Ranking Manchester United managers since Ferguson's 2013 retirement

By Peter Ochieng

English Premier League (EP) giants Manchester United have a new manager, days after the sacking of Dutchman Erik ten Hag.

United confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as Head Coach of the men’s first team on Friday, subject to work visa requirements.

“He will join until June 2027 with a club option of an additional year, once he has fulfilled his obligations to his current club. He will join Manchester United on Monday 11 November,” read a statement from the club.

“Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club’s first title in 19 years. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Ruben joins.”

He is set to become the 10th Manager since legendary Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Here, we rank United’s managers since ‘Fergie’ left.

1. José Mourinho (May 2016-December 2018)

After successful stints with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Mourinho got a chance to manage United – one of his dream jobs.

He won the League Cup and the Europa League in his first season, followed by taking United to second in the Premier League, an achievement he ranks among his best in football considering the state of the club.

Mourinho made life hard for players such as Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw.

As always, he expected nothing but the best from his players, sadly alienating them by calling them out in public.

He doesn't stay at clubs beyond two years as results dip or his relationships with players and club leaders or owners break down.

Mourinho's time in the Old Trafford dugout wasn't the happiest, but it was the most efficient in the post Ferguson era.

2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (December 2018-November 2021)

The former Manchester United striker should be proud of what he accomplished during his time at the club, considering the fact that his peers on this list came in with acres of experience.

Perhaps he would have been afforded more time, but a run of bad results saw him kicked out unceremoniously.

The club legend took United to third and second in back-to-back Premier League seasons.

The Norwegian certainly gave fans one of their best moments in recent years away at Paris Saint-Germain, where United became the first team in Champions League history to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit to stun the French outfit.

His great undoing was perhaps not being able to steer United to any title win during his time in charge.

3. Erik ten Hag (July 2022-October 2024)

He led United to the League Cup title win in his first season, alongside a third spot finish in the Premier League, signalling perhaps a return to the good old days.

However, his second season was to say the least, awful.

United's 8th-place finish in the Premier League was their worst ever.

The Red Devils were beaten 4-0 by Brentford and Crystal Palace respectively, besides a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth along the way.

The United hierarchy deemed the FA Cup victory over Manchester City worthy of keeping the former Ajax manager, even extending his deal in the process.

But a poor start to the current season saw him shown the door, before things could get out of hand after last weekend’s 1-2 loss to West Ham United.

He was replaced by another United legend, his compatriot Ruud van Nistelrooy, albeit in an acting capacity.

4. Louis van Gaal (May 2014-May 2016)

Another Dutch tactician on the list. During Van Gaal’s time in charge, United played some excellent football in spells.

Throw in the fact that when he left two years later, the Red Devils had won the FA Cup.

His willingness to give teenager Marcus Rashford his debut was a significant moment in the club's recent history.

The striker still represents the most impactful academy graduate since Fergie's exit.

Other United managers of the post Ferguson era are:

David Moyes (June 2013-April 2014)

Ryan Giggs (caretaker, April – May 2014)

Michael Carrick (caretaker, November – December 2021)

Ralf Rangnick (interim, December 2021–May 2022)

Ruud van Nistelrooy (interim, October 2024)