Six mistakes that doomed Manchester United to mid-table mediocrity in Premier League

David Moyes took the star-studded squad for a jog along Bondi Beach in his first pre-season, as hundreds descended on the sand to catch a glimpse.

Simultaneously, club executive Ed Woodward departed Sydney early citing “urgent transfer business”.

Moyes was accused of misjudging the magnitude of the Red Devils role after the Bondi farce, while Woodward’s sole signing was the deadline day reunion of Everton’s Marouane Fellaini with Moyes for $55m.

Moyes was sacked after 10 months, with United in seventh. The nine subsequent managerial appointments suggest United’s woes run deeper.

United were playing transfer catch up thereafter, the Sir Alex Ferguson afterglow wearing off.

A title has evaded United since Ferguson’s parting 2012-13 gift.

Last season was disastrous. Three managers, 15th place (lowest since 1989-90, lowest points tally since 1973-74 relegation) and a Europa League final loss to Tottenham.

Pre-season cracks have appeared, with captain Bruno Fernandes criticising inactivity.

“It’s improving, but it’s not the place it needs to be. It was crystal clear we needed more competition, more quality to get everyone to step up a little more (for the) XI,” Fernandes said.

Erik ten Hag was sacked in October, replaced by Ruben Amorim.

A leaky roof in Amorim’s press conference last December was symbolic of United’s neglect, with the stadium and training ground decaying while rivals have built and redeveloped.

But positivity, and light – partly due to long-awaited construction – has emerged in the red half of Manchester, temporarily at least.

A home opener to ambitious Arsenal on Monday morning (AEST, 1:30am) is a great litmus test – then Fulham away and Burnley (home).

Years of scattergun strategy and miss-management can’t be resolved overnight. Whether Amorim has the gravitas and time to navigate United’s revival is questionable.

Amorim, 40, joined as a highly-rated young manager, from Sporting Lisbon. The weight of the Red Devils’ role is already evident.

Two FA Cups (2015-16, 2023-24), two League Cups (2016-17, 2022-23) and the 2016-17 Europa are the only trophies to show in the 12 years post-Ferguson.

The manner in which Amorim was outfoxed by Ange Postecoglou in the final places big pressure on him this season.

The list of quality coaches in the Old Trafford dugoutincludes Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag.

United has also signed stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, Edinson Cavani, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Casemiro.

Leaping $150m Slovene Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) is the latest ‘messiah’ Old Trafford arrival.

Sesko, 22, joins after three consecutive double-digit scoring seasons, most recently 13.

“He has the characteristics that we need. He’s young, good in the air, good at running the channels, good on the ball. He can improve,” Amorim said.

Attackers Bryan Mbueno (Brentford) and Matheus Cunha (Wolves) are star Premier League signings. Goals are needed after a toothless attack scored just 44 goals (fifth lowest) last season.

United’s demise has been exacerbated by rivals’ investment, including Manchester City.

Ronaldo, who was 36 when rejoining United in 2021, slammed club chiefs for upon his exit 16 months later.

“I don’t know what’s going on but since Sir Alex Ferguson left I saw no evolution, Zero progress,” Ronaldo said.

“Nothing changed. Surprisingly. Not only the pool, the jacuzzi, the gym. Even the technology, kitchen, chefs, which is, I appreciate, lovely persons.

“They stopped in time. I thought I’ll see different things. Unfortunately (I saw) things I used to see, when I was 20, 21, 23.”

The serial winner has been heard.

Last week, United co-owner, billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe unveiled a refurbished $100m training ground at Carrington, which includes a high altitude room, underwater treadmills and barbers.

Ratcliffe was confident it would foster a winning culture.

“While a world-class training facility won’t (guarantee competing at the highest level), one of the key ingredients is a modern facility. Now we have one,” Ratcliffe said.

“Downstairs, there weren’t many windows on the ground floor. It felt like you were in a hospital basement. It was a slightly gloomy place, a gloomy rabbit warren.

“Now it’s open, fresh, modern. It encourages interaction. We needed it.”

The ambitious plan to build an ‘iconic’ $4b, 100,000-seater stadium near Old Trafford (by 2030-31) could be the game-changer.

These moves should ensure globally renowned United returns to the title contention.

Big questions remain. How long will it take? Which players are United material? And, will Amorim stay the distance?

We may not need to wait long for an answer, on the Amorim question at least.