It’s clear that the club is used to playing a significant number of matches, and with the early exits from both cup competitions, you could potentially play a maximum of 40 games this season. The last time the club had fewer games in a full season was in 1914/15, and the last time you exited so early from two domestic cup competitions was in 1982. Does this highlight the current state of affairs?
“Indeed, that reflects where we are. There’s no denying that, and we need to confront it. It’s not up to the standards expected of Manchester United, but we must take action and aim to improve, even if it doesn’t result in immediate success. Our primary objective now is to secure a Champions League spot. I know I keep saying it, akin to a broken record, but there’s still plenty to fight for in the league this season, and Champions League qualification is crucial for many reasons that you are all aware of. It’s important for the team and for attracting new players. For everyone involved, achieving some form of success this season matters. However, I also emphasize that the players must rise to the challenge. They need to unite, and I am confident they will. There’s enough leadership, experience, and talent among them to achieve this. They must learn to cope with setbacks and goals conceded, focusing on building confidence. Sometimes you must find a way to win, even when things aren’t pretty — especially when confidence is low or when conceding goals. It requires hard work, teamwork, and determination to grind out results. From there, we can develop performance, momentum, confidence, and ultimately, positive outcomes.”
You were part of a team where early exits from cup competitions would have felt catastrophic. Now that you’ve addressed the players, do you believe this group understands that responsibility and the mentality you and your teammates had back then? Do they have a similar mindset?
“Yes, they do understand. They grasp the essence of the club and its expectations. I often say how fortunate I was to play alongside great players and be part of a supportive dressing room; I learned a great deal from the veterans. It was a continuous cycle of knowledge where the older, experienced players guided us, and Sir Alex shaped us. It takes time to cultivate that culture. However, there are experienced players in the current squad who need to unite and carry the team forward. They must challenge their teammates and help the newer members understand the club’s values. I hope they step up and do just that.”
Four years ago, you were part of the backroom staff when the season ended abruptly after the defeat to Atletico. It seemed like that squad was quite troubled. Do you believe the current squad is in a better position to achieve the goal of qualifying for the Champions League?
“Absolutely, I do. The previous season was indeed peculiar. There were many players nearing the end of their contracts, creating a variety of dynamics that made things difficult, especially after our Champions League exit. There was a significant drop in morale, which everyone could see. However, such challenges also revealed the true character of the players. Despite the disappointing end to that season, we learned a lot about many individuals during those tough times. The current squad faces similar challenges, and it’s during these moments that true character is revealed. They must dig deep, show their commitment to being part of Manchester United’s future, and learn from this experience. If they don’t, then they may not belong here. It may sound harsh, but it’s the reality of the situation and the way it should be.”
