Sir Alex Ferguson tops a ranking of Man United managers, while Ruben Amorim comes last among the club’s permanent bosses in the post-Ferguson era
Sir Alex Ferguson has emerged as the best manager in a ranking of Manchester United’s eight permanent managers during the Premier League era, while former head coach Michael Carrick has been placed sixth following his dismissal on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Also read:Court Rejects Fake Nafiu Bala ADC Resignation Letter
The ranking, published by football website Planet Football, assessed the achievements, shortcomings and overall impact of the managers who have led the club since the Premier League began in 1992.
Ferguson, who managed United for 26 years before retiring in 2013, occupied the top position, having won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies during his remarkable spell at Old Trafford.
His 38 major trophies established a standard that none of his successors has managed to replicate.
At the opposite end of the ranking, Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim was placed eighth after struggling to establish his preferred 3-4-3 formation and deliver consistent results.
United finished 15th in the Premier League during his first full season, their lowest league position in 51 years. He eventually left the club in January 2026.
David Moyes occupied seventh position. Appointed in 2013 as Ferguson’s successor, the former Everton manager lasted just 10 months despite initially signing a six-year contract.
Moyes struggled with the expectations at Old Trafford, and United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League contributed to his dismissal in April 2014.
Carrick was ranked sixth following a difficult permanent spell that ended on Thursday.
The former United midfielder initially returned to the dugout as interim manager in January 2026 and enjoyed an impressive start, winning 12 of his first 17 matches before guiding the club to third place and Champions League qualification.
However, Carrick struggled to maintain the momentum in the 2026/27 campaign, with poor results and defensive problems putting his position under pressure.
He was eventually dismissed on November 12 after United’s disappointing run of results. He finished with 15 victories in 32 matches as permanent manager, representing a 46.9 per cent win rate.
Dutch manager Erik ten Hag occupied fifth position. Although he won the 2023 League Cup and 2024 FA Cup, inconsistent performances and expensive recruitment decisions affected his time at the club.
His £86m signing of Brazilian winger Antony became one of the most criticised transfer decisions of his tenure.
Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024 following a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season.
Former United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was ranked fourth.
Solskjaer restored a more positive atmosphere after replacing Jose Mourinho in December 2018 and guided United to third and second-place finishes in consecutive Premier League seasons.
He also oversaw memorable victories, including the Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, his inability to win major silverware counted against him. United lost the 2021 Europa League final to Villarreal, while Solskjaer was dismissed in November of that year following a difficult run of results.
Dutchman Louis van Gaal occupied third position after winning the 2016 FA Cup, the first major trophy United claimed following Ferguson’s retirement.
Van Gaal also helped the club return to the Champions League, but his possession-based approach and cautious style attracted criticism from supporters.
Despite winning the FA Cup, he was dismissed in May 2016, just two days after the final.
Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho was ranked second, having delivered three trophies during his 31-month spell at Old Trafford.
Mourinho won the Europa League, League Cup and Community Shield in his first season and guided United to second place in the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
However, disagreements with players, including Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial, as well as tensions with the club’s hierarchy, eventually undermined his position.
He was dismissed in December 2018.
Ferguson remained firmly at the top of the assessment, with his 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs placing him comfortably ahead of the other seven managers.
Since his retirement in 2013, United have appointed seven permanent successors, but none has been able to restore the sustained dominance that defined his era.
Also read:Court Rejects Fake Nafiu Bala ADC Resignation Letter
The ranking comes at another difficult moment for the club following Carrick’s departure, underlining the continuing challenge of finding a manager capable of bringing stability and consistent success back to Old Trafford.
