Top 10 Greatest Manchester United Managers

It goes without saying that Manchester United are the best club in English football history and one of the globally acclaimed sides. Despite their downward trend in recent years, the Red Devils remain the most-decorated club in the English top flight, if their number of trophies won is anything to go by.

They have lifted the Premier League titles a record 20 times, a record 21 Community Shields, 6 FA Cups, 13 EFL Cups and 3 Champions League titles, amounting to an astonishing total of 66 trophies. The Red Devils have dominated the English football scene like a few others, and their hegemony at the height of their powers is unparalleled, something their rivals have been striving to match.

From the likes of A.H Albut, Ernest Mangnall, Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson to Jose Mourinho, United have been adorned with some of the most eminent managers who have spared no effort to make the club great at various points throughout history. Here we take a look at the 10 great managers in United’s storied history.

List of Man Utd Managers from 1889 to 2024

10 Best Manchester United Managers in the History

Scott Duncan

Dating back to the 1930’s, Scott Duncan had a short-lived spell at United but he will be remembered for helping them break their trophy drought in nearly two decades. Upon his appointment as the secretary-manager in 1932, United were dabbling with relegation to the third division in the Scot’s debut season but he turned the tide the following season to lift the Second Division title. 

Louis van Gaal

Despite his legendary status as one of the greatest tacticians in history, Louis van Gaal’s spell at Manchester United remains a low water-mark in his career. The Dutch gaffer failed with the burden of carrying Man Utd’s legacy post legendary Alex Ferguson’s departure. In his short-stay, Van Gaal, however, led United to the FA Cup glory in 2016, beating Crystal Palace in 2016.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer might have no trophies to boast, but he gave his absolute best in steadying the ship when United had been undergoing a difficult time. A former player and an absolute fan favourite- which earned him the moniker Baby-faced assassin during his playing days, Solskjaer’s coaching stint, however, didn’t pan out well.

Taking the reins out of the blue following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, Solskjaer had a very bright start but failed to maintain consistency across his tenure. Although he lacked the tactical nous like elite coaches, the Norwegian displayed great man-managerial skills during his three-year spell, motivating the players to relentlessly work hard for the shirt, which resulted in the Red Devils punching above their weight for larger parts. He also clocked up an impressive win percentage of 54.

Erik ten Hag

It may look a little early to put Erik ten Hag, United’s current head coach, in the same bracket as the best gaffers of the club’s history, but winning two trophies in the span of just two years can’t be looked beyond. Arrived at Old Trafford in 2022 amid higher expectations to helm the club’s new project, Ten Hag’s spell has been a fluctuating one so far. His first two games in charge resulted in defeats but he ended his debut season on a high note, finishing third in the Premier League, winning the EFL Cup as well as securing the Champions League qualification.

While it looked as a precursor to further dominate the next season, Utd’s form nosedived, and they failed to finish in the top, though winning the FA Cup final against arch-rivals Manchester City alleviated the disappointment. Ten Hag has been subject to constant criticism that Utd are lacking a clear identity three years into his appointment, unlike his time at Ajax. However, his triumph in breaking the club’s trophy drought since Jose Mourinho can’t be written off.

Under Ten Hag, the Red Devils have become a reformed side internally, adhering to the strict protocols to uphold discipline and on the pitch, they have regularly shown they are unstoppable on their day, and no big clubs are safe when they are around. Utd have experienced a torrid start to the new season, but the club’s owners INEOS will seemingly continue to back Ten Hag.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho’s arrival in 2016 raised many eyebrows; it was widely seen as a paradigm shift at United due to the Portuguese manager’s eye for pragmatic style despite his proven record as one of the best head coaches in the world. And for such reasons, the former Chelsea gaffer’s reign at Old Trafford continues to be underrated.

As turbulent as his spell turned out, Mourinho brought home more laurels than his predecessors had managed post Alex Ferguson’s departure. He led the Red Devils to a Europa League title, a Community Shield and a runners-up finish in the Premier League in the 2017/18 season – a feat he values on par with his career achievements.  After a poor start to the 2018/19 season, Mourinho was relieved of his duties.

Tommy Docherty

Tommy Docherty took the reigns in 1972 after being chosen by president and great Sir Matt Busby. With the Red Devils steeped in one of the lowest periods in their history, Doherty had his work cut out. Despite the club plunging to relegation in his second season, the Scottish gaffer took the Red Devils to some impressive finishes in the first division in the seasons that followed.

He led United to 2 Second Division titles and above all, the FA Cup triumph in 1976, beating Liverpool in the finals while being the underdogs. Docherty will be remembered for his immense contributions, helping Utd navigate their toughest period and also serving as a cue for his successors. 

Ron Atkinson

The predecessor to the great Sir Alex Ferguson, Atkinson helped United push their boundaries and become regular top-four contenders. Under Atkinson, United came within reach of lifting the league title on two occasions after dominating the first half of the season but eventually fell short, with a dominant Liverpool side winning the title both times.

Nevertheless, he inspired the Red Devils to the FA Cup titles in 1983 and 1985. Legendary figures like Bryan Robson, Frank Stapleton and Norman Whiteside came to the fore during Atkinson’s reign. 

Ernest Mangnall

Ernest Magnnall was one of the pioneers in Man Utd’s history after helping the club gain recognition. Since their inception in 1878, United had not won any trophy before Magnall led them to the First Division title in 1908. During his spell between 1903-12, Mangnall also won the FA Cup with the Red Devils in 1909.

The Red Devils may have become a global juggernaut now, but Mangnall deserves a fair share of credit for putting them on the map and laying a strong foundation towards the victory road.

Sir Matt Busby

A larger-than-life and influential figure, It is hard to imagine Man Utd without Sir Matt Busby. The Scottish great completely transformed the United from being minnows to an unstoppable force in English football. During his 25-year reign, the Red Devils established themselves as a winning machine, bagging 5 First Division titles, 2 FA Cups and 5 Community Shields. Earning the nickname the Busby Babes, United’s dominance extended to Europe as they had their first taste of the European Cup triumph in 1968.

It will go down as one of the crowning moments in the club’s history, with United beating Benfica 4-1 in the finals, thanks to strikes from Bobby Charlton and George Best. The legendary gaffer was also part of the Munich air disaster that claimed several United players and staff and also left him severely injured. Busby’s influence continued for years at the administrative level as a sporting director and president, even after retiring as a manager, paving the way for a great future.

Sir Alex Ferguson

The name Sir Alex Ferguson is more synonymous with Man Utd, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to call him the best manager in Premier League history. In a nutshell, United’s 146-year-long history can be divided into two periods: pre and post-Ferguson era – such has been the eternal impact he has had at the club. Since the introduction of the Premier League in 1992, nobody has come close to monopolising the league than Ferguson.

United entered a boom period under the Scottish gaffer – also the highest point in their history, winning 13 league titles, 5 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 10 Community Shields and 5 European titles. Winning is one thing, but doing it over a prolonged period is what sets Ferguson apart in the upper echelons of history. The Scot is also a perfect example of a figurehead, playing a key role on all fronts apart from the footballing field to ensure sustained success. Ferguson remains the longest-serving manager in United’s history, and it is palpable how a dynasty like Man Utd has hit rock bottom after his departure. 

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