[BBC]Simon Stone - Manchester United reporterSun, November 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM UTC·2 min readManchester United's league positions since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 tell a stark story. From finishing seventh in the immediate aftermath of the legendary manager's departure to tumbling to 15th last season, the line on the graphic is as jagged as the club's search for stability.
Across that period, United have cycled through managers of contrasting philosophies, profiles and temperaments. David Moyes lasted less than a season. Louis van Gaal delivered an FA Cup but never convinced. Jose Mourinho brought trophies and turbulence in equal measure before his departure in December 2018, with United drifting and disconnected once more.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt was into this turbulent landscape that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward turned back to a familiar face. In the wake of Mourinho's dismissal during the 2018-19 season, he called Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back to the club he had served so memorably as a player and a coach with a simple brief - bring a smile back to Old Trafford.
He did it almost by instinct.
When Solskjaer walked back into the Carrington training ground he knew so well and where he was so popular, he headed straight to beloved receptionist Kath Phipps and gave her a hug and a kiss and some of her favourite chocolates.
The impact went further and deeper.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBy nature, Solskjaer is a positive person.
"An optimist to the limit," said a former colleague. "He sees good in everything.
"It was tiny things, like saying 'good morning, how are you doing?' Being human basically. Everything had been on a downer and was very flat. People weren't being themselves. He opened the door and got them to smile again."
The general mood became lighter and more upbeat, helped by a sensational run of eight wins in a row at the start of his reign, which extended to 14 victories, two draws and one defeat in his first 17 games
Solskjaer, it is stressed, was not turning the club back to the Ferguson era. But he felt there were elements of the Scot's regime that could work in the modern era.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe was big on standards. Dress code on away trips was altered as blazers and ties returned. Carrington became more inclusive. Access to the club canteen was widened.
He led United to the Champions League quarter-finals, something they have only managed twice since they were beaten by Barcelona at Wembley in the 2011 final.
That helped him secure a three-year contract as permanent manager.
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