Erik ten Hag’s recent sacking marks yet another chapter in Manchester United’s turbulent managerial history. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the club has seen a string of managers try, and ultimately fail, to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford. The cartoon begins with Ferguson’s memorable farewell speech on the pitch, setting the stage for the dramatic ups and downs that would follow.
After Ferguson’s exit, David Moyes was handpicked to fill his shoes, but his stint was cut short in the face of poor performance, illustrated here as he’s struck by a football and a computer explosion—signaling an abrupt end to his time at United. Louis van Gaal, with his well-known chant, “Louis van Gaal’s army!” seemed to bring hope, especially with an FA Cup victory. Yet, despite lifting a trophy, Van Gaal was shown the door, his dreams ending as swiftly as a pink slip in hand.
Jose Mourinho added his own brand of drama, clutching a silver trophy and demanding “RESPECT, RESPECT!” before also meeting a bitter farewell. Ten Hag’s arrival was marked with high hopes, and he brought in familiar faces from his Ajax days, crafting a new vision for United. However, the harsh realities of Premier League demands left him drenched in disappointment—depicted here as his signings and trophies dissolve under a symbolic storm. The final blow arrives when Jim Ratcliffe, one of United’s decision-makers, sternly points him off the field, marking yet another premature end to a manager’s reign.
The turbulent journey of managers at Manchester United underscores the pressure and expectation that comes with the role. Will the next one finally end the post-Ferguson curse?