Seven managerial changes, MU now retains only 2 players

Manchester United continues to be the center of statistics indicating ongoing instability at Old Trafford for more than ten years.

Amid the constant rotation on the coaching bench, very few players have endured through multiple eras. According to a notable statistic from the Daily Mail, MU’s current squad includes only two players who have worked under all seven of the most recent managers: Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot.

This figure partly illustrates the turbulent picture of the Red Devils since the Sir Alex Ferguson era ended. During this period, MU has gone through managers including Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick (interim), Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy (interim), and most recently Ruben Amorim. Each phase brought a different philosophy and direction, leading to numerous personnel changes. Most players came and went, with only Shaw and Dalot remaining.

Dalot’s case is particularly noteworthy. The Portuguese defender has not only worked under all seven managers but also appeared in the final matches before each coach’s departure. From Mourinho, Solskjaer to Rangnick, Ten Hag, Van Nistelrooy, and Amorim, Dalot was on the pitch for the closing games of each era. This unintentionally makes him a rare witness to the continuous changes at Old Trafford.

Dalot joined MU in 2018 and was loaned out for a period, but ultimately secured his place thanks to his versatility and professional attitude. He may not be the biggest star in the squad, but he has consistently been trusted by managers despite frequent tactical shifts.

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw represents a different story. Joining MU in 2014, the English full-back is currently the longest-serving player in the Red Devils squad. Once expected to be a long-term pillar for both England and the club, Shaw has been plagued by injuries for many seasons. Extended absences and inconsistent form have prevented him from reaching the heights initially anticipated, although his talent is undeniable.

In the current season, under coach Ruben Amorim, both Shaw and Dalot are still given opportunities. Dalot has played 19 matches, while Shaw has appeared 20 times across all competitions. This shows that despite debates about squad quality, these two defenders still hold significant value in the coaching staff’s eyes.