United in Name, Divided in Spirit: The Manchester Dynasty That Forgot How to Begin

"Why Belief, Not Just Trophies, Builds Dynasties"

If trophies measure clubs, emotions measure their journeys. And no fanbase has felt more emotionally adrift than Manchester United’s.

Between 2008 and 2025, most top clubs — Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle fans endured turbulence, grew impatient, loyal, or disillusioned as the clubs matured through strategic rebuilding, progressions and restoration of belief. Conversely, Manchester United’s story diverged. Despite heavy spending in the post-Ferguson era, the club struggled to adapt to a footballing landscape shaped by tactical innovation, data-driven recruitment, and global branding, and ultimately, began a slow decline post-2013. Leaving supporters with cycles of hope, despair increasingly feeling out of step with rivals.

 

2008 marked a pivotal shift in Premier League history, ushering in a modern era defined by foreign investment, and global ambition. Clubs evolved into global entertainment brands followed by rebranding, commercializing, and symbolizing aspirational values. Post-2008 era also saw the rise of social and global fanbases, transforming club perception and engagement. Fan sentiment shifted from local loyalty to worldwide scrutiny, amplifying pressure on clubs to perform both athletically and culturally. The period equally saw the takeover of Manchester City, signalling the rise of financial superclubs. Within the era, Chelsea entered managerial turbulence, Arsenal neared the end of Wenger’s reign, and Liverpool faced post-Benítez instability. The long stretches of inconsistency witnessed by Tottenham and Newcastle began then and Manchester United was at its peak under Sir Alex Ferguson.

 

As such, 2008 benchmarks the start of an era to assess evolving relationships between clubs and their audiences through rebuilding journey - managerial churn, and trophy returns using a fan sentiment graph.

Manchester City: Confidence of a Dynasty

City’s fan sentiment line graph reflects stability, representing the fans confidence on the rebuilt of a dynasty. For City supporters, the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008 wasn’t just financial, it was a declaration of intent. Early signings such as Touré, Silva, and Tevez was more of an overdue ambition exhibiting. In 17 years (2008 and 2025), City had 4 mangers: Mark Hughes (2008–2009), Roberto Mancini (2009–2013), Manuel Pellegrini (2013–2016), and Pep Guardiola (2016–present). By the time Mancini, Pellegrini and Guardiola stitched City together, supporters already believed they were watching the foundations of a dynasty before the arrival of silverwares. Notwithstanding the exhibitions, fans intermittently questioned Pep Guardiola’s struggles. Memes, jeers, and social media trolling trailed Guardiola's unusual mistakes and the seeming deterioration in Manchester City's performance.

 

Guardiola oversaw the club’s most successful era, securing Premier League titles between 2020–21 and 2023–24: FA Cups in 2018–19 and 2022–23; League Cups in 2019–20 and 2020–21; and Community Shields in 2018, 2019, and 2024. Internationally, City lifted the UEFA Champions League (2022–23), UEFA Super Cup (2023), and FIFA Club World Cup (2023), completing a historic treble indicating that investment, coaching stability, and culture aligned seamlessly. Patience though was a burden, but City fans believed and trusted a dynasty where investment, coaching, and culture aligned seamlessly. Thus, patience from fans wasn’t a burden; it was an investment that earned them several trophies and continued domestic dominance.

 

Liverpool: Faith in Vision & Culture Beyond Klopp

Liverpool’s fans sentiment line graph dipped in 2023 but rebounded afterwards, proving that faith in vision and structure can survive a managerial exit. When Jürgen Klopp arrived in 2015, Liverpool weren’t immediate winners. Yet Klopp’s charisma, clarity of style, and infectious energy bought him time. Fans accepted sixth or eighth-place finishes because they could see high-intensity football being built and a recruitment model that uncovered hidden gems. Yes, there were grumbles during barren years, Klopp had to implore fans not to leave the ground early even if the team was trailing.

