Nani's Shocking Revelations: Why Manchester United Struggled After Sir Alex Ferguson's Retirement
Latest Manchester United News • February 14, 2026 • trendy news
In the ever-evolving world of football, few stories capture the imagination like the dramatic decline of Manchester United following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Recently resurfaced comments from former Red Devils winger Nani have reignited discussions about the post-Ferguson era. Nani stated: “Manchester United needed a manager who understood the club’s culture. David Moyes arrived with a small-club mentality and made poor decisions.” These words, originally shared in interviews with FourFourTwo and other outlets, perfectly encapsulate the challenges United faced—and continue to face—in 2026.
The Golden Era Under Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign transformed Manchester United into a global powerhouse. Winning 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions Leagues, 5 FA Cups, and more, his win percentage hovered around 60%. The 2012-13 season saw United claim the title convincingly, but Ferguson's retirement left a void no one could immediately fill.
David Moyes: The Chosen One Who Wasn't
Handpicked by Ferguson, David Moyes arrived from Everton with high hopes. Fans unveiled a "Chosen One" banner, but reality hit hard. Moyes' defensive style clashed with United's attacking tradition, leading to poor results and player discontent.
Nani detailed the issues: bad man-management, broken promises, and a mentality unfit for a club used to constant success. After renewing his contract on Moyes' assurances, Nani barely played, calling it "the worst moment" of his career.
Nani's Insider Perspective
In recent reflections (including 2026 FourFourTwo pieces), Nani emphasized: “Moyes arrived with a small-club mentality... Above all, it was about bad man-management.” This mismatch started a cycle of instability that persists today.
The Manager Carousel and 2026 Reality
Since Moyes, United have seen managers like Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and Ruben Amorim come and go. Amorim was sacked on January 5, 2026, after 14 months and a dismal 31.9% win rate. Michael Carrick now serves as interim, with speculation around permanent options like Roberto De Zerbi.
| Manager | Matches | Win % | Major Trophies |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Moyes | 51 | 52.94% | 1 (Community Shield) |
| Jose Mourinho | 144 | 58.33% | 3 |
| Erik ten Hag | 114 | 54.39% | 2 |
| Ruben Amorim | 63 | 31.9% | 0 |
Old Trafford and the Future
Amidst managerial turmoil, plans for a new 100,000-seat stadium next to Old Trafford signal ambition. But as Nani noted, cultural understanding remains key to success.
Manchester United's journey since Ferguson highlights the difficulty of sustaining excellence. Nani's words serve as a timeless reminder: culture and mentality matter as much as tactics.
What do you think United need next? Share in the comments below!
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