Former England manager Sam Allardyce has insisted that “nobody thought” Manchester United would follow through with one decision under Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at Old Trafford.
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time after a prolific legacy in both Scotland and England.
The 82-year-old former United manager left Old Trafford at the end of the 2012-13 season after leading the Red Devils to their last Premier League title.
Ferguson ushered in an incredible period of success at United, including capturing 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
Under the iconic Scotsman’s reign, United became the first English club in history to secure a continental treble after achieving the feat in the 1998-99 season.
Following Ferguson’s legendary spell at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have struggled to return to the top of English football and have fallen behind their rivals.
The ex-Aberdeen and United boss has remained an ever-present figure at Old Trafford, with Ferguson often spotted in the stands for matches.
Allardyce on Man Utd’s ‘biggest worry’
Erik ten Hag is the latest Manchester United manager attempting to navigate the Premier League club in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The 54-year-old found success in his debut season at Old Trafford, including lifting the Carabao Cup trophy and securing United’s return to the Champions League.
However, Erik ten Hag has faced fierce criticism in the current campaign after United’s lacklustre season and the Dutchman’s future remains shrouded in mystery.
Sam Allardyce appeared on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside former United defender John O’Shea, who is the interim manager of the Republic of Ireland.
The 69-year-old ex-Three Lions boss claimed that United’s “biggest worry” at the moment is the club’s “infrastructure behind the scenes” and the “recruitment.”
“The biggest worry at United is the infrastructure behind the scenes, particularly in terms of recruitment,” Allardyce said.
“If a club gets their recruitment right and keeps it the same no matter who comes in, it’s great for the next head coach who can have their own influence on it and they know it’s good enough.
“Then you start getting the right players in that earn the reputation they get, the money they’re given and effectively become more valuable assets to the club.”
Allardyce talks Man Utd and Ferguson
United are making behind-the-scenes changes at Old Trafford after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who captured a minority stake in the Red Devils in 2023.
As part of his co-ownership of United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team has taken control of football operations at the Premier League club.
United have announced the appointment of Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO – replacing Richard Arnold in the role – after snapping him up from Manchester City.
Ex-Southampton chief Jason Wilcox has become a technical director at United, while ex-Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Allardyce, who faced Sir Alex Ferguson in the opposite dugout in his career, admitted that United need important structure at the club going forward.
The ex-West Ham boss spotlighted the moment “nobody thought” would happen when Ferguson allowed Cristiano Ronaldo to leave United for a “mega” price.
“Whenever somebody wants to overpay, you accept that you’re going to lose them but you’re always after at least 20 per cent more than your valuation,” Allardyce added.
“Even Sir Alex Ferguson let Cristiano Ronaldo go for £80million and nobody thought that would happen, but it did. At the time, that price was mega.
“That is something that Man United need to achieve before they look at getting rid of the coach.”