United’s recent search for a new manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim has revived long-standing calls for a successor to fit the club’s “DNA”.
This mysterious commodity is a comfort blanket in turbulent times – often evoking memories of glory days and happier times.
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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the Red Devils now need a manager who “fits in with the club’s DNA” following Amorim’s departure.
It’s not just a United problem though, with former Liverpool striker John Aldridge reacting to the 0-0 draw with Leeds on X: “It looks like we’ve lost our DNA. No real drive, desire and lack of ideas.”
When trouble strikes, the call of ‘DNA’ demands that the club return to what it knows best, what it stands for, what brings its greatest success.
This may explain why United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his associates are focusing on figures with rich Old Trafford history when searching for a caretaker manager.
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Darren Fletcher took charge of Burnley on Wednesday, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick also under consideration after being sacked in 2021.
Fletcher and Carrick won 10 Premier League titles between them. Solskjaer won six games and scored one of the most famous goals in United’s history in Barcelona’s 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
Fletcher even felt the need to seek Sir Alex Ferguson’s “blessing” to take charge temporarily, such is the 84-year-old’s lingering influence.
As a reminder, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, two domestic league and FA Cup doubles.
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But do we still need to seek his “blessing” after 13 years of retirement? Can this really reinvigorate United’s pursuit of their lost “DNA”?
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The thing about Manchester United is that it’s not just any club. They’ve been through it [Jose] Mourinho, [Louis] Louis van Gaal… a famous manager, but it didn’t work.
“They came in, they knew it was a short period of time and they brought in their own systems which don’t work unless you play the way Manchester United play.
“The club should think very, very long and hard about who fits the bill. We’ve heard names like that [Thomas] Tuchel, [Julian] Nagelsmann, Harvey, [Zinedine] Zidane – all big names, but do they know Manchester United? “
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So does club “DNA” really exist, or is the concept irrelevant? Does it matter that the manager must “acquire” the club through past associations?
What is the club’s “DNA”?
Disciples believe this is in the DNA of the club – the mere mention of its name evokes a style and emotion.
Explaining United’s “DNA”, Neville told Sky Sports: “Barcelona will never change for anyone. I don’t think Manchester United should change for anyone.
“The club must find an experienced manager who is willing to play fast, entertaining, attacking and aggressive football.”
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This was a hallmark of United under Ferguson and under Sir Matt Busby – coupled with a thirst for young talent.
Think “Busby Babes.” Think of the ‘Class of ’92’, which included Neville, brother Phil, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Many of those who contributed to the subsequent victory are now important media figures, receiving increased attention.
In fact, Amorim said in his final days at United: “If people can’t deal with Gary Neville and the criticism of everything, we need to change the club.”
When Aldridge mentioned that Liverpool had lost their “DNA”, he was referring to the passion, desire and emotion that goes into the club’s wins – exemplified by the exciting attacking football they have played recently under Jurgen Klopp.
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But times have changed. The most valuable currency in football right now is winning – no matter how it is achieved.
Legendary Scot Bill Shankly thought to have what Liverpool fans consider ‘DNA’ [Getty Images]
Which clubs have “DNA”?
This is often determined by supporters who have tasted success and believe there is no other way to achieve it.
United feel they understand their situation, and so do Liverpool – including the deep connection between fans and manager who understands the raw emotion that fuels the Anfield flames.
Barcelona’s possession-based “DNA” is very much a product of Johan Cruyff’s time as a player and coach, and has been recreated by those who admired him and played under him, such as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
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Ajax rarely changed their strategy from 1971-73 for three consecutive European Cups – the “Total Football” style devised by legendary coach Rinus Michels and then put into practice under Cruyff. It also builds on the Dutch production line of young players.
Real Madrid’s “DNA” is winning. The same goes for Bayern Munich.
The two most successful clubs in recent years – winning domestic titles and winning the Champions League for the first time – are Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Neither has discernible “DNA”. It doesn’t matter.
In the Premier League we see a prime example of two clubs believing they have “DNA”, but that statement rings hollow.
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There is a ‘West Ham way’ – dating back to Ron Greenwood’s management in the 1960s, with fans boasting about the England team that won the 1966 World Cup with captain Bobby Moore, hat-trick hero Geoff Hurst and goalscorer Martin Peters.
Sam Allardyce was criticized for his approach when he was in charge of the club, but later wrote in his autobiography: “Fans have been brainwashed into thinking that there is a particular style of play in the history of the club similar to that of Barcelona, which is the toilet.
“I once called the fans cheated and I stand by that. I don’t know who invented the phrase ‘West Ham Road’ but it’s a millstone around the club’s neck.”
David Moyes ended the Hammers’ 43-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League in 2023, but many found his approach was not to their liking.
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“I’ve always been the manager,” he said later. “I couldn’t tell you what the ‘Way to West Ham’ is.”
At Tottenham Hotspur, the club motto “Dare to be the first” is seen as a style statement.
When Ange Postecoglou became head coach in June 2023, then-president Daniel Levy said: “Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play.
“He has a strong track record of developing players and understands the importance of links with the academy – all of which are important to our club.”
Postkoglu did bring an attacking presence, but he also brought 22 defeats and a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
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Winning the Europa League in a shocking final against Manchester United would be an insult to anyone with that perceived ‘DNA’, but it didn’t save him from the sack.
So is the club’s “DNA” just a romantic myth?
Any mention of “DNA” usually has romantic overtones.
When Mourinho led United to Europa League and Carabao Cup success in his first season, he was nowhere near where United thought they were going to be. He just won.
There are only a few people who have created this mysterious force, such as Bill Shankly and Klopp at Liverpool, and leaders such as Ferguson at Old Trafford.
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“DNA” is the club’s color code for winning – which actually requires top players and coaches.
Calls for Manchester United to “return to their DNA” are understandable, but where are the figures who can recreate that DNA? Are they willing? Does it matter if they have any previous links with the club?
The real world dictates that it requires charismatic personalities, often moved by greatness.
Figures like Sir Alex Ferguson are not easy to find.