Manchester United: The worst decisions made by Red Devils chiefs since Sir Alex Fergusons retirement

Manchester United: The worst decisions made by Red Devils chiefs since Sir Alex Fergusons retirement
It has not been plain sailing for Manchester United since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retried in 2013.They have secured just two top-four finishes in that time, while failing to lift a Premier League title.Getty8

Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United

Recruitment and managerial appointments have been massive problems at Old Trafford.Here, talkSPORT look at the worst decisions made by Manchester United chiefs since Fergusons departure.

Appointing David Moyes as manager

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David Moyes did not last long as Manchester United boss

At the time of his appointment, the decision to have Moyes replace Ferguson seemed a sensible one. Moyes had spent 11 years at Everton and, without much of a transfer budget, consistently guided the club to top-seven finishes.But the Manchester United job proved too much for him. Despite handing him a six-year contract, Moyes was sacked after just ten months as United ended the season in seventh place their lowest finish since 1990.

Signing Angel di Maria for a then-British club-record fee

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Angel di Maria was a Premier League flop

After arriving in a 59.7million deal from Real Madrid in 2014, United fans were excited to see what Di Maria could offer. But it just did not work out for the Argentina winger. He scored just three Premier League goals and lost his place in the starting XI towards the end of the 2014/15 campaign.He was then sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after failing to win over Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal and the Old Trafford faithful.

Extending Jose Mourinhos contract

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Jose Mourinho left Manchester United earlier this season

After winning the Europa League and League Cup in his first season as Manchester United boss, Mourinho was rewarded with a new contract in January 2018 which would run until 2020.But it turned out to be an odd decision as the club failed to land the Portuguese manager’s top summer targets and he was then given the boot in December.

Signing Alexis Sanchez on a reported 500,000-a-week deal

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Alexis Sanchez has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford

Sanchezs move from Arsenal to Manchester United in January 2018 could go down as one of the worst transfers in Premier League history.He has scored just five goals in a Red Devils shirt and struggled with injuries. When he has been fit, he has either under-performed or been left out of the starting XI.It has been claimed his reported 500,000-a-week salary has made contract renewals difficult, with David de Gea allegedly asking for a similar wage.Sanchez could receive a 13million pay-off to put an end to his miserable spell at Old Trafford.

Letting Wilfried Zaha leave

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Wilfried Zaha has turned into a Premier League star since leaving Manchester United

Zaha joined United for 13million from Crystal Palace in January 2013 and was Fergusons final signing as United boss.He never played under the Scot as he was immediately loaned back to the Eagles as part of the deal. But he made just four appearances under Moyes and none under Van Gaal. He was shipped out on loan to Cardiff and Palace, before rejoining the latter for a measly 6million fee in 2015.Now, 70million-rated Zaha, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, is regarded as one of the best players outside the top six in the Premier League.

Giving Anthony Martial a new contract

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Anthony Martial’s form has dipped in the second half of the season

There always seemed to be speculation surrounding Martials Manchester United future during Mourinhos tenure. However, after enjoying a run in the team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Frenchman signed a new five-year deal in January.He has scored just twice since committing his future to the club and was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with already-relegated Huddersfield. Solskjaer is reportedly ready to sell Martial due to his poor attitude in training.

Not sorting out David de Geas future earlier

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David de Gea’s Manchester United future is uncertain

Despite his recent poor run of form, De Gea is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In November, with his deal set to run out at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, United chiefs triggered a one-year option in his contract. But Spains No.1 stopper is yet to commit his long-term future to the club, despite months of talks. If he refuses to agree fresh terms, it could result in United selling him for a reasonable fee this summer or risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

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