Manchester United were a very different football club when Sir Alex Ferguson arrived in 1986, but he was credited with making big changes that led to the club’s most successful period.

Michael Carrick’s future as Manchester United head coach is dominating the headlines following a shocking start to the season, with the team sitting 18th in the Premier League after 10 matches. Reports are growing that he will be dismissed before the next match against Liverpool later this month.

That hasn’t stopped Carrick from arriving at Carrington for training on Tuesday morning. However, this story is developing. A change could come at any time.

While the fans continue to show their support and admiration for Carrick and protest against the ownership, there is no excuse for the team sitting 18th in the Premier League table. That is a huge drop-off for a team that finished third last season.

Man Utd fans agree on what Sir Alex Ferguson would change first

It is clear from how poor United have been this season that things need to change. Sadly, that could spell the end of Carrick’s reign as head coach, but he can have no complaints given this season’s results.

After celebrating the 40th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson’s arrival at United, a debate emerged on TalkingPoints regarding the first thing the legendary manager would change if he were appointed in 2026. It was alarming that the biggest concern for fans was the people running the club.

Many fans believe that Ferguson would challenge the hierarchy and that Jason Wilcox, who deserves a portion of the blame for United’s current position, would be sent packing his bags. The current football director has been targeted – along with the Glazers and Jim Ratcliffe – with derogatory chants from fans at recent matches.

Ferguson would restore authority from the top down, although it is important to stress that Ferguson had great success with the two chairmen he worked with at Old Trafford. Of course, that includes Martin Edwards and David Gill. It didn’t help United in 2013 when Ferguson and Gill departed at the same time.

Man Utd fans name two star players Sir Alex Ferguson would get rid of

When you look back at the first few years of Ferguson’s tenure at Old Trafford, there were many controversial transfers. He bought some flops and sold players who were fan favourites such as Frank Stapleton, Kevin Morgan, Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside.

There’s a strong feeling echoed among United fans that Bruno Fernandes would have received the hairdryer treatment for throwing the manager under the bus after questioning Carrick’s tactics last month. The matter has been resolved since, but it’s worth remembering how Ferguson got rid of Roy Keane in 2005 for criticising his teammates in an MUTV interview that was never aired. Calling out the manager is surely a greater offence.

The same applies to Lisandro Martinez. He is another player many fans don’t think Ferguson would tolerate. The Argentine recently slated Wilcox, and his poor performances don’t help.

Speaking about Wilcox after United lost to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Martinez said: “I expect more [investment], 100 per cent. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more, but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night.”

Each player would quickly learn that if they crossed a line or didn’t meet the required standards, they were shown the door. It’s been a long time since a United manager had such authority, which may bring us back to the previous point about the hierarchy and incompetent suits at board level.