 

Between 2010 and 2025, Liverpool had five managers: Roy Hodgson (2010–2011), Kenny Dalglish (2011–2012), Brendan Rodgers (2012–2015), Jürgen Klopp (2015–2024), and Arne Slot (2024–present). The period saw witnessed investment, short managerial tenures, instability, high-scoring seasons, as well as barren trophy years until Klopp’s philosophy bore fruit in 2019 with the winning of UEFA Champions League. Other trophies include UEFA Super Cup (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), and Premier League triumphs in 2020 and 2024. Even after Klopp’s departure, Arne Slot’s immediate league success in 2025 demonstrated the resilience of the club’s culture as supporters and fans trust in the hard yards eventually paid off.

 

Arsenal: Division Before Unity, From Patience to Pride

Arsenal’s fan sentiment graph line climbed steeply from 2020 depicting a reminder that faith in a coherent project can pay off spectacularly. A reflection of patience, pain endured became pride reclaimed as Arsène Wenger (2008–2018) closed his decade-long tenure with FA Cup successes but, in a declining league form. Arsenal’s post-Wenger era was turbulent. The Emirates turned toxic during the Emery era, and even Mikel Arteta’s early years sparked division. Unai Emery (2018–2019) oversaw a trophyless stint but guided the club to a European final. Mikel Arteta (2019–present) inherited a divided fan base. Back-to-back eighth-place finishes sparked widespread scepticism. #ArtetaOut trended, with fans questioning whether the club was too sentimental in sticking with a “rookie coach”. The atmosphere was sceptical, even hostile at times.

 

With Saka, Martinelli, Ødegaard, and Saliba forming a new core, Arsenal fans witnessed the beginnings of a coherent project. Gradually, hope returned. FA Cup (2020) and Community Shield (2020) were modest trophies, but the long-term impact lay in youth development and tactical clarity. By 2022–23, Arsenal were back in title contention and even the sceptics admitted that Arsenal was reborn. The patience fans struggled to beckon in 2020 became a badge of honour as no fan base embodies the long wait like Arsenal’s. Yet by 2023, the rewards were visible: title races, a young & fundamental team, and a clear identity.

 

Chelsea: Chaos with Silverware

Chelsea’s journey is one of contradictions, vast spendings and unclear directions leading fans oscillating between doubt and cautious optimism. Hope, frustration and positivity, all mixed together. Chelsea’s story is a study in controlled chaos and Chelsea fans are perhaps the most battle-hardened when it comes to instability. Under Roman Abramovich, the revolving door of managers became a cultural expectation. Between 2008 and 2025, Chelsea had 16 managers (interim or permanent): Luiz Felipe Scolari (Jul 2008–Feb 2009), Guus Hiddink (Feb–May 2009), Carlo Ancelotti (Jul 2009–May 2011), Andre Villas-Boas (Jun 2011–Mar 2012), Roberto Di Matteo (Mar–Nov 2012), Rafael Benítez (Nov 2012–May 2013), José Mourinho (Jun 2013–Dec 2015), Guus Hiddink (Dec 2015–Jun 2016), Antonio Conte (Jul 2016–Jul 2018), Maurizio Sarri (Jul 2018–Jun 2019), Frank Lampard (Jul 2019–Jan 2021, Apr–Jun 2023), Thomas Tuchel (Jan 2021–Sep 2022), Graham Potter (Sep 2022–Apr 2023), Bruno Saltor (Apr 2023, caretaker), Mauricio Pochettino (Jul 2023–May 2024), and Enzo Maresca (Jul 2024–present).

 

From 2019 trophies never stopped flowing although not without moments of drought despite managerial churn. UEFA Europa League (2019), UEFA Champions League (2021), UEFA Super Cup (2021), FIFA Club World Cup (2021), UEFA Conference League (2025), and FIFA Club World Cup (2025). Chelsea fans learned that even in chaos, short-termism could deliver long-term excitement. While fans craved stability, the constant highs of silverware dulled the sting of inconsistency.

