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29 March 2024

Europe failure signals time for Man Utd Sir Alex

Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson gestures during their English Premier League soccer match against Norwich City at Carrow Road in Norwich, southeast England, February 26, 2012. (REUTERS)

Published
By Staff

Manchester United have only one trophy to play for now. The English Premier League title. And that hangs by a thread as well. In a recent poll of Premier League managers, the majority picked Manchester City to pip United to the title.

United’s shock exit from the Champions League and the Europa League now, will not rankle the legions of United supporters as much as the manner of the loss.

The Old Trafford fortress began to resemble a cardboard stronghold, one which Basle, and then Athletic Blbao dismantled with some ease – and elan.

Sir Alex Ferguson said Manchester United deserved what they got after being dumped out of Europe for the second time this season.

"I don't think we can complain about the result," said Ferguson. "Bilbao were the better team.

"I hope it is [just a bad year]. We try to analyse this season against other seasons and it's a bit difficult.

"I don't think it's an issue for me feeling sorry for myself. I think the disappointment and analysing the performance is more important.

United were beaten over both legs by Bilbao.

The bigger question at Old Trafford, the elephant in the room as it were remains, is it time to start planning for life without Sir Alex.
All sort of analysis will be used to explain Manchester United’s horrendous European form and patchy Premier League showing as well.

However, questions need to be asked about Sir Alex’s refusal to stock up on his midfield after Scholes’ retirement.

There has been the constant faith in Johny Evans and Michael Carrick – both of whom were exposed for the caricatures they probably really are on the bug stage of Europe.

There has been the question of Dimitar Berbatov.

The losses to Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

The clear understanding at Old Trafford is the future will begin when Sir Alex Ferguson has decided he is now part of the club’s past. Therein lies the danger.

Perhaps it is time for Manchester United to push for the future, before winning trophies becomes a thing of the past for the illustrious club.