How every Man United manager performed in their opening game since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement
The maiden Manchester Derby of 2026 will take place today at Old Trafford.
While Manchester City have evolved into a modern powerhouse under Pep Guardiola, Manchester United have endured a steady decline over the past decade.
A relentless cycle of managerial changes has left the club drifting without identity, and Michael Carrick now begins a short caretaker spell in an attempt to restore order.
Here we look to see how Man United managers have fared in their first games after Sir Alex Ferguson’s managerial retirement.
David Moyes
The subdued era of David Moyes began by lifting the Community Shield trophy.
A brace from Robin van Persie helped the Red Devils claim a comfortable 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic.
It appeared to be the perfect launchpad for the Scot, but that optimism evaporated rapidly as Moyes lasted just 11 months before being dismissed following a disastrous run of results.
Ryan Giggs
The appointment of Giggs was like a breath of fresh air, with the hope of ending the season on a high.
The club legend opened his four-game stint in emphatic fashion with a commanding 4–0 win over Norwich City.
Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata both struck twice, producing a performance that briefly reignited belief inside Old Trafford.
Louis Van Gaal
The Dutchman surprised everyone by setting up United in a 3-5-2 formation against Swansea City.
Gylfi Sigurdsson stunned Old Trafford by putting the visitors ahead before Wayne Rooney spectacularly equalised with an acrobatic overhead kick.
Despite the moment of brilliance, United looked disjointed throughout, and Sigurdsson struck again to hand Swansea a historic opening-day victory.
Jose Mourinho
Much like Moyes, Jose Mourinho began his United tenure by lifting the Community Shield.
The Portuguese tactician opted for a traditional 4-4-2, pairing Zlatan Ibrahimovic with Wayne Rooney up front.
Jesse Lingard put United ahead after a superb solo run but Jamie Vardy brought the Foxes back after the break.
Ibrahimovic’s 83rd minute header ensured Mourinho opened his reign with silverware and authority.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Mourinho arrived as a proven winner, but the mood at Old Trafford had soured badly by the time of his dismissal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was tasked with lifting the atmosphere and he delivered instantly.
United tore Cardiff City apart in a thrilling 5–1 victory, playing with freedom and attacking flair.
First-half goals from Marcus Rashford, Ander Herrera and Anthony Martial set the tone before Jesse Lingard added a second-half brace.
The performance embodied the excitement and positivity Solskjaer promised to restore at the Theatre of Dreams.
Michael Carrick
A defeat to Watford brought about the end of Solskjaer’s tenure at Old Trafford with Michael Carrick taking charge for three games.
The former England international began his three-game spell by guiding United to a crucial 2–0 Champions League victory over Villarreal.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho found the net to secure a vital group-stage win in Spain.
Carrick followed that up with a draw against Chelsea and an impressive victory over Arsenal, earning widespread praise for his calm leadership.
Ralf Ragnick
An underwhelming era of Rangnick started with a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
A superb 20-yard effort from Fred was enough to take three points home.
The result meant Louis van Gaal remained the only post-Ferguson United manager to lose his first match in charge.
Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag was one of the most promising up-and-coming young coaches when United poached him from Ajax.
The Dutchman raised eyebrows immediately by benching Cristiano Ronaldo and deploying Christian Eriksen as a false nine against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Pascal Gross scored two first-half goals to pile pressure on the new manager with the game ending in a 2-1 defeat for United.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Van Nistelrooy brought back the nostalgic factor to Old Trafford.
His four-game unbeaten spell began in spectacular fashion with a thrilling 5–2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both scored twice, while Alejandro Garnacho added further sparkle.
Despite looking assured on the touchline, Van Nistelrooy was ultimately moved aside following Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
Ruben Amorim
Amorim underperformed for 14 months but his sacking came only after a fiery press conference against United’s hierarchy.
Amorim’s first assignment saw United travel to Portman Road, where they were held to a frustrating 1–1 draw by Ipswich Town.
Marcus Rashford scored inside two minutes, but the 3-4-2-1 system never truly clicked or gained momentum.
Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher restored a traditional back-four system during his brief stint in charge.
His first match ended in a 2–2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Despite fielding a heavily depleted side, United should have taken all three points.
Defensive lapses prevented Fletcher from fully aligning with former teammates Van Nistelrooy and Carrick during a difficult transition period.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .