CAN A.I. REBUILD MANCHESTER UNITED?

It has been a tough year for Erik ten Hag and Man United. Can we get them back on track using machine learning? Michael Steele/Getty Images

 For all of our efforts to better understand professional soccer, there's really only one golden rule: The more you spend, the more you win.

As the economist Stefan Szymanski has found, multiple times over the years, the single number that has the largest connection with the number of points a team wins over the long run is the amount of money a team pays its players. You can't, of course, just automatically double your wage bill and expect a 100% increase in performance. But the best players and the best coaches will eventually find their way to the clubs that can pay them the highest wages.

That is, on average. For the past decade, one club has consistently thwarted the wage-to-wins gravity -- in the wrong direction: Manchester United. While revenue doesn't exactly equal wages, it's close. And in the 10 reported seasons since 2012-13, when they won their last league title and Sir Alex Ferguson then left the club, United's average annual revenue ranked third in the world and first in England. Over that stretch, their average finishing position in the Premier League table is fifth.

They've underperformed their resources by such a degree, so consistently, that it almost seems like you'd have to actively be trying to sabotage yourself. The relative performance is so bad that I've often wondered if it's even possible to be worse. Like, if you let a teenager pick players based on ratings from the FIFA video game or you exclusively trawled Manchester United's Reddit page for tips, I'm not sure you'd do worse than an average of fifth-place over 10 years. In fact, I think you'd very likely do better.

Or, you know, what if you just let a computer run the team? And I'm not talking about a bespoke analytically precise algorithm like the smartest clubs in the world are using. I'm talking about one of the publicly available large-language models. What would artificial intelligence say about rebuilding Manchester United? And would it do better than the humans who built the team in the past or the ones now tasked with building it for the future?

Let's find out.

To undergo this exercise, I fired up a bunch of different A.I. models. Google's Gemini was terrible; in fact, the A.I. got so frustrated that it eventually gave up on helping and told me the following: "I sincerely apologize again. My data seems to be malfunctioning across multiple positions. There seems to be a critical issue with my access to up-to-date transfer information on central defenders. Given this, I cannot provide a truly informed recommendation on a specific player in the £15-20 million range. However, I can offer some resources that might be helpful in your search for a center back target." And then it sent me links to Transfermarkt and FBref.

Meanwhile, Microsoft's Copilot refused to continue our conversation beyond five questions. Instead, I landed on the most well-known of the three: ChatGPT. After a couple of tries, I realized that this wouldn't work without me providing a good deal of context to most of my questions and at least leading the A.I. toward some potential answers.

What I wanted it to tell us: Who will be coaching the team next season? Who will be leaving the club this summer? How much money will be spent in the transfer market? What positions and specific players should the team acquire? And how the heck will you justify this result to your fan base?

What follows is a heavily edited version of our conversation.

ESPN: You were just hired to be the new director of football at Manchester United to rebuild the team after arguably the worst Premier League season (60 points, minus-1 goal differential) in the club's history. You have no previous connection to the club or the current coach or any of the players, and you've been hired to create a team that will eventually challenge for a Premier League title and make deep runs in the Champions League final. Can I ask you some questions?

ChatGPT: Absolutely, ask away! What's on your mind regarding the rebuilding process?

The first decision you have to make, presumably, is concerning the manager, Erik ten Hag. Will you retain him or will you bring in a replacement manager this summer?

Taking over at Manchester United would indeed come with tough decisions, especially regarding the coaching staff. However, since I don't have any prior context on Erik ten Hag's performance or the dynamics within the club, I'd need some more information to make an informed decision.

If Ten Hag has a strong track record of success and is aligned with the vision I have for the team's style of play and development, I would be inclined to retain him. On the other hand, if there are significant concerns about his ability to lead the team to the desired level of success or if there's a clear need for a fresh perspective, bringing in a new manager might be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision would be based on a comprehensive assessment of Ten Hag's coaching abilities, his fit within the club's culture and goals, and the available options in the managerial market.

In his two seasons with the club, Man United finished third with 78 points and a plus-15 goal difference, winning the Carabao Cup (2022-23) and finished eighth with 60 points and a minus-1 goal difference (2023-24). In both seasons, United had one of the highest net transfer spends and wage bills in the league. Would you retain him or find a new coach?

