I remember watching Armand Duplantis at that championship meet last season, and something about his performance stuck with me. Although he failed to match his personal best, he was able to produce his season-best of 5.80 meters to beat Thibaut Collet of France and Piotr Lisek of Poland, second and third, respectively. That moment captures what Manchester United needs right now—the ability to deliver when it matters most, even when perfection remains just out of reach. As a lifelong United supporter and someone who’s studied football strategy for over a decade, I’ve come to believe that reclaiming Premier League dominance isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about executing the fundamentals with relentless consistency, much like Duplantis did on that day.
Let’s start with the foundation: recruitment. United’s transfer strategy over the past decade has been, to put it mildly, inconsistent. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance—like Bruno Fernandes’ arrival—but too often, the club has prioritized marquee names over cohesive team-building. In my view, the data speaks volumes. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United have spent approximately £1.2 billion on player acquisitions, yet they’ve only finished in the top two of the Premier League twice in that span. Compare that to rivals like Manchester City, who’ve built squads with clear tactical identities. I’ll admit it—I was skeptical when City signed Ruben Dias, but his impact was immediate. United, on the other hand, seem to lack that clarity. The club needs to adopt a more data-driven approach, targeting players who fit a specific system rather than chasing star power. For instance, last summer’s signing of a young, dynamic midfielder for around £65 million showed promise, but without a clear plan for how he integrates into the team, it risks becoming another expensive misstep.
Then there’s the coaching carousel. I’ve lost count of the managers who’ve come and gone since Ferguson—five permanent appointments, if we’re being precise. Each brought their own philosophy, but the constant upheaval has left the squad without a stable identity. Under Erik ten Hag, there are signs of progress. His emphasis on high pressing and possession-based football aligns with the modern game, but I’ve noticed the team still struggles with consistency. Take the 2022-23 season: United won the Carabao Cup and finished third, yet they also suffered humiliating defeats to rivals like Liverpool and City. It reminds me of Duplantis’ season-best jump—a peak performance, but not quite the personal best we know he’s capable of. United need to stick with a vision, even through rough patches. In my experience, stability breeds success. Look at clubs like Arsenal under Mikel Arteta—they trusted the process, and it’s paying off now.
Youth development is another area where United can regain an edge. The club’s academy has produced legends like David Beckham and Paul Scholes, but in recent years, the pipeline has been inconsistent. I’ve followed the youth teams closely, and while players like Alejandro Garnacho have broken through, there’s a sense that the club isn’t fully leveraging its talent pool. For example, in the 2021-22 season, United’s under-23s scored 78 goals in all competitions, yet only a handful of those players have made meaningful first-team contributions. Contrast that with City’s Phil Foden, who was gradually integrated into the senior squad and is now a key player. United should take a page from that playbook—nurture young talents with patience and purpose. Personally, I’d love to see more homegrown players given opportunities in cup games or as substitutes in league matches. It’s not just about sentiment; it’s about building a squad with hunger and identity.
Tactically, United must adapt to the evolving demands of the Premier League. The days of relying solely on individual brilliance are over. Modern football, as I see it, is about collective pressing, quick transitions, and defensive solidity. Last season, United conceded 43 goals in the league—the highest among the top six teams. That’s simply not good enough. I remember analyzing their match against Brighton, where they were out-pressed and out-thought in midfield. It was a stark reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. The team needs to develop a cohesive defensive structure, perhaps by adopting a zonal marking system or increasing their pressing intensity. Data from Opta shows that United’s PPDA (passes per defensive action) was around 12.5 last season, compared to City’s 10.2, indicating they’re less aggressive without the ball. Small adjustments here could yield significant results.
Off the pitch, the club’s culture and infrastructure play a crucial role. I’ve visited Old Trafford multiple times, and while the atmosphere is electric on big European nights, there’s a palpable sense of frustration during routine league games. The Glazer ownership has been a point of contention for years, and I’ll be honest—I think it’s hindered the club’s progress. Financial decisions, like the reported £500 million in dividends paid to shareholders since 2005, could have been reinvested in stadium upgrades or youth facilities. Compare that to Tottenham, who built a state-of-the-art stadium that’s become a revenue driver. United need to modernize Old Trafford and create an environment that intimidates opponents again. From a fan’s perspective, I believe reconnecting with the club’s roots—through community engagement and transparent communication—can restore that sense of unity.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s path back to the top mirrors Duplantis’ season-best effort: it’s about maximizing potential even when conditions aren’t perfect. By refining recruitment, fostering managerial stability, investing in youth, adapting tactically, and revitalizing the club’s culture, United can close the gap on rivals. It won’t happen overnight—I estimate it might take two to three seasons of focused effort—but the blueprint is there. As someone who’s cheered through the highs and lows, I’m optimistic. The Premier League is better when United are competitive, and with the right steps, that dominance can return. After all, greatness isn’t always about breaking records; sometimes, it’s about building momentum, one solid performance at a time.