Man Utd's decision to involve former players in their search for a new boss backs up the claim that the club is still living in the past.
The Red Devils are still struggling to adapt to life without Sir Alex Ferguson as they've gone through a string of managers since the legendary figure's departure. Fergie tried to help the club adjust to life without him by lining up their successor David Moyes and still has an influence at the club to this day including a phone call to Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer that led to his signing.
Leaning on such an icon can obviously have its benefits, but on the flip side, it can hinder the ability to move forward. And that seems to be the case for United and is a criticism that has been thrown in their direction since Ferguson left the club.
But it seems United are ignoring that advice as the club's search for a new manager continues with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the leading contenders. The National News reports that John Murtough and Darren Fletcher have had several meetings following a period of detailed research and consultation, which has included the views of several former United players.
Stan Collymore highlighted this point perfectly after the 5-0 rout by Liverpool as he slammed Ferguson's role at the club, who still has "considerable influence" at Old Trafford, as well as their continued backing of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before he was sacked. He said in his Daily Mirror column: "The umbilical cord of history needs to be cut at Old Trafford – and it’s time someone said the unsayable.
"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t the man for the job – and, what’s more, it’s time that Sir Alex Ferguson's considerable influence was reduced too. It’s ruthless of me to say the second part of that – given that the arena in which 75,000 people will sit this afternoon was largely paid for on the back of his managerial success.
"But the time has come to sever the ties with the past – and create a bright, new, energetic future without the ghosts of the past hanging about. It’s been over seven years now and there’s been over £1billion spent on the team. Solskjaer’s had a fair bit of that cash – Ferguson’s been hovering around in the background – and he has to shoulder the blame too."
