Former Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic expects the club to improve next season following a disappointing campaign this time around. The Serbian also placed his faith in new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bought close to 30 per cent of stake in the English club this year.
The Red Devils have flattered to deceive this season, languishing in eighth position on the Premier League and likely to miss out on European football for next campaign. They also went out in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League and in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
The FA Cup, however, remains their last hope of a silverware this season, with United reaching the final once again, but face city rivals Manchester City in a repeat of last year’s final in the competition, which Erik ten Hag’s side had lost. Given the contrasting form of the two Manchester sides right now, United are in danger of losing a second consecutive final.
Vidic, a Manchester United legend with 300 appearances and their former captain, expects his former side to improve next season. He also urged fans to be patient with the new management, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He said:
“What I talked about in this interview you can translate to the club. Everything comes from the top down. Especially values. For the new management [Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos] it’s not great that United is in this situation it is — but it’s good for them to see the capability of the players. Almost to see the worst of Man United.
“I look at Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he is a very successful person in his businesses and not by accident. He has so many people under his management and understands the importance of structure and mentality and culture. Looking from the outside, I think what he’s trying to do is to put the right leadership in the right areas and create a winning culture. I think everyone is waiting for Manchester United to win. Not just United fans.”
In December last year, Ratcliffe’s partial acquisition of 25% of Manchester United was announced. The deal saw him pay £1.3 billion.
Is Erik Ten Hag’s job in trouble?
Dutch manager Erik ten Hag came to Manchester United in 2022 with a lot of promise, and even saw a fair amount of success in his first year at the club. He guided the side to a top-four finish in the Premier League last season, brought back Champions League football to Old Trafford, and secured runners-up spot in the FA Cup. Bigger things were expected this season, but instead, United declined, and Ten Hag’s position is now under question. Even winning the FA Cup may not suffice.
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