Crisis at United? I blame myself, I blame Sir Alex Ferguson

Patrice Evra, a Manchester United legend, has candidly expressed his thoughts on the club’s ongoing struggles, revealing that he holds both himself and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson partly responsible for the situation.

Evra, who was a key figure at Old Trafford during United’s glory years, believes that their departures left a leadership vacuum, with younger players lacking the kind of mentorship and example that players like him and Ferguson provided. His comments are a stark reflection on the decline that has gripped the club since Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

Evra, who left the club at the end of the 2013/14 season, has voiced his concerns over how the club has struggled to maintain the same standards and identity that defined Manchester United during Ferguson’s reign. Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Evra said, "It’s always difficult to talk about United right now, because we used to play for the fans, for the badge. I blame myself, I blame Sir Alex Ferguson. When we left, we left too early, and it’s hard for the players because they don’t have any example." This sense of responsibility highlights Evra’s deep connection to the club and his regret over not staying longer to guide the next generation of players.

Since Ferguson's retirement, United has undergone a period of instability and inconsistency. Evra touched on how the club has struggled to find direction in the years that followed, saying, "Coach Ten Hag is trying his best, but it’s not enough. But it’s not just about this season; since we won the last league title in 2013, the club has been in chaos." These remarks underline the frustration felt by many former players and fans alike, as the team has failed to return to the heights they reached under Ferguson’s leadership. The lack of a clear, sustained vision has been a recurring issue, with several managerial changes and high-profile signings failing to restore the club’s dominance in English football.

Evra also expressed his dismay at the growing gap between Manchester United and their rivals, pointing out how other teams have adapted and improved while United has stagnated. "I’m a positive man, but it’s difficult. Our rivals are getting better than us, playing better football. The future isn’t bright. It’s a tough moment," Evra admitted. The comparison to Liverpool, who endured a 30-year title drought before winning the Premier League in 2020, is particularly poignant. "Liverpool waited 30 years to win the Premier League again, and now it’s been 11 years since United’s last title. I don’t want to wait that long."

Despite his concerns, Evra remains a loyal supporter of the club. "Either way, I’ll be a United fan forever, but it’s really hard to watch United play," he added. His comments reflect the pain many fans feel as they witness their beloved club struggle to recapture the form that once made them one of the most feared teams in Europe.

One of the more surprising aspects of Evra’s interview was his criticism of the decision by Manchester United’s management to distance Sir Alex Ferguson from his role as a club ambassador. Ferguson, who was the architect of United’s golden era, has been seen less frequently around the club in recent years. Evra believes this has been detrimental to the club’s culture and identity. "I haven’t digested everything. Sometimes we want to tell the truth, and people think we’re speaking against our club, and we don’t want to harm it. When that legend, that legacy goes away, I think the fans won’t be friends with you," Evra said, alluding to how important Ferguson’s presence was in maintaining the standards and ethos of the club.

In addition to pointing out the club’s past mistakes, Evra also had strong opinions about the current state of Manchester United under manager Erik ten Hag. While Ten Hag has won the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure, Evra believes that these achievements fall short of the expectations that come with managing Manchester United. "He’s been at the club for three years now, and yes, he’s won two trophies. But when you’re the manager of United, people expect you to win the league every year," Evra explained.

Evra emphasized the need for a complete rebuild of the club, urging United to stop dwelling on past successes and focus on restoring their dominance. "We need to stop talking about the past. This is not the United it used to be. We need to rebuild it." His words resonate with the growing sentiment that United’s glory days cannot be recaptured by simply relying on nostalgia; instead, the club must adopt a long-term strategy that fosters success on the pitch and stability off it.

In many ways, Evra’s comments encapsulate the frustration and disappointment felt by a generation of fans and former players who watched United dominate under Ferguson, only to see the club lose its way in the years since his departure. The Frenchman’s call for rebuilding reflects the urgent need for structural change at Old Trafford, as United struggles to find its identity in the modern game. Evra’s criticism, while harsh, comes from a place of love for the club, as he continues to hope for a brighter future at Old Trafford one where the club can reclaim its rightful place at the top of English football.