It has been 12 years since Manchester United last won the Premier League, but their title drought doesn’t have to last another 12 years.
Supporters of Erik ten Hag often point out that Sir Alex Ferguson won the FA Cup during one of the club’s worst league seasons in 1990, and three years later, they became the first Premier League champions. However, few United fans are holding onto that hope as the club sets its sights on a 21st title in 2028, the year of their 150th anniversary. This ambition has been ridiculed, with one columnist joking they might as well aim for Mars instead, until Sir Jim Ratcliffe gave an interview.
History shows that United, who were 13th in 1990, can go from being underachievers to champions. Interestingly, United are currently 13th, and many doubt they will finish in the top half, meaning this season could be only their second bottom-half finish since 1974.
Football has changed significantly since the early 90s, making comparisons between Ferguson and Ten Hag less relevant. References to Brian Clough’s remarkable rise with Derby County and Nottingham Forest also seem out of place now.
There’s little recent evidence of a sudden turnaround at United. The last two times they won the title in 2011 and 2013, it was in the season after they lost it on the final day. Under Ferguson, the longest period without a Premier League trophy was the four years between 2003 and 2007. During that time, United finished third, third, and second, but it was a turbulent period with various issues, including the takeover by Malcolm Glazer and tensions with players like Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy. A banner outside Carrington in 2006 read, “Fergie out.”
United then unexpectedly halted Chelsea’s dominance under Jose Mourinho. However, they can’t look to that comeback for inspiration now, given their current drought is three times as long as in 2007.
The belief that United will go at least 15 years without winning the title again is unfounded. The upcoming summer is crucial for the club, especially if they miss out on the Champions League, and the goal of moving into a new stadium by 2030 could impact recruitment and the team’s performance. There is little trust in the current leadership to make sound decisions, as they have supported Ten Hag by extending his contract and backing him in another Dutch-focused transfer window. Though the signings of Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu show some progress, it’s clear the club still has a long way to go.