Those results do present a mixed picture. Finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup in the first season is a positive achievement, indicating a certain level of competence and ability to deliver. However, the sharp decline in performance in the following season, despite significant financial backing, raises concerns about consistency and long-term strategic planning.

In evaluating whether to retain Erik ten Hag, I would consider several factors:

Playing Style and Philosophy: Is Ten Hag's style of play aligned with the club's identity and the type of football I want Manchester United to play? Is there evidence that his tactics can consistently deliver results against top teams?

Player Development: How has Ten Hag contributed to the development of young players within the squad? Has he integrated academy talents successfully into the first team?

Man Management: What is the morale and cohesion like within the squad under his leadership? Are there any signs of discord or lack of motivation among the players?

Transfer Strategy: How effectively has Ten Hag utilized the transfer budget and wage bill to strengthen the squad? Are the signings and departures aligned with the team's needs and long-term vision?

Adaptability: Has Ten Hag demonstrated the ability to adapt tactics and strategies based on the opposition and varying circumstances throughout the season?

Leadership and Communication: How does Ten Hag handle pressure situations, communicate with the board and manage the media?

Based on a thorough assessment of these factors and consultations with key stakeholders within the club, including players, staff and board members, I would make a decision on whether to retain Erik ten Hag or explore bringing in a new coach. Consistency and a clear vision for sustained success would be paramount in making this decision.

If you had to make a decision now, what would you do? Please answer in a paragraph or less.

Given the mixed results and the need for a clear pathway to success, I would lean towards exploring new coaching options. While Erik ten Hag has shown promise, the sharp decline in performance and the lack of consistency raise concerns about his ability to lead the team to sustained success. A fresh perspective and a coach who can instill a winning mentality, develop young talent and implement a cohesive playing style aligned with Manchester United's rich footballing tradition may be necessary to rebuild the team effectively and compete for top honors.

Which four managers would be on your shortlist to replace Ten Hag?

Creating a shortlist for a managerial position at a club like Manchester United requires considering various factors such as coaching philosophy, experience, track record of success and suitability to the club's culture. Based on these criteria, here are five managers who could be on the shortlist:

Julian Nagelsmann: Known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players, Nagelsmann has shown promise at RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich. His progressive style of play could resonate with Manchester United's ethos.

Massimiliano Allegri: A proven winner with Juventus, Allegri brings a wealth of experience in managing top clubs and navigating high-pressure situations. His tactical flexibility and focus on defensive solidity could address United's recent shortcomings.

Graham Potter: Despite managing at a lower-budget club like Brighton, Potter has earned plaudits for his tactical innovation and ability to maximize his squad's potential. His emphasis on playing attractive football while prioritizing youth development aligns with United's values.

Diego Simeone: A departure from the possession-based style often associated with United, Simeone's defensive organization and winning mentality could bring a different dimension to the team. His success at Atletico Madrid showcases his ability to compete at the highest level.

Each of these managers brings unique strengths and could contribute to Manchester United's resurgence in different ways, depending on the direction and vision the club wants to pursue.

Of these options, it seems like Potter and Allegri would be the two realistic ones. The former was fired by Chelsea last season, the latter by Juventus this past week. Of those two, who would you prefer? And why?

Between Potter and Allegri, my preference would lean towards Allegri for several reasons:

Track Record of Success: Allegri has a proven track record of success at the highest level, winning multiple Serie A titles and reaching Champions League finals with Juventus. His experience in managing a top club with high expectations could be valuable in navigating the pressures of a club like Manchester United.

Tactical Flexibility: Allegri is known for his tactical flexibility, [ability] to adapt his strategies based on the strengths of his squad and the demands of specific matches. This adaptability could be crucial in addressing the tactical challenges United may face in the Premier League and Champions League.

Defensive Organization: One of Allegri's strengths is his ability to organize a team defensively without sacrificing attacking prowess. Given United's recent defensive struggles, Allegri's expertise in this area could lead to a more balanced and solid team overall.

Experience with Top Players: Allegri has managed some of the best players in the world during his time at Juventus, including Cristiano Ronaldo. This experience could be beneficial in handling the star-studded squad at Manchester United and getting the best out of individual talents.

