United Thread | 2024/25

[mexico1970]

Just thought I’d bring this gem back

 

[Pingu the Penguin]

they’re irrelevant

 

[Bri1975]

 

[Tuearts right boot]

Few days late with this but just seen that plum Goldbridge crying about Haaland renewing his contract with a ‘soulless club’

Soulless …

From a bloke who supports a club 100 odd miles away from where he is from, using a fake name, and who watches their games on a fucking laptop

Brilliant

You've got to admit, it's a great business model....as long as your customers are sheep.

 

[old blue]

I'm triggered.

Horrendous club. I hope the current death by mediocrity they are suffering through continues for another 340 years.

I would settle for perhaps 115 years.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

they’re irrelevant

That's the best bit about all this, isn't it?

It's the ultimate (worse) outcome for them.

I hope they dwell on the bottom of the PL for eternity.

 

[Vienna_70]

How olds that young lad on the left now, not laughing now I bet :)

Unless he’s seen the error of his ways and jumped ship.

 

[Vienna_70]

Didn't he say he would never buy a player that was already established, only young players, for the future ?
But he somehow bought Robin Van Persie from Arsenal (a player who also had a dubious past), without whom the Trafford Tramps would never have won their last league title under the GPC.
He didn't walk away either because of his vanity, or that he milked the Glazers (whom he never called out, despite the fans hating them) for a lot of money, every season as an Ambassador.
Sounds like Matt Busby #2 ?

Except that Matt Busby was a gentleman and a gracious loser.

Two compliments that could never be paid to the pisscan.

 

[Vienna_70]

He used to make excuses every summer. 'No value in the market' was one that wound up the rag fans a lot. He needs calling out for his shit transfers in his last few years and then no doubt sticking his oar in for the next decade, possibly still doing it.

That certainly seems to be the case.

AMoron said the other day that the Govan bully had given him some advice.

 

[Ribble73]

The Busby era was so very, very different to the modern day. It was commonplace for fans to go to both clubs' games on alternate weekends. Now; ignoring the fact that you'd need Bill Gates' bank balance to do that these days, would "hardcore" fans of either club even consider going to watch "the other lot"? Football is so much more tribal these days.

This phenomenon definitely disappeared in the Busby era

 

[surrounded by idiots]

Long may they play Salieri to City's Mozart. It kills their pig, every day.

Very clever, but way too much for here

 

[northendenton]

For Manchester City fans, the past decade has been nothing short of a dream. The sky has turned blue, and the balance of power in Manchester—and arguably English football—has decisively shifted. Since Slur Alex Ferguson waved his teary goodbye in 2013, Manchester United has descended into a spiral of mediocrity, mismanagement, and identity crises. For City fans, it’s a fascinating case study in how a once-dominant giant can implode, especially when juxtaposed with City’s meteoric rise under Sheikh Mansour and Pep Guardiola.

The Ferguson Vacuum

Let’s start with the obvious: Slur Alex was a genius. Love him or loathe him, the man could turn average squads into champions, blending tactical acumen, man-management, and a siege mentality that made United a relentless force. But Ferguson’s departure exposed a glaring truth—United’s dominance was as much about him as it was about the institution. Without him, the club floundered.

David Moyes, handpicked by Ferguson, was out of his depth. Louis van Gaal brought a rigid, joyless style. José Mourinho’s tenure oscillated between short-term success and long-term toxicity. Ole Gunnar Solskjær offered nostalgia without substance. Erik ten Hag, the latest in a revolving door of managers, has had fleeting success but remains bogged down by the club’s deeper issues.

For City fans, watching this managerial chaos has been amusing. The “Chosen One” banner at Old Trafford quickly became a symbol of misplaced arrogance. In contrast, City’s succession planning—transitioning from Roberto Mancini to Manuel Pellegrini and then to Pep Guardiola—highlighted a clear vision and a club-wide philosophy.

Spending Without Strategy

United’s post-Ferguson transfer strategy has been another comedic subplot. While City have built one of the most balanced and cohesive squads in football, United have thrown money at the problem with little thought. From Ángel Di María to Paul Pogba to Jadon Sancho, the list of expensive flops is staggering.

