come to signing a midfielder capable of controlling play and dictating a game's tempo.
Daily Star Sunday