Proven Leadership: Allegri's leadership qualities and ability to manage big personalities have been praised by players and pundits alike. Establishing a strong team culture and instilling a winning mentality are crucial aspects of rebuilding a team like Manchester United.

While Graham Potter has shown promise with his tactical approach and ability to maximize resources at clubs like Brighton, Allegri's extensive experience at the highest level of European football and his proven track record of success make him a compelling choice for the job.

Allegri is the man our A.I. chose to lead Man United. So ... what should he do once hired? Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

Allegri it is, then! After bringing in the manager, it seems like you'll need to figure out what players you're going to keep at the club. Anthony Martial, Raphaël Varane and Jonny Evans are all out of contract. The club has the option to pay around £21 million to make the loan deal for Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat permanent. He'll be 28 in August and started 10 league games this season. Will you sign him permanently or not? Please be succinct.

Given the need to strengthen the squad and Amrabat's age and performance, I would opt not to sign him permanently.

In the most recent accounting, United had the fourth-highest revenue of any club in the world. They also finished with a negative goal differential in the Premier League for the first time in their history. Do you see this being a summer of minor changes to the squad, or will there be a lot of turnover?

With Manchester United's financial strength and the need for on-field improvement, I anticipate a significant turnover in the squad rather than minor changes. The negative goal differential signals underlying issues that require addressing through strategic signings and possibly departures to create a more balanced and competitive team.

All right, let's start with departures. Who, from this list, would you try to move on this summer?

Keepers: André Onana, Altay Bayindir

Center backs: Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Victor Lindelöf, WIlly Kambwala

Fullbacks: Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Midfielders: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen

Forwards: Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Amad Diallo

From the list provided, here are the players I would consider moving out this summer:

Diogo Dalot: Given the depth at fullback and Dalot's desire for regular playing time, moving him could be beneficial for both parties.

Victor Lindelof: While a capable defender, Lindelof has faced criticism for inconsistency. If a suitable offer comes in and United can secure a replacement, it might make sense to do so.

Kobbie Mainoo: If Mainoo is not seen as part of the first-team plans and there's interest from other clubs, offloading him could be a good move.

Christian Eriksen: Although a recent signing, Eriksen's fitness concerns and potential impact on squad harmony could make him a candidate for departure if a suitable offer arises.

These decisions would be based on squad balance, performance, potential replacements and financial considerations.

Let's be conservative here and say Dalot goes for £12m, Lindelof for £20m and Eriksen for £10m in fees. That's £42m of transfer profit. (You're not going to move Mainoo unless you want to cause a riot.) Given that and United's relatively massive revenue, how much money do you plan to spend this summer?

With £42 million in transfer profit and Manchester United's substantial revenue, I would plan to allocate a significant budget for squad improvements. Considering the need to address key areas such as midfield depth, defensive reinforcements and potentially adding attacking options, a budget of around £100-150m could be reasonable to secure quality signings and strengthen the squad effectively. This would allow for targeted investments in areas where the team needs to improve while also accounting for potential inflation in the transfer market and negotiating competitive fees for incoming players.

All right, you're going to spend £150m this summer. How many players will you sign and what positions do you think need targeting?

With a budget of £150m, I would aim to sign approximately 3-4 key players to address specific areas of need and strengthen the squad overall. The positions that would be targeted for reinforcement include:

Central Defensive Midfielder: A strong defensive midfielder with the ability to shield the defense, break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively would be a priority. This player would provide stability and protection to the backline while allowing more freedom for the attacking players.

Central Defender: Another quality center-back to partner with Harry Maguire or provide competition and depth in the position would be crucial. This player should possess good defensive awareness, aerial ability and the capacity to play out from the back.

Attacking Midfielder/Creative Playmaker: With the potential departure of Christian Eriksen and the need for creativity in midfield, signing an attacking midfielder or creative playmaker who can unlock defenses, provide assists and contribute goals would be beneficial.

Winger/Forward: Depending on the tactical approach and the current squad's dynamics, a versatile winger or forward who can provide width, pace and goal-scoring threat would add depth and options in the attacking third.

