Top 10 Greatest Manchester United Managers

It goes without saying that Manchester United is the best club in English football history and one of the globally acclaimed sides. Despite their downward trend in recent years, the Red Devils remain the most decorated club in the English top flight, if their number of trophies won is anything to go by.

They have lifted the Premier League titles a record 20 times, a record 21 Community Shields, 6 FA Cups, 13 EFL Cups, and 3 Champions League titles, amounting to an astonishing total of 66 trophies. The Red Devils have dominated the English football scene like a few others, and their hegemony at the height of their powers is unparalleled, something their rivals have been striving to match.

From the likes of A.H. Albut, Ernest Mangnall, Sir Matt Busby, and Sir Alex Ferguson to Jose Mourinho, United have been adorned with some of the most eminent managers who have spared no effort to make the club great at various points throughout history. Here we take a look at the 10 great managers in United’s storied history.

List of Top 10 Greatest Manchester United Managers

Now, let’s take a look at our list of the top 10 best Manchester United managers of all time. Well, you’ll be surprised with some of the inclusions, but hang on, given so many managers managing a club like Man United, it wasn’t particularly easy for us to filter them out and we did in the end.

10 Best Manchester United Managers in History

With a vast and rich legacy & history as Manchester United’s, there’s bound to be plenty of great managers. From the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson to Sir Matt Busby to current manager Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils have seen some of the best and even some not-so-best managers take charge of the club. Now, without wasting any time, let’s take a look at the top 10 best Manchester United managers in history:

10. Scott Duncan

Dating back to the 1930s, Scott Duncan had a short-lived spell at United, but he will be remembered for helping them break their trophy drought of nearly two decades. Upon his appointment as the secretary-manager in 1932, Manchester United were dabbling with relegation to the third division in his debut season, but he turned the tide the following season to lift the Second Division title.

Took control during a difficult time, as a result, the overall win percentage during his time at Manchester United was 39.15% of the 235 games he managed. But, not all the time, statistical or numerical digits showcase what a player or manager truly did during their stay. Right? His vision to provide confidence and fighting spirit is what makes him stand out from the rest.

9. Louis van Gaal

Despite his legendary status as one of the greatest tacticians in history, Louis van Gaal’s spell at Manchester United remains a low-water mark in his career. The Dutch gaffer failed with the burden of carrying Man Utd’s legacy post-legendary Alex Ferguson’s departure. In his short stay, Van Gaal, however, led United to the FA Cup glory in 2016, beating Crystal Palace 2016.

Truly, one of the best Manchester United managers, although his stint at the club was a brief one, he managed to win one FA Cup while maintaining a win percentage of 52.43% of 103 games managed.

8. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have no trophies to boast, but he gave his absolute best in steadying the ship when United had been undergoing a difficult time. A former player and an absolute fan favourite, who earned him the moniker Baby-faced assassin during his playing days, Solskjaer’s coaching stint, however, didn’t pan out well. From a player to a coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done a marvelous job of handling pressure at Old Trafford. Although he didn’t win any trophies as a manager but his work and legacy cemented his place as one of the best Manchester United managers in history.

Taking the reins out of the blue following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Solskjaer had a very bright start but failed to maintain consistency across his tenure. Although he lacked the tactical nous of elite coaches, the Norwegian displayed great man-management skills during his three-year spell, motivating the players to relentlessly work hard for the shirt, which resulted in the Red Devils punching above their weight for large parts. He also clocked up an impressive win percentage of 54.

7. Erik ten Hag

Many readers may not agree with his place so high or even with his inclusion, but hear us out. Although he couldn’t achieve what he was hired for but winning two trophies in the span of just two years can’t be looked beyond. Arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 amid higher expectations to helm the club’s new project, Erik Ten Hag’s spell has been a fluctuating one so far. His first two games in charge resulted in defeats, but he ended his debut season on a high note, finishing third in the Premier League, winning the EFL Cup as well and securing the Champions League qualification.

While it looked as a precursor to further dominate the next season, Utd’s form nosedived, and they failed to finish in the top, though winning the FA Cup final against arch-rivals Manchester City alleviated the disappointment. Ten Hag was subject to constant criticism that Utd are lacking a clear identity three years into his appointment, unlike his time at Ajax. However, his triumph in breaking the club’s trophy drought since Jose Mourinho can’t be written off. But things didn’t last long as the Man United board got tired of Erik ten Hag’s tactics and losing so many games. In the end, the Dutchman was sacked in October 2024.

6. Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s arrival in 2016 raised many eyebrows; it was widely seen as a paradigm shift at United due to the Portuguese manager’s eye for pragmatic style despite his proven record as one of the best head coaches in the world. And for such reasons, the former Chelsea gaffer’s reign at Old Trafford continues to be underrated.

As turbulent as his spell turned out, Jose Mourinho brought home more laurels than his predecessors had managed post-Alex Ferguson’s departure. He led the Red Devils to a Europa League title, a Community Shield and a runners-up finish in the Premier League in the 2017/18 season – a feat he values on par with his career achievements. After a poor start to the 2018/19 season, Mourinho was relieved of his duties.

5. Tommy Docherty

Tommy Docherty took the reins in 1972 after being chosen by the president and the great Sir Matt Busby. With the Red Devils steeped in one of the lowest periods in their history, Doherty had his work cut out. Despite the club plunging to relegation in his second season, the Scottish gaffer took the Red Devils to some impressive finishes in the first division in the seasons that followed.

He led United to 2 Second Division titles and, above all, the FA Cup triumph in 1976, beating Liverpool in the finals while being the underdogs. Docherty will be remembered for his immense contributions, helping Utd navigate their toughest period and also serving as a cue for his successors. Although his win percentage was less than 50, his work and dedication made him one of the best Manchester United managers, winning one FA Cup and one Second Division title.

4. Ron Atkinson

The predecessor to the great Sir Alex Ferguson, Atkinson helped United push their boundaries and become regular top-four contenders. Under Atkinson, United came within reach of lifting the league title on two occasions after dominating the first half of the season, but eventually fell short, with a dominant Liverpool side winning the title both times.

Nevertheless, he inspired the Red Devils to the FA Cup titles in 1983 and 1985. Legendary figures like Bryan Robson, Frank Stapleton and Norman Whiteside came to the fore during Atkinson’s reign. Under him, the Red Devils won two FA Cups as well as one Charity Shield and he is hailed as one of the best Manchester United managers.

3. Ernest Mangnall

Ernest Magnnall was one of the pioneers in Man Utd’s history after helping the club gain recognition. Since their inception in 1878, United had not won any trophy before Magnall led them to the First Division title in 1908. During his spell between 1903-12, Mangnall also won the FA Cup with the Red Devils in 1909.

The Red Devils may have become a global juggernaut now, but Mangnall deserves a fair share of credit for putting them on the map and laying a strong foundation for the road. With 373 games managed, winning 202 and lifting 5 trophies, Ernest has been one of the best Manchester United managers in history.

2. Sir Matt Busby

A larger-than-life and influential figure, it is hard to imagine Man Utd without Sir Matt Busby. The Scottish giants completely transformed the United from being minnows to an unstoppable force in English football. During his 25-year reign, the Red Devils established themselves as a winning machine, bagging 5 First Division titles, 2 FA Cups and 5 Community Shields. Earning the nickname the Busby Babes, United’s dominance extended to Europe as they had their first taste of the European Cup triumph in 1968. Sir Matt Busby is often regarded as one of the best Manchester United managers of all time.

It will go down as one of the crowning moments in the club’s history, with United beating Benfica 4-1 in the finals, thanks to strikes from Bobby Charlton and George Best. The legendary gaffer was also part of the Munich air disaster that claimed several United players and staff and also left him severely injured. Busby’s influence continued for years at the administrative level as a sporting director and president, even after retiring as a manager, paving the way for a great future.

1. Sir Alex Ferguson

The name Sir Alex Ferguson is more synonymous with Man Utd, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to call him the best manager in Premier League history. In a nutshell, United’s 146-year-long history can be divided into two periods: pre- and post-Ferguson era – such has been the eternal impact he has had at the club. Since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992, nobody has come close to monopolising the league like Ferguson.

United entered a boom period under the Scottish gaffer, also the highest point in their history, winning 13 league titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, and more. Sir Alex Ferguson is hailed as one of the best managers in the English Premier League. Winning is one thing, but doing it over a prolonged period is what sets Ferguson apart in the upper echelons of history. The Scottish manager is also a perfect example of a figurehead, playing a key role on all fronts apart from the footballing field to ensure sustained success. Ferguson remains the longest-serving manager in United’s history, and it is palpable how a dynasty like Man Utd has hit rock bottom after his departure. No denial or disagreement in stating that Sir Alex Ferguson is by far the greatest manager of all Manchester United managers over the years.

List of Man Utd Managers from 1889 to 2024