Manchester United: The worst decisions made by Red Devils chiefs since Sir Alex Fergusons retirement

Manchester United: The worst decisions made by Red Devils chiefs since Sir Alex Fergusons retirement
It has not been plain sailing for Manchester United since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retried in 2013.They have secured just two top-four finishes in that time, while failing to lift a Premier League title.Getty8

Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United

Recruitment and managerial appointments have been massive problems at Old Trafford.Here, talkSPORT look at the worst decisions made by Manchester United chiefs since Fergusons departure.

Appointing David Moyes as manager

Getty8

David Moyes did not last long as Manchester United boss

At the time of his appointment, the decision to have Moyes replace Ferguson seemed a sensible one. Moyes had spent 11 years at Everton and, without much of a transfer budget, consistently guided the club to top-seven finishes.But the Manchester United job proved too much for him. Despite handing him a six-year contract, Moyes was sacked after just ten months as United ended the season in seventh place their lowest finish since 1990.

Signing Angel di Maria for a then-British club-record fee

Getty8

Angel di Maria was a Premier League flop

After arriving in a 59.7million deal from Real Madrid in 2014, United fans were excited to see what Di Maria could offer. But it just did not work out for the Argentina winger. He scored just three Premier League goals and lost his place in the starting XI towards the end of the 2014/15 campaign.He was then sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer after failing to win over Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal and the Old Trafford faithful.

Extending Jose Mourinhos contract

Getty8

Jose Mourinho left Manchester United earlier this season

After winning the Europa League and League Cup in his first season as Manchester United boss, Mourinho was rewarded with a new contract in January 2018 which would run until 2020.But it turned out to be an odd decision as the club failed to land the Portuguese manager’s top summer targets and he was then given the boot in December.

Signing Alexis Sanchez on a reported 500,000-a-week deal

Getty8

Alexis Sanchez has failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford

Sanchezs move from Arsenal to Manchester United in January 2018 could go down as one of the worst transfers in Premier League history.He has scored just five goals in a Red Devils shirt and struggled with injuries. When he has been fit, he has either under-performed or been left out of the starting XI.It has been claimed his reported 500,000-a-week salary has made contract renewals difficult, with David de Gea allegedly asking for a similar wage.Sanchez could receive a 13million pay-off to put an end to his miserable spell at Old Trafford.

Letting Wilfried Zaha leave

Getty8

Wilfried Zaha has turned into a Premier League star since leaving Manchester United

Zaha joined United for 13million from Crystal Palace in January 2013 and was Fergusons final signing as United boss.He never played under the Scot as he was immediately loaned back to the Eagles as part of the deal. But he made just four appearances under Moyes and none under Van Gaal. He was shipped out on loan to Cardiff and Palace, before rejoining the latter for a measly 6million fee in 2015.Now, 70million-rated Zaha, who has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund, is regarded as one of the best players outside the top six in the Premier League.

Giving Anthony Martial a new contract

Getty8

Anthony Martial’s form has dipped in the second half of the season

There always seemed to be speculation surrounding Martials Manchester United future during Mourinhos tenure. However, after enjoying a run in the team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the Frenchman signed a new five-year deal in January.He has scored just twice since committing his future to the club and was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with already-relegated Huddersfield. Solskjaer is reportedly ready to sell Martial due to his poor attitude in training.

Not sorting out David de Geas future earlier

GETTY8

David de Gea’s Manchester United future is uncertain

Despite his recent poor run of form, De Gea is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. In November, with his deal set to run out at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, United chiefs triggered a one-year option in his contract. But Spains No.1 stopper is yet to commit his long-term future to the club, despite months of talks. If he refuses to agree fresh terms, it could result in United selling him for a reasonable fee this summer or risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

---

The winner of the UEFA Europa League qualifies for the UEFA Super Cup and, since the 2014-15 season, the following season's UEFA Champions League, entering at the group stage. The title has been won by 28 clubs, 13 of which have won the title more than once.

---

Goodbye Boss Leicester pay tribute to Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in final farewell to 'The Boss' in King Power Stadium return… as players join thousands of fans in farewell march
Leicester City players join thousands of fans on march to pay

---

Massimiliano Allegri will 'not be rushed' into next job after

---

The 2018/19 Premier League season is done and dusted, with Manchester City again reigning victorious. Pep Guardiola's men retained the title for the first time in their history with a 4-1 win at
Premier League fixtures 2019-20: Liverpool opens the season

---

Watford play host to Roy Hodgson's Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The Hornets are hoping to reach their fourth semi-final of the 21st century and go into the fixture off the back of a string of superb performances and results.
Blues activate David Perron, assign Kyrou to San Antonio

---

Sadio Mane revealed he was 'jealous' when Barcelona signed Philippe Coutinho in 2018. The LaLiga giants signed the forward in a deal worth up to £142million during last season's January transfer window. Losing a player of such magnitude has not harmed Liverpool's attacking threat, though, but Mane admitted his departure did leave a hole.
Barcelona vs Levante result: Lionel Messi helps Barca wrap up

---

West Ham opinion: Should the Hammers make a move for Dani Ceballos? The Premier League season may be over, but Manuel Pellegrini's project at West Ham is far from complete. He joined just before
West Ham want Dani Ceballos - footballtransfertavern.com

---

Everton 1-0 Arsenal: 'Mesut Ozil should NEVER be captain' - Vinnie Jones slams Gunners star after Premier League defeat The German midfielder was uninspiring as Unai Emery's men failed to
Emmanuel Frimpong takes aim at former Arsenal team-mate Samir

---

Tottenham team news: Predicted XI to face Inter Milan in the Champions League Spurs need to beat their Italian opponents at Wembley or they will be dumped out of the European competition By Anton
Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Inter Milan - prediction, team

---

Our first outing. The pundits didn't appear to have picked up a newspaper this side of May. Hazard had a niggle (bit dismissive for a broken ankle) Zouma should go on loan (already has, bellend) and allegedly, if your name is Tony Cascarino, the only difference between Arsenal and Chelsea last season was "consistency." (Facepalm)
Arsenal and Juventus in a race for Roma midfielder Lorenzo

---

Tottenham injury latest: Three stars ruled out Borussia Dortmund clash as Danny Rose also faces late fitness test Mauricio Pochettino has already confirmed it will be 'impossible' for Rose to
Dier, Kane, Rose - Latest Spurs injury news ahead of Dortmund

---