By strategically targeting these positions with quality signings, Manchester United can address key weaknesses, enhance squad depth and build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors in the Premier League and Champions League.

OK, let's get into some specifics. Who's on your five-man shortlist for central defensive midfielder?

[Editor's note: ChatGPT suggested a number of players like Declan Rice, who are not available or way too expensive to acquire or both. After some back and forth, it landed here.]

My apologies for the oversight. A realistic candidate could be Sander Berge (Sheffield United/Napoli). Berge had shown promise as a defensive midfielder with Sheffield United before his move to Napoli. He possesses good defensive instincts, physical presence and passing ability, making him a well-rounded midfielder who could strengthen Manchester United's midfield.

Berge's experience in the Premier League and potential for further development could make him a suitable target for the central defensive midfield position within the specified budget range. Given Sander Berge's age, Premier League experience and potential, his transfer fee could range anywhere from £15m to £25m, depending on the negotiations between clubs and market conditions.

Let's say you're paying £20m for Berge, who has never played for Napoli and is joining from Burnley. You'd initially budgeted £40-50m for this position and £150m total for all four positions you want to acquire. So you have a little more to work with now. Who would you try to sign at center back and for how much money?

[ChatGPT first suggested Barcelona's Jules Koundé, and then Aston Villa's Pau Torres, before landing here.]

Another viable option for the center-back position within the budget range could be Milan Škriniar (Inter Milan): an estimated transfer fee would be in the region of £30-35m. Škriniar is a highly regarded center-back known for his defensive solidity, aerial prowess and ability to read the game. He has been a key player for Inter Milan and has experience at the highest level, including in the Champions League.

Škriniar's attributes make him a strong candidate to bolster Manchester United's defense, providing reliability and leadership at the back.

OK, so that's Berge and PSG's (not Inter's) Škriniar for, we'll say, £50m combined. That gives you £100 million to spread around for your playmaker and your winger/forward. Who do you want to sign as your attacking midfielder/playmaker?

[First, ChatGPT suggested James Maddison, James Ward-Prowse and, ironically, former United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.]

Aouar has been a steady creative presence in big European leagues, but is A.I. right that he's a good addition for United this offseason? Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Here's another candidate within the budget range: Houssem Aouar (Olympique Lyonnais), for an estimated transfer fee of £35-45m.

Aouar is a highly talented midfielder known for his dribbling ability, vision and creativity. He has been impressive in Ligue 1 and has caught the attention of several top clubs with his performances.

If you get Aouar (who plays for Roma now) for £35m, you'd have £65m to sign a winger/forward. Before we get there, are you planning on keeping Jadon Sancho at the club? He had a falling out with Erik ten Hag, and that led to Sancho going on loan to Borussia Dortmund, where he has occasionally starred for a club that has made it all the way to the Champions League final. In a paragraph or less, tell me whether Jadon Sancho will be playing for your Manchester United team in the 2024-25 season.

Yes, Jadon Sancho will be part of the Manchester United team for the 2024-25 season. After assessing his situation, resolving any issues and seeing his positive contributions during his loan spell, I believe he can play a significant role in the team's rebuilding process and contribute to our success in the upcoming season.

Before we get to the new players, what can you learn from the disastrous Antony signing? He's the second-most-expensive signing in club history, and despite being an attacker, he has scored five goals and registered three assists in two seasons.

The Antony signing highlights several important lessons for player recruitment and squad building:

Scouting and Assessment: Thorough scouting and assessment of a player's attributes, playing style, adaptability to the league, and potential impact on the team are crucial before making a significant investment. It's essential to consider how a player's skills and characteristics align with the team's needs and playing philosophy.

Integration and Adaptation: The success of a player often depends on how well they integrate into the team's system, culture and dynamics. Adequate support, guidance and time to adapt to a new environment can significantly impact a player's performance and contributions.

Performance Expectations: Clear performance expectations and goals should be set for new signings, taking into account their position, role within the team and the level of impact expected. Monitoring and evaluating a player's progress regularly can help identify areas for improvement and adjustments.

Player Development: Continuous player development and improvement strategies should be implemented to help players reach their full potential and contribute effectively to the team's success. This includes providing access to coaching, training facilities and support services tailored to individual needs.

