Sport
Manchester United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson
Ruben Amorim’s reign as Manchester United manager came to an end in January 2026 and Red Devils fans will be hoping that the next man in is the right person to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
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.
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 Man 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.
Ruben Amorim (11 November 2024 – 5 January 2026)
Ruben Amorim was sacked by Manchester United in January 2026, less than 24 hours after an outburst aimed at club bosses. A 1-1 draw away at Leeds United was the final straw and Amorim leaves the club with United sitting sixth in the Premier League table.
He led the club to the 2024/25 Europa League final but the Red Devils suffered an embarrassing defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and that was as close to silverware as he got during his brief Old Trafford tenure.
