How robust is the Manchester United squad that a new manager will take over? Currently, only a few players at Old Trafford would likely make the cut for selection at Manchester City. Following Erik ten Hag's departure, the focus shifts to the players who remain—many of whom are earning substantial salaries while posting emotional farewells to their former manager on social media. This situation is unlikely to change, but to assess the accountability of the squad for Ten Hag's dismissal, one can pose a straightforward question: how many of the players left behind by the fifth manager since Sir Alex Ferguson would Pep Guardiola consider for his elite Manchester City lineup? As United finds itself languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League, the need for a thorough evaluation of the squad's quality and potential is more pressing than ever.

Chaos and discord have become all too familiar for Manchester United, a reality that Erik ten Hag is experiencing firsthand as he navigates the tumultuous environment at Old Trafford. Recently, Aston Villa, currently sitting fifth in the league, played to a lackluster 0-0 draw against a mid-table team, perhaps still feeling the effects of their exhilarating victory over Bayern Munich just days earlier. Under normal circumstances, such a match would hardly raise eyebrows, especially on a day when Brighton staged a thrilling comeback against Tottenham and Chelsea's clash with Nottingham Forest erupted into a chaotic brawl involving 15 players. Yet, this is Manchester United we’re discussing. Despite the passage of over 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, the drama surrounding the club remains as captivating as ever. It raises the question: how has the most successful team in English football history, with the highest average attendance, managed to consistently mismanage its affairs? In football, the prevailing notion is that financial power leads to success; for United to defy this principle for such an extended period is a testament to their remarkable ability to mismanage. This ongoing saga continues to intrigue fans and analysts alike, as the club grapples with its identity and future in the wake of its storied past.

**Manchester United in a Stalemate: A Long Wait for Change** The current state of Manchester United resembles a ghost ship adrift at sea, caught in a holding pattern as the team struggles to find its footing. The recent 0-0 draw was a painful reminder of the club's ongoing challenges, offering little in the way of excitement or hope for fans. A story often attributed to Benjamin Disraeli comes to mind, set during a tense dinner party in the late 1870s amidst the backdrop of war in the Balkans. As the atmosphere grew increasingly uncomfortable, one guest finally broke the silence, asking, “Mr. Disraeli, what are you waiting for?” To which Disraeli famously replied, “At this moment, madam, the potatoes.” This exchange captures the essence of Manchester United's current predicament. The club seems to be waiting for something to change, yet the path forward remains unclear. The painstaking progress needed to right the ship is evident, but the journey is fraught with difficulties, making each match feel like a test of patience for supporters.