 

Tottenham: Starved but Hopeful, Identity Rebirth

Tottenham’s sentiment line graph climbed steadily. Proving that even modest success when coupled with clear identity and coherent philosophy can transform fan optimism. Tottenham supporters endured the “nearly men” tag for long just as Arsenal within the period. Between 2008 and 2025, 12 managers guided the club: Harry Redknapp (Oct 2008–Jun 2012), André Villas-Boas (Jul 2012–Dec 2013), Tim Sherwood (Dec 2013–May 2014), Mauricio Pochettino (Jul 2014–Nov 2019), José Mourinho (Nov 2019–Apr 2021), Ryan Mason (Apr–Jun 2021), Nuno Espírito Santo (Jul–Nov 2021), Antonio Conte (Nov 2021–Mar 2023), Cristian Stellini (Mar–Apr 2023), Ryan Mason (Apr–Jun 2023), Ange Postecoglou (Jun 2023–Jun 2025), and Thomas Frank (Jun 2025–present).

 

Postecoglou’s arrival brought clarity, identity, and attacking football. Even without instant trophies, fans felt progress which was why the 2025 UEFA Europa League triumph wasn’t just silverware. It was a validation that patience and belief could finally lead somewhere. It was a validation of the wide held opinion that Ange wins something in his second year. After Spurs fans have known and felt pain, knocking Manchester United to win the trophy was an icing on the cake.

 

Newcastle: Belief in Measured Growth, From Resentment to Renewal

The line graph for the club reflects belief, brimming with optimism about long-term growth. Few clubs have seen such a dramatic shift in mood. Under Mike Ashley, Newcastle fans endured austerity and apathy. Between 2008 and 2025, Newcastle had ten managers (interim / permanent): Kevin Keegan (Jan–Sep 2008), Chris Hughton (Sep 2008–Apr 2009, Jun 2009–Dec 2010), Alan Shearer (Apr–Jun 2009), Joe Kinnear (Sep 2008–Apr 2009), Alan Pardew (Dec 2010–Dec 2014), John Carver (Dec 2014–Jun 2015), Steve McClaren (Jun 2015–Mar 2016), Rafael Benítez (Mar 2016–Jun 2019), Steve Bruce (Jul 2019–Oct 2021), and Eddie Howe (Nov 2021–present).

 

The 2021 Saudi takeover wasn’t just a financial injection; it was a liberation that roared St James’ Park back to life. Mid-table finishes felt like progress compared to the misery of Mike Ashley’s years. Supporters didn’t demand instant titles, they just wanted to feel alive again by winning games. Under Eddie Howe, fans embraced steady growth: UEFA Champions League qualification in 2023 was euphoric. Crucially, Howe’s Carabao Cup win over Liverpool in 2025 gave fans their first taste of glory in decades and their sentiment shifted from caution to optimism, demonstrating the impact of measured and patient growth.

 

Manchester United: A Stuck-in-the-Loop Fatigue

Manchester United’s story is a cautionary tale of hope deferred. United fans have been patient between 2013 and 2025, 12 years post-Feguson. The atmosphere now is not one of anticipation, but of exhaustion. Fan sentiment is marked not by anticipation but fatigue: Old Trafford is now a crowd waiting to be convinced, not inspired; lacking patience and trust.

 

Between 2008 and 2025, the club had 10 managers (permanent/interim): Sir Alex Ferguson (1986–May 2013), David Moyes (Jul 2013–Apr 2014), Ryan Giggs (Apr–May 2014), Louis van Gaal (May 2014–May 2016), José Mourinho (May 2016–Dec 2018), Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Dec 2018–Nov 2021), Michael Carrick (Nov–Dec 2021), Ralf Rangnick (Dec 2021–May 2022), Erik ten Hag (Jul 2022–Oct 2024), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Nov 2024), and Rúben Amorim (Nov 2024–present).

 

Between 2020 and 2025, while City and Arsenal have Pep and Arteta respectively, Liverpool and Newcastle having two managers at the most, Manchester United had 4 managers within a period marked by supposed strategic recalibration. Unlike Arsenal’s endurance or Liverpool’s cultural revival, United’s rebuilds post-Ferguson after winning the premier league last in 2013 kept collapsing. In between 2020 and 2025, Erik ten Hag delivered an EFL Cup (2022–23) and FA Cup (2023–24). In the absence of sustained progress, Hag’s delivery felt like moments, not momentum, and by end of 2024/2025 season, fans were weary.