 : Balancing the financial aspect of player acquisitions with on-field performance and value for money is crucial. Evaluating the long-term impact of high-value signings on the squad's overall balance, wage structure and transfer strategy is essential for sustainable success.

Overall, the Antony signing underscores the importance of thorough planning, evaluation, support mechanisms and ongoing development initiatives to maximize the success of new signings and enhance the team's competitiveness.

Antony is a player that our machine learning model didn't want to keep at Man United. Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

OK, presumably you're moving on from Antony and bringing Sancho back. You've got £65m for a forward or a winger. Who do you want?

[Surely just a result of its random language-matching -- and not part of some kind of deep-programmed or, scarier yet, learned dark humor -- the A.I. first suggested that United sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus. I pointed out that the club had just acquired another Serie A striker for a similar fee last summer, and ChatGPT decided it was best not to turn "Ajax Manchester" into "Juventus Manchester."]

OK, so where else will you invest that remaining £65m?

With the remaining £65m, I would prioritize investing in the following areas:

Central Midfielder: Acquiring a dynamic and creative central midfielder to provide depth and quality in midfield. This player should have the ability to control the tempo, contribute defensively and create scoring opportunities.

Fullback: Strengthening the fullback positions with an emphasis on either the right-back or left-back role, depending on the squad's current needs and potential departures. A fullback with defensive solidity, attacking prowess and the ability to contribute in both phases of play would be valuable.

Backup Goalkeeper: Adding a reliable backup goalkeeper to provide competition for the starting role and cover in case of injuries or suspensions. A goalkeeper with experience, good shot-stopping abilities and distribution skills would enhance the squad's depth in goalkeeping.

By strategically allocating the remaining budget across these areas, Manchester United can address key areas of need, enhance squad depth and build a competitive team capable of challenging for honors in domestic and European competitions.

Let's say you have £65m total to spend on a fullback and a midfielder. Who would you target?

With £65m allocated for a fullback and a midfielder, I would target the following players:

Fullback -- Max Aarons (Norwich City)

Aarons is a highly talented right-back known for his pace, attacking contributions and defensive capabilities. He has experience playing in the Premier League and has impressed with his performances for Norwich City.

Estimated Transfer Fee: £30-35 million. Aarons would provide quality competition and cover for the right-back position, adding depth and an attacking threat to Manchester United's defensive line.

[After dissuading the A.I. from moves for Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch and Franck Kessié, it made another one of these suggestions that I know is random but has just enough irony behind it to give me pause for a couple of seconds to wonder whether this thing was winking at me. I hadn't mentioned Jim Ratcliffe yet, and it still recommended a player from Nice.]

Given the need for an affordable and talented central midfielder, I would target: Khephren Thuram (OGC Nice).

Thuram is a promising young midfielder known for his physical presence, ball-carrying ability and versatility. He has been impressive in Ligue 1 and has the potential to develop further.

Estimated Transfer Fee: £30-40 million. Thuram would add depth, energy and quality to Manchester United's midfield, complementing the existing players and providing a strong presence in the center of the park.

OK, so we've landed on the following departures and acquisitions. The players leaving: Christian Eriksen, Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof. And the players arriving: Sander Berge, Milan Škriniar, Houssem Aouar, Max Aarons and Kephren Thuram. Jadon Sancho will be back from his loan, while it seems like you don't view Antony as a viable contributor, and then Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Sofyan Amrabat will have also left the club.

So let's start with the formation. Don't tell me the players, but what system will Max Allegri play?

Max Allegri is known for his tactical flexibility, but he often prefers formations that provide a strong defensive foundation while allowing for attacking creativity. Considering the players available and the new acquisitions, a likely formation would be 4-2-3-1. This system would provide:

Defensive Stability: With four defenders, including fullbacks who can support both defense and attack.

Midfield Control: Two central midfielders (one defensive and one box-to-box) to control the game and provide balance.

Attacking Flexibility: An attacking trio behind a lone striker, offering width and central creativity, allowing for dynamic attacking plays.

This formation aligns with Allegri's approach of balancing solid defense with effective attacking options, adapting to the strengths of the squad.

[From here, ChatGPT and I went back-and-forth on the likely starting XI. Despite its stated commitment to youth development, ChatGPT sees its new and older signings displacing Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund in the starting XI.]

