Manchester United icon Patrice Evra has pinpointed two key figures he believes are responsible for the club’s ongoing struggles, offering his insight into the moment things began to spiral downward at Old Trafford. Evra, whose opinions are always closely followed by fans and pundits alike, gave a candid interview where he reflected on the club’s decline since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
The legendary Ferguson, who enjoyed a 27-year reign filled with silverware, left a legacy that many believe has yet to be matched. His tenure brought an incredible 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and two Champions League trophies. These were years of dominance, where Manchester United not only ruled English football but also earned respect on the European stage. However, since his retirement, the club has struggled to regain its former glory, and according to Evra, the seeds of the current problems were sown when Ferguson and himself left the club.
In the years since Ferguson’s retirement, several managers have tried—and ultimately failed—to restore Manchester United to their previous heights. From David Moyes to Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, each coach brought different approaches but fell short of making United consistent title challengers. The most recent to take on this monumental task is Erik ten Hag, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 after a successful spell at Ajax. Despite winning both the FA Cup and League Cup in his first two seasons, Ten Hag’s reign has been marred by inconsistency, particularly in the Premier League and European competitions.
Evra’s comments have come at a critical time, with United currently enduring one of their worst starts in recent history. Last season, they finished a disappointing eighth in the Premier League—their lowest position in the Premier League era—and things have not improved this season. After eight matches of the 2024/25 campaign, the Red Devils find themselves languishing in 12th place, a far cry from the title-challenging days under Ferguson. The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag to turn things around quickly, and questions are being raised about whether the club’s problems run deeper than just on the pitch.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Evra didn’t shy away from holding himself accountable for Manchester United’s struggles, suggesting that his departure, along with Ferguson’s, left a void that the club has yet to fill. “It’s always tough to talk about United now because back in the day, we played for the fans, the badge, and the history,” Evra said, highlighting the pride and passion that once defined the club’s ethos. He continued, “I blame myself and Sir Alex Ferguson. When we left, we left too early, and it’s hard for the players as they don’t have any example to follow.”
Evra’s words carry weight, as he was one of the key players during United’s last great era, known for his leadership both on and off the pitch. His assertion that Ferguson’s and his own departure left a leadership vacuum points to a larger issue that has plagued United in recent years—an absence of strong personalities to guide the team through difficult periods. While Ten Hag has made commendable efforts to stabilize the club, Evra believes the chaos that has engulfed the club since 2013 has persisted, leaving the current squad without clear direction.
In contrast to the situation at United, another football legend, Edgar Davids, recently shared a story about how his career could have taken a very different path had he chosen to join Manchester United. Davids revealed that he had an opportunity to play for Ferguson when he left Ajax in 1996. Reflecting on the experience, Davids said, “Speaking with Sir Alex was one of the most remarkable experiences of my career. He was everything you wanted—funny, charming, and intelligent.”
Despite the allure of working with Ferguson, Davids ultimately opted to join AC Milan, citing Serie A’s status as the top league at the time. “The top teams were in Serie A, and that was where I wanted to be at that point in my career. That was the primary reason I chose to join AC Milan,” Davids explained. Although he chose a different path, Davids made it clear that he had no regrets about his decision. “I don’t regret not moving to Manchester United. I’ve met with Sir Alex since then, and we’ve had a good laugh about it all. There are still positive feelings between us.”
While Davids’ story highlights how even the greatest managers cannot always secure the players they want, it also underscores the magnitude of Ferguson’s influence in the footballing world. His charm and intelligence were qualities that drew players to Old Trafford, but without his leadership, Manchester United has struggled to maintain its appeal as a top destination for elite talent. Evra’s reflections, combined with Davids’ recollections, paint a picture of a club that has lost its way since the departure of Ferguson and the key figures who made the club so dominant.