The irony? United have consistently outspent City in many transfer windows. Yet, for every Harry Maguire at United, there’s a Ruben Dias at City. For every Fred, there’s a Rodri. The difference lies in recruitment strategy. City buy players who fit a system; United buy players to appease their fanbase or chase commercial gains.

The Commercial Club

And that brings us to perhaps the most glaring difference: United’s obsession with branding. While City have built a football empire with an emphasis on the pitch, United seem more focused on selling shirts. From cringe-worthy sponsorship announcements to over-the-top social media campaigns, United have become the poster child for football’s commercialisation.

The Glazer family’s ownership has turned the club into a cash cow, with little concern for footballing success. Meanwhile, City’s owners have invested in infrastructure, youth development, and a long-term vision that transcends just winning trophies.

The Guardiola Effect

And then there’s Pep Guardiola. Since his arrival in 2016, City have revolutionised English football. From 100-point seasons to treble-winning campaigns, City have reached a level of dominance that United fans once boasted about. Guardiola’s City have not just outplayed United—they’ve humiliated them. Remember the 6-3 drubbing in 2022? Or the sheer dominance of City’s midfield in derby after derby?

United fans like to talk about history, but the truth is that City have been writing their own over the past decade. While United struggle to finish in the top four, City are setting benchmarks that future generations will talk about.

What Next for United?

For City fans, the demise of Manchester United is bittersweet. On one hand, it’s satisfying to see our once-mighty rivals reduced to a shadow of their former selves. On the other hand, the derby just doesn’t feel as competitive anymore.

United’s problems are deep-rooted: poor ownership, a lack of footballing identity, and an inflated sense of their place in the modern game. Fixing them will require years of patience, humility, and the kind of structural overhaul that City underwent a decade ago.

Conclusion

The demise of Manchester United since Slur Alex left has been a masterclass in how not to run a football club. For City fans, it’s hard to feel sympathy. After decades of living in their shadow, we’re finally basking in the glory of our own success while watching them flounder.

The power shift in Manchester is complete, and the blue moon is shining brighter than ever. If United want to challenge again, they’ll need more than just nostalgia—they’ll need to learn from the club that now owns their city.

Yea but other than that ,,,,,,this mancheserunitt we are taking abou... repeat ad nauseum

 

[Vienna_70]

Few days late with this but just seen that plum Goldbridge crying about Haaland renewing his contract with a ‘soulless club’

Soulless …

From a bloke who supports a club 100 odd miles away from where he is from, using a fake name, and who watches their games on a fucking laptop

Brilliant

He doesn’t support the rags. He’s just milking the gullible twats via his "watch along".

He’s a Forest fan.

 

[Vienna_70]

Also David White did not scored for City in that match, though his cross for the Hincliffe header and fifth goal was a thing of beauty!!

And nor did Paul Lake.

Oldfield (2) Morley, Bishop, Hinchcliffe.

 

[northendenton]

United have potential !

And it's all behind them.

Its pantomime season for the twats,,it is behind them

 

[jrb]

You’ve got to give Brent Di Cesare credit.

He’s got over 2,000,000 United Sheep watching his YouTube, United, match day, channel.

 

[Totnes Blue]

You missed out the God Father of German Football
Ralf Ragnik

In fairness to Ragnik,he came in,saw what a shit show it was and told them what they needed to do.The result? they fucked him off.

 

[RadcliffeRick]

That certainly seems to be the case.

AMoron said the other day that the Govan bully had given him some advice.

Was that done on the pitch in front of the hoards of half wits delaying the start for which no fine will be issued unlike the 2 million City have been fined.

 

[Vienna_70]

I see at least one of the papers is going with the line that Rashford wants his place in the team back.

As Mrs Vienna used to tell the grandchildren, I want gets nothing.

 

[Platt Lane 59]

That certainly seems to be the case.

AMoron said the other day that the Govan bully had given him some advice.

Yes, don't put your car in my parking space.
Ole Gunnar Solskaer was shit scared to defy the Bully...