Patrice Evra has warned Erik ten Hag that he will need to make sure potential new Manchester United signings are joining for all the right reasons this summer.
19.05.2022 - 01:29 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As Manchester United face another tortuous rebuild this summer, various figures have been predicting how long this process will take. Ralf Rangnick, looking enviously at Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, said last month it could take ‘six years’ to catch up with their rivals.
It seems fitting then that German’s final game comes against Crystal Palace, a team that played a pivotal role in another restructuring at United. The media narrative throughout the 1990 FA Cup run, which ended in a final versus Palace, was simple. If United failed to win the cup, Alex Ferguson would be sacked.
Ferguson has since argued his job was secure whatever the outcome. But pressure was definitely building on the Scot.
New signings, including defender Gary Pallister and midfielder Paul Ince, were taking time to gel. Despite finishing second in his first full campaign of 1987-88, two seasons later the Red Devils finished 13th, just five points above the relegation zone.
A trophy of any sort was needed. There were many similarities between United and Palace that season. Both finished level on points in the First Division.
Both teams also partook in thrilling semi-finals. United drew 3-3 with Oldham Athletic, before a 2-1 win in the replay. Palace meanwhile pulled off a sensational 4-3 upset against league champions Liverpool.
Going into that final, Ferguson was also increasingly agitated about Jim Leighton, his first choice goalkeeper. After questionable displays throughout the season, including in the semi-final, Ferguson believed the former Aberdeen man had “lost confidence and his decision-making had become suspect.”
Ferguson was vindicated after just 18 minutes when Leighton measly attempt at defending a set-piece gave Palace the lead via a Gary
Patrice Evra has warned Erik ten Hag that he will need to make sure potential new Manchester United signings are joining for all the right reasons this summer.
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Whenever Manchester United encounter a turbulent period of form, references associated with the past tend to emerge at Old Trafford. A countless number of ex-players who now work in the media regularly refer back to their own experiences during their playing days when analysing problems at the club.