MANCHESTER UNITED have begun the Premier League season terribly but problems go beyond what happens on the pitch.
An investigation has been carried out by The Athletic taking a deeper look into what other football clubs perception of Man Utd amid their crisis.
A number of executives and personnel from other sides were spoken to and all highlighted issues with Old Trafford and the general vibe around the club.
When the Glazer family took over the club in 2005, Old Trafford was one of the world’s best stadiums but modern day builds have overtaken it due to the lack of investment in maintenance.
Those interviewed revealed the Theatre of Dreams is out-dated, has many issues with leaks in the roofs and appears: “Tired”.
One said: “Everything about the club has the sense of a very big ship that hasn’t been modernised for a long time and is going to take a long time to turn around.”
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Even down to the matchday hospitality, one said regarding the food served: “It’s old-fashioned. it’s still three courses, usually a roast and wine,
“Whereas most clubs have moved to a buffet and modern cuisine. The club still seems to be stuck in the 90s.”
Another stressed the lack of happiness even behind the scenes describing staff as: “Downtrodden. You don’t get any smiles or any sense they’re happy to have you there.”
Stories were also shared at how when directors from rival clubs visited Old Trafford they’d get photos with trophies the team had won in recent seasons.
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It annoyed some directors but added to the illustrious nature of Man Utd, now this tradition is no longer in place due to the team’s lack of success.
There was even more damming statement when it comes to the way the club behaves in Premier League meetings.
A protected source expressed there is: “A complacency, an arrogance — that thing of, ‘We’re Manchester United’. But they’re losing their touch.
“It’s ironic that in Premier League meetings they’ll talk about the size of the club they are, yet right now they’re bottom of the table.
“It will sound like a cheap shot, but in terms of how the club looks and feels, it’s almost not a surprise.
More suggested that those in charge need to focus on the team rather than trying to build a brand.
They believe the club fell apart and have not adapted to Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 as he controlled everything.
There was further confusion regarding the club’s hierarchical structure with many stressing they don’t understand who is in charge of what at the club.
One said: “John Murtough is the sporting director and Darren Fletcher is the technical director. What’s the difference? How does that work?
“When you contact the club, do you speak to John or Darren? Or do you speak to Richard Arnold, the chief executive? Who’s calling the shots?
“When people say it’s chaotic behind the scenes, it really looks that way.”
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An agent also stated he found doing deals with United challenging as he was in contact with so many people.
And that he advises his clients not to join the Red Devils because they are “toxic” and the squad have awful body language highlighting the reaction to going 1-0 down at Brentford,
Further question marks have been raised over the decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick as manager then not let him continue after in an ‘upstairs’ role when that is strength.
Also criticism was fired at United’s transfer strategy for chasing players who don’t want to come or aren’t available in Frenkie de Jong.
With one saying as they launch a bid for Casemiro as an alternative they look “desperate”.
Another didn’t understand their targeting of youngsters like Jadon Sancho but abandoning that principle for expensive experience like Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane hinting at a haphazard plan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
