11 years after Sir Alex Ferguson's resignation, Manchester United are still struggling to find their peak. Erik ten Hag became the 5th coach appointed by the "Red Devils" since 2013 and the setting at Old Trafford is still gloomy. After a 3-4 defeat to Chelsea, they have almost run out of chances to compete for a ticket to the Champions League.
Avoiding a nightmare like Man United is a big challenge for Michael Edwards, CEO of fenway Sports Group (FSG) - owner of Liverpool. While Man United have been criticised for mistakes since Ferguson's resignation, there are some factors that are beyond their control. It felt like the Reds could not help but get into the same situation.
David Moyes was announced as Ferguson's successor just 24 hours after the former Scotland strategist announced his retirement. At that time, everyone thought that the former Everton coach was the chosen one. But in fact, Moyes is only United's 6th choice due to his slow progress towards other targets.
Man United once spoke to Jurgen Klopp when he was in charge of Dortmund and Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid. However, neither of them were convinced to move to Old Trafford. Therefore, Moyes was the last pick and was fired after only 1 year.
Compared to Ferguson, Klopp has announced his intention to leave at a much earlier time of the season. This means Liverpool have plenty of time to find a new manager, but Harris' return last month was the start of the process.
And it was even more difficult for the "Red Brigade" when Xabi Alonso - their top target - announced to stay at Bayer Leverkusen. Like Man United in 2013, Liverpool saw the top target taken off the table.
The situation is now more complicated as two other candidates - Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim - are being targeted by many other teams. Bayern are targeting De Zerbi, while Barcelona are particularly interested in Amorim. Although Liverpool's board have identified these as two top targets, they have yet to take any concrete action to gain an advantage.
If Man United and Chelsea also want to change their "captains" this summer, Liverpool will really fall into the same path. Man United failed to convince Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in 2013, eventually leading to the wrong players. If Liverpool suffer the same fate when missing De Zerbi, Amorim and Alonso, how will they do?
Pep Lijnders, a highly rated member of Klopp's coaching staff, has been left out of the squad and will leave with the German strategist this summer. Julian Nagelsmann has also been linked with Liverpool but is still a priority for him to stay with the German national team until mid-July. This was a time that was not suitable for both sides.
Other options such as Mourinho, Zinedine Zidane, Graham Potter or Thomas Tuchel all have more negative points than positive for their work at Liverpool.
Steven Gerrard - former Liverpool captain - led Rangers to the Scottish championship in 2021. However, 12 unsuccessful months at Aston Villa have overshadowed the tactician's ability. Gerrard is currently leading Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League and is unlikely to return to Anfield this summer.
If Edwards and Liverpool are decisive, they can avoid the traps that have hit Man United since Ferguson left. But Alonso's exclusion from the plan, combined with Barcelona and Bayern looking to other potential alternatives, has left Liverpool in a tight spot.
Man United are still paying a heavy price for mistakes in 2013. And Liverpool are also realizing that replacing a legendary coach is not an easy task.
