Manchester United's long demise since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 shows no sign of letting up, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once perfectly summarised their problems.

Solskjaer is widely regarded as one of the best managers United have had in the past decade, even if he had no trophies for the three years he spent as the club's boss from December 2018 to November 2021.

The legendary Red Devils striker departed with the second-best win record of any manager in the post-Ferguson era at the time and perhaps could have enjoyed an even more successful return to Old Trafford if the board listened to his requests.

Man Utd rejected Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's request to sign Erling Haaland

United have painfully missed out on some of the world's best talents over the years, including Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland, who could have moved to the red corner of Manchester if Solskjaer had his way.

The 53-year-old managed Haaland during his spell as manager of Molde and knew of the freak talent he possessed.

For that reason, Solskjaer was desperate to bring the striker to Man United in 2018, but the club ignored his advice, revealing he could have snapped up arguably the world's best finisher for just £4million at the time.

Speaking at 'An Evening with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer' in 2023, as per The Athletic, the former United boss said: "I got in contact with United because we had this talented striker who they should have had.

"But they didn't listen, unfortunately. Four million, I asked for. But they never signed him. Four million! Don't ask [where he is now]. He's too good..."

Haaland has since helped fire the Cityzens to two Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League following his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, while scoring nine goals in 11 appearances against the Red Devils.

The 26-year-old has ultimately made United pay for not listening to Solskjaer's advice years after they rejected him, with this situation becoming something the club is all too familiar with.

Michael Carrick has been let down by the Man United board

Michael Carrick is on the brink of being sacked by Man United following their humiliating 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

The Red Devils are now winless in their last seven matches in all competitions, making it increasingly difficult for the club to not pull the trigger.

But while it's been a disappointing start to the season, the pressure being immediately placed on Carrick could have been avoided if the club backed him properly in the transfer window.

United needed a new centre-back, left-back and striker. Instead, INEOS placed their full focus on signing midfielders, doing so with the additions of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba for a combined £155million.

Their failure to invest in more than just engine room reinforcements has only exposed the club's lack of depth in multiple positions, notably in defence, where Ayden Heaven has had to fill in at left back in Luke Shaw's absence, and Leny Yoro has been deployed out of position at right back.

Of course, Carrick's tactics and decision-making haven't helped his cause, but many managers would struggle with the hand he's been dealt, and his predecessors will relate to the issues he's facing.