 

Despite fewer managers than Chelsea or Spurs, the club’s identity crisis post-Ferguson remain unresolved. Instability persisted as each appointment has struggled to balance legacy expectations with modern football demands. Unlike their rivals’, Manchester United fans have endured not one rebuild, but five as Moyes, van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjær, Ten Hag has been framed as a “new project" which never lasted. Each summer brought expensive arrivals, brief hope, and eventual disillusionment. Each summer of expensive arrivals raises hope, only for inconsistency and tactical drift to deflate it. In the midst of this, Amorim inherited a club facing its worst league finish in decades in what is now referred as Amorim’s project.

 

Bridging the Belief Deficit at Old Trafford

While rival fans could see light at the end of the tunnel, tangible signs of direction, the contrast is psychological for United. Arsenal endured pain but witnessed youth development. Spurs accepted transition but celebrated identity. Liverpool and City trusted deep-rooted projects. Chelsea showed growth or trophies as proof of progress. United offered mostly questions. Rebuilding thrives on evidence. City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, and Newcastle gave their fans moments of triumph, youth breakthroughs, stylistic clarity, or competitive positioning. United gave theirs mostly uncertainty. All Manchester United’s project suffered from belief and results which heightened instability. This is why Manchester United’s fan sentiment line graph remains the outlier in a league defined for rewarding patience. For Old Trafford to rise again, Amorim’s project must deliver not just results, but belief and not just hope deferred

 

For Manchester United supporters, expectation is not optional, it is ingrained in the club’s DNA. Decades of dominance under Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson created a standard where anything short of silverware feels like underachievement. Yet modern football offers ample evidence that rebuilding a dynasty requires time, patience, and a clear plan. Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta took years of turbulence before stability set in. Liverpool gave Jürgen Klopp multiple seasons to refine his system before the Champions League and Premier League titles arrived. Even Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with unparalleled financial muscle, endured a transitional year before his methods truly bore fruit.

 

Rúben Amorim now faces the same paradox at Old Trafford: he has been hired to deliver immediate improvement in results while simultaneously undertaking a long-term cultural reset. His track record at Sporting Lisbon suggests he is capable of both. There, Amorim introduced a defined playing style built on high pressing, structured positional play, and faith in younger players. Within two years, Sporting broke a two-decade league title drought. The parallels to United are striking: a club in need of tactical clarity, squad renewal, and a revival of identity. However, Old Trafford is not Lisbon. Amorim inherited a squad with deep imbalances, a fractured dressing room culture, and the weight of global scrutiny. No manager can address these challenges in half a season or even in one full season. For fans, managing expectations therefore means shifting the focus from immediate trophies to visible progress. The right questions become: Is the team increasingly organized in and out of possession? Are younger players being developed within a defined structure? Is there a consistency of approach, even when results fluctuate?

 

History shows that impatience has already cost United dearly. Since Ferguson’s departure, every manager, Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjær, and Ten Hag has been discarded in cycles of short-term panic. Amorim represents perhaps the most modern and strategically aligned appointment yet, but his project will falter if judged solely on short-term outcomes. This does not mean lowering standards. United fans are right to demand excellence. But excellence must emerge through a coherent vision, not constant resets. If supporters and leadership alike measure Amorim against his ability to re-establish a recognisable style of play, integrate youth, and build consistency, then the foundations for future trophies can be laid.

 

At this point, fans and supporters need to balance their expectations. Creating an Old Trafford atmosphere that lifts rather than weigh down players is critical. It means resisting the urge to scapegoat individual players on social media and instead focusing criticism on whether the club is sticking to its stated plan. It means celebrating signs of progress, sharper pressing, better use of young talent, tactical consistency even in the absence of immediate silverware and possibly, wins. Finally, it means becoming active custodians of Manchester United’s identity, not just restless spectators of its results. Without that balance of patience and accountability, Manchester United risk repeating the same mistakes of the past decade.

 

Without belief, trophies are just metal. And without identity, even victory feels hollow.

 

About the Author

Okelue David Ugwunta is a football essayist and cultural analyst whose work explores the emotional architecture of sport. With a keen eye for tactical nuance and a deep understanding of fan psychology, David writes about football not just as a game, but as a mirror of identity, belief, and belonging. His essays have resonated with readers across fan communities for their depth, clarity, and emotional honesty.