From Moyes to Ten Hag: A First Game Snapshot of Every Manchester United Manager
Manchester United’s post-Ferguson era has seen a carousel of managers, each stepping into the spotlight with the weight of legacy and expectations. From early wins to disappointing losses, these first games tell a lot about each manager’s opening approach and ambitions.
Here’s A Look At How Each Manchester United Manager Fared in Their Inaugural Match.
David Moyes: Steady Start with A Trophy
Dubbed “The Chosen One,” Moyes opened his United chapter with a confident 2-0 Community Shield win over Wigan in 2013, fueled by Robin Van Persie’s brace. His start hinted at promise but, ultimately, was unable to sustain the momentum and he was axed in April 2014.
Ryan Giggs: Iconic Player, Short-Term Manager
Taking on an interim role after Moyes’ exit, Giggs managed a rousing 4-0 victory over Norwich. Familiar as United’s most-capped player, he gave fans a nostalgic boost before returning to a supportive role.
Louis van Gaal: A Tough Beginning
Bringing years of experience, Van Gaal’s tenure began with a 2-1 home loss to Swansea in 2014, casting early doubts on his long-term fit. His debut, marred by United’s first home defeat to Swansea in over 80 years, set a challenging tone for his reign. He would go on to seal a top-four spot in his first season at Old Trafford but was sacked after finishing fifth and winning the FA Cup in his second season.
Jose Mourinho: Silverware Right Away
Mourinho’s start on August 7 2016, a 2-1 victory in the Community Shield against Leicester City, showcased his knack for quick success. He later followed up with a win in his first league match, but despite trophies, his tenure would end on 18 December 2018 amid internal struggles.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Fairytale Beginnings
Solskjaer’s era began with a bang, as United romped to a 5-1 win over Cardiff, rekindling optimism among the Red Devils fans. His first few months continued this success, eventually earning him the permanent job, although the results became less consistent over time.
Michael Carrick: Champions League Win
Serving as interim manager after Solskjaer’s departure, Carrick began his short spell with a 2-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League. Though he won two of his three games, Carrick soon stepped aside, leaving with a positive, if brief, record.
Ralf Rangnick: Immediate Victory, Then Turmoil
Rangnick’s debut saw a scrappy 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, hinting at a hopeful turnaround. Despite early optimism, Rangnick’s time was marred by inconsistency, and he exited at the season’s end.
Erik ten Hag: Early Setbacks
Ten Hag’s tenure began with a 2-1 loss to Brighton, marking a tough introduction. Though he managed an FA Cup win later, a string of poor performances led to his recent exit, closing yet another chapter in United’s pursuit of stability.
Ruud van Nistelroy is set to manage the club on an interim basis, starting with a Carabao Cup match against Leicester City at Old Trafford on October 30th, 2024.
Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, [X]Twitter and Instagram.
Comments