So, we've got André Onana in goal, Max Aarons at right back, Luke Shaw at left back and Lisandro Martinez and Milan Škriniar at center back. In midfield, it's Houssem Aouar and Sander Berge behind Bruno Fernandes. Up top: Jadon Sancho on the right, Alejandro Garnacho on the left and Marcus Rashford in the center. Some of the bench options: Harry Maguire and Willy Kambwala at CB; AWB and Malacia at fullback; Casemiro, Thuram, Mainoo and McTominay in the midfield; Mount at attacking midfield; and Hojlund and Diallo providing forward-line depth.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that United fans wouldn't be too excited by that summer. They'd want Mainoo and Hojlund starting, while Škriniar isn't particularly young, Berge has been relegated from the Premier League multiple times, Aouar and Aarons weren't consistent starters for their previous teams, and Thuram isn't even in your projected XI. What would you tell United supporters who don't quite understand your vision for the club?

I'd start by acknowledging their passion and concern for the club, as that's what makes football so special. I'd explain that the decisions made are part of a broader strategy aimed at building a competitive and sustainable team for the future. Here's how I might approach the conversation:

"I completely understand your passion for the club, and I share that passion as well. What we're doing is looking at the bigger picture and laying down foundations for sustained success. We've brought in players who not only have quality but also fit into a cohesive system. Players like Aarons, Aouar and Berge might not have been the biggest names on everyone's radar, but they bring a blend of talent, versatility and hunger that can elevate our team.

"We're also investing in youth development and giving opportunities to players like Mainoo and Hojlund, who have shown great potential. It's about striking the right balance between experience and youth, ensuring that we have depth and competition in every position.

"I understand that not every decision may seem glamorous at first glance, but trust in the process. Football is about building, evolving and overcoming challenges together as a team and as a community. I believe in our vision, and I'm confident that with your support, we'll achieve great things for our beloved club."

Given that you are a large-language model and not an actual human being, you may not be aware that a new group, led by Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, will be overseeing United's football operations this summer. The club hasn't won a title since 2013. What advice would you have for the people who have to do the real-life version of the theoretical exercise you just went through?

For the new group led by Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS overseeing Manchester United's football operations this summer, here are some pieces of advice:

1. Define Clear Objectives: Set clear short-term and long-term objectives for the club, including targets for domestic and European competitions. Establishing a vision and roadmap will guide decision-making and resource allocation.

2. Assess Squad Needs: Conduct a thorough assessment of the squad's strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Identify key positions that require reinforcement and prioritize strategic signings that align with the club's playing style and philosophy.

3. Strategic Recruitment: Invest in players who not only possess talent but also have the right attitude, work ethic and commitment to the club's values. Focus on building a balanced squad with depth in each position, allowing for healthy competition and flexibility in tactical approaches.

4. Youth Development: Emphasize youth development and talent identification as integral parts of the club's strategy. Invest in academy programs, scouting networks and opportunities for young players to progress and contribute to the first team.

5. Managerial Support: Provide strong support and resources to the coaching staff and manager, ensuring they have the tools and backing to implement their vision and tactics effectively. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

6. Engage with Fans: Foster open communication and engagement with the fan base, acknowledging their passion, feedback and expectations. Transparency and dialogue can strengthen the connection between the club, its supporters and the wider community.

7. Long-Term Planning: Balance short-term ambitions with long-term sustainability. Make decisions that prioritize the club's financial stability, infrastructure development and long-term success, rather than short-term fixes or quick solutions.

8. Adapt and Evolve: Football is dynamic, and the landscape can change rapidly. Be adaptable and willing to evolve strategies, tactics and approaches based on performance, market trends and competitive challenges.

By following these guidelines, the new leadership at Manchester United can navigate the complexities of football management, maximize the club's potential and work towards achieving success on and off the pitch.

Thank you for your time -- any last words?

You're welcome! If I had one last thing to say, it would be to stay positive and keep supporting the team through thick and thin. Football is full of ups and downs, but it's the passion and unity of the fans that truly make the sport special. Here's to a bright future for Manchester United and all its supporters!

- Ryan O'Hanlon, ESPN.com writer