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According to a report by the Evening Standard on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has compared Manchester United's recent struggles to the challenging rebuilding period his former club experienced towards the end of Arsene Wenger's managerial reign.
Henry believes Manchester United should consider giving their managers enough time to establish themselves instead of constantly changing coaches in search of an immediate solution to the club's problems.
The Red Devils endured a difficult period ahead of their Champions League clash against Roma, with manager Michael Carrick facing increasing pressure after a nine-game winless run.
United were also struggling in the Premier League, sitting 17th in the table after recording their worst start to a top-flight season in 40 years. Their performances in Europe had also attracted criticism, leaving supporters increasingly frustrated with the club's situation.
Speaking on CBS, Henry recalled the challenges Arsenal faced during the final years of Wenger's tenure, Unai Emery's unsuccessful spell and the early stages of Mikel Arteta's managerial career.
The former France international explained that divisions among Arsenal supporters, criticism of the club's ownership and uncertainty surrounding managerial appointments contributed to a difficult atmosphere at the Emirates during that period.
He believes Manchester United are going through a similar situation, with several managers arriving at Old Trafford without receiving enough time to prove their abilities.
Henry questioned whether all the previous managers appointed by United were incapable of improving the team, suggesting that some could have achieved better results if they had been given more time.
He also pointed to Arteta's experience at Arsenal, noting that the Spanish manager endured difficult periods without immediately losing the backing of the club's hierarchy.
Arteta eventually transformed Arsenal into serious Premier League title contenders, guiding the Gunners to their first top-flight championship in 22 years.
Meanwhile, Carrick received a major boost on Tuesday night when Manchester United produced an impressive comeback to defeat Roma 3-2 in the Champions League.
United initially fell 2-0 behind within the opening 18 minutes at Old Trafford but responded strongly in the second half to secure all three points. The victory ended their lengthy winless run and eased some of the pressure surrounding Carrick's position.
Although the club's hierarchy had planned to review his future during the November international break, the victory over Roma could influence their decision.
Manchester United will now turn their attention to their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa this weekend as Carrick looks to build on the important European result.