Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Omar Garrick

Manchester United can't let player power influence their most important decision for a decade

Although Ralf Rangnick has been trying to implement change at Manchester United, it hasn't happened as quickly as first hoped.

Following on from Thomas Tuchel's success at Chelsea last season, there was a real belief that Rangnick could have a similar impact at United, though there have been plenty of early teething problems.

United are sixth in the Premier League table, out of the FA Cup and would have to produce something incredible to win the Champions League.

While results haven't been perfect, Rangnick has developed a real rapport with the fans. They like his straight-talking, direct approach, and his candid press conferences mean fans are afforded a clear view of what's going on at the club.

United fans have been desperately searching for a scapegoat of late, with the manager, the board and the backroom staff all coming in for heavy criticism. But the players are just as complicit in the club's demise.

Time and time again United's players have failed to meet the standards required.

Including temporary managers, seven different bosses have graced the Old Trafford dugout since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, and despite the lack of success, there are players at the club who have been a part of all seven regimes.

Supporters are finally beginning to realise that sacking a manager doesn't solve all of a club's problems. It might be the easy way out when your form takes a turn for the worse but that doesn't mean it's the right course of action.

Evidently, there are far deeper-rooted problems at United than just the managers who've been at the helm since Ferguson's retirement and that's why Rangnick's honesty has been so refreshing to see.

The MEN reported recently that there is growing support among the United players for Mauricio Pochettino to become the next permanent manager, with the club intensifying their process following Ed Woodward's departure.

The United squad have to take some responsibility for the club's failings ((Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images))

Of course, given the players are going to be working with the new boss every single day, their relationship with whoever is named manager will be key to the club's success. But has the player power aspect of football all gone a little too far?

After all, United have gone so long without silverware, their next appointment really is one of the biggest decisions the club has had to make in years.

Teams like Manchester City and Liverpool have a clear infrastructure, meaning managers are brought in with a long-term plan in mind. You're not going to get that if a load of players pick who they want to be boss and then in two years half of them have left.

It's nothing against Pochettino but United's squad shouldn't be able to influence such a huge call.

When Rangnick moves upstairs to take up his consultancy role at the end of the season, hopefully the club will have a clear plan and a sense of direction moving forward.

Because right now, it feels as though every single person connected with the club believes they deserve a say in who should be the next manager.

What do you think of United's players having a say in who takes over? Follow our United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.