A 4-0 thrashing at Brentford, who were playing in the third tier when Ferguson bowed out in 2013, left United bottom of the
United's share price was stuck below
Five months on and the club have enjoyed a stunning revival which reached a new peak in Saturday's 2-1 derby victory over champions Manchester
City. United are the most inform team in the country, having won nine games in a row in all competitions, and are the only side to have beaten both of the
Like Newcastle, they have taken advantage of Liverpool and Chelsea's malaise to climb into the top four and are now being talked about as potential challengers for a first topflight title since the last of Ferguson's 13 almost a decade ago.
This isn't the first time in the intervening years that United have threatened to become a force again, most notably under
But while Mourinho finished second with the club in 2018, they were still 19 points adrift of City and they haven't finished any closer to the eventual winners since.
Solskjaer's spell, meanwhile, revived memories of the Fergie era but his seat-of-the-pants style never felt sustainable and its shortcomings, too, were exposed.
MONEY WELL SPENT Ten Hag's reign, by contrast, has been methodical, unyielding and rooted in sound principles governing tactical and selection decisions. He has been allowed to shape the team, adding expensive signings in Casemiro and
Perhaps the best endorsement of the former Ajax coach's methods is the return to form of
United's on-field resurgence has come despite renewed uncertainty off the pitch.
After 17 years of ownership, the second half of which has seen their popularity among supporters recede further, the Glazers indicated in November that they are ready to sell.
Stability and form have already made United look more appealing to buyers. More good results against
The share price hit
If the victories keep coming, then, it could be win-win for fans who want the Glazers out and the owners, who stand to pocket several million dollars in profit on their £790m purchase.
(c) 2023 City A.M., source