Manchester United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson

Ruben Amorim’s reign as Manchester United manager begins this Sunday with an away fixture against Ipswich. The highly-rated Portuguese coach is the 10th person to hold the managerial reins since Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary tenure ended in 2013.

Below, we review the managers who have taken on the challenge of leading Manchester United post Alex Ferguson, including their achievements and how the team performed during their time at the helm.

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David Moyes (1 July 2013 – 22 April 2014)

Games managed: 51
Trophies won: 1 Community Shield

Hand-picked by Ferguson to be his successor, David Moyes struggled to fill the massive shoes of his predecessor. The team finished a disappointing 7th in the Premier League, failing to qualify for Europe for the first time in over two decades. Moyes was dismissed before the season ended, with many questioning the club’s direction.

Ryan Giggs (Caretaker, 22 April 2014 – 11 May 2014)

Games managed: 4

Giggs stepped in for the final four matches of the 2013-14 season, serving as a steadying presence. Though no trophies were at stake, his brief stint helped ease the club’s transition to their next permanent manager and they picked up some good results during his tenure.

Louis van Gaal (16 July 2014 – 23 May 2016)

Games managed: 103
Trophies won: 1 FA Cup

Van Gaal brought structure and discipline to the squad, though his pragmatic style divided fans. Despite securing the FA Cup in 2016, his two-year stint was marked by inconsistent league form and a lack of Champions League success, leading to his dismissal at the end of the 2015-16 season.

José Mourinho (27 May 2016 – 18 December 2018)

Games managed: 144
Trophies won: 1 UEFA Europa League, 1 League Cup, 1 Community Shield

Mourinho brought a much-needed winning mentality, claiming the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield during his tenure. However, despite boasting the highest win percentage (58.33%) among post-Ferguson managers, his relationship with the squad and board soured, culminating in his exit midway through the 2018-19 season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær (19 December 2018 – 21 November 2021)

Games managed: 168

The longest-serving manager since Ferguson, Solskjær brought optimism, squad harmony and a more attacking style of play. Despite reaching several semifinals and a Europa League final, his tenure was ultimately trophyless, and a dismal sequence of league performances and results led to his departure just three months into the 2021-22 campaign.

Michael Carrick (Caretaker, 21 November 2021 – 2 December 2021)

Games managed: 3

Carrick oversaw three games following Solskjær’s exit, leaving unbeaten and earning plaudits for his short-term impact. He now manages Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Ralf Rangnick (Interim, 3 December 2021 – 22 May 2022)

Games managed: 29

Rangnick’s interim spell was marked by underwhelming performances and a fractured dressing room. His high-pressing philosophy never fully clicked with the squad and he certainly didn’t hold back with a few public parting shots at the club when he finally left.

Erik ten Hag (23 May 2022 – 28 October 2024)

Games managed: 128
Trophies won: 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup

Ten Hag brought tactical sophistication and claimed two trophies during his two-and-a-half seasons. Despite initial promise, the team’s performances faltered, and his tenure ended prematurely this October.

Ruud van Nistelrooy (28 October 2024 – 10 November 2024)

Games managed: 4

The former United striker had a brief caretaker spell, managing just four games and drawing his first Premier League fixture against Chelsea. He is loved by the Man United fans and it is exciting to see where he will manage next.

Now, It’s Ruben Amorim’s turn

Ruben Amorim arrives at Manchester United with a stellar reputation from his time at Sporting Lisbon, tasked with the monumental challenge of restoring the club’s former glory. His journey begins on Sunday with an away fixture against Ipswich, where United are 13/20 favourites to secure a win. While the odds favour a positive start, the match carries significant pressure; a poor result would be a disastrous way to kick off the Amorim era.

As history shows, many of the post-Ferguson managers have struggled to bring silverware to Old Trafford. However, United remain in contention on multiple fronts, with opportunities in the Europa League (11/2), the FA Cup (14/1), and the League Cup (5/1), where they’ve already reached the quarter-finals. For Amorim, this match is not just about three points—it’s about setting the tone for what he hopes will be a successful reign.