A change in manager is always likely to have a significant impact upon a football club, however not many could have predicted just how much both Arsenal and Manchester United would struggle after the departures of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson. United last won the Premier League title in 2013, while the Gunners have not lifted a major trophy since their FA Cup success back in 2017. So, just why are two of English football’s biggest names struggling so much?
The duo are once again in major danger of missing out on a place in the top four, which would likely mean another season without Champions League football, with Arsenal having recently put Freddie Ljungberg in charge following the sacking of Unai Emery, while United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford. These two teams are featured on a regular basis when it comes to bookies chat and bets regarding their next manager, with the likes of Massimo Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino believed to be waiting in the wings.
United’s lack of Champions League football is one of the reasons why they have chosen to focus upon young British players, rather than high-profile gambles, while a lack of identity at Arsenal has left many fans questioning the direction in which they are heading. The two teams will find it increasingly difficult to attract their preferred targets in the transfer market if they continue as they are, with the likes of Leicester City and Wolves threatening to overtake them in the standings too.
The Sir Alex Ferguson legacy is enormous at Old Trafford, with the likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho having failed to reach the heights of the Scot, with many believing that changes are needed at the very top of the club before improvements will be made, including the appointment of a Director of Football.
Arsene Wenger’s impact on the Premier League was almost as impressive, with the Frenchman having recently shown his support for caretaker boss Ljungberg. Both United and Arsenal could well put their efforts into their respective European campaigns, ahead of their Premier League encounters, with the Europa League winner qualifying automatically for next season’s Champions League. While both teams are still likely to be able to attract leading managers, players are likely to have second thoughts.
It remains to be seen as to just how long it will take for Arsenal and United to reach the top levels of the game once again, however the duo will be hoping to stop the managerial merry-go-round at least.
