Manchester United’s struggles fuel a growing world of football commentary

Manchester United’s continuing problems have developed into a media industry of their own, with former players, broadcasters, podcasts and YouTube channels dissecting almost every setback at Old Trafford.

As the club attempts to recover its position on the pitch, a growing number of former Manchester United players are helping shape the daily debate around the team. The line between genuine concern for the club and the pursuit of large audiences has become increasingly difficult to define.

Michael Carrick, 45, has been given another opportunity to lead the side after being kept in charge for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea. His continued appointment may offer some stability, but it also provides fresh material for Amazon’s All or Nothing production team, which has been granted unprecedented access to document events behind closed doors this season.

Manchester United’s global popularity means media attention is not new. What has changed is the central role now played by former stars across television, podcasts and digital programmes. Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Rio Ferdinand all have major histories with the club and remain prominent voices whenever the team struggles.

Neville launched The Overlap in 2021 and has expanded his work beyond his Sky Sports analysis. Following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth, he accused some Manchester United players of lacking professionalism, saying they did not sleep properly, follow the right diets or give the club the attention it deserved throughout the day.

Rooney later appeared on Stick to United, a YouTube channel operated by Neville, and said the players needed “a good kick up the backside”. Neville also suggested some managers might need to be sacked for their own benefit, while Keane described Carrick and his coaching staff as “extremely lucky” to remain in their positions.

Neville’s influence grew further last summer when he acquired Mark Goldbridge’s YouTube network. Goldbridge, whose real name is Brent Di Cesare, has more than 3.7 million subscribers and is known for angry reactions and strong criticism during Manchester United matches. He now presents Stick to United alongside Rooney.

Scholes and Butt, members of the celebrated Class of ’92, host The Good, the Bad and the Football. Before last season’s Manchester derby, they questioned Lisandro Martinez’s ability to cope physically with Erling Haaland. Butt said Haaland would carry Martinez while running, while Scholes predicted the Norwegian would throw the defender into the net after scoring.

Manchester United won that match 2-0, with Martinez impressing against Haaland. Asked about Scholes’ remarks, the Argentina defender said he could say what he wanted but should speak to him directly, adding that Scholes could visit his home or meet him anywhere.

Carrick said on Thursday that he avoids criticism that offers no useful information. His priority, he said, was the supporters, the atmosphere inside the stadium and the fans who travel to follow the team.

Erik ten Hag has warned that players can be affected psychologically by criticism from former stars, although he said Neville and Ferdinand could offer more support. Neville has admitted Manchester United matches are the hardest for him to analyse and that he may be especially harsh when the team underperforms.

Manchester United remain among the world’s highest-earning clubs despite not winning the Premier League since 2013. Only Arsenal generated more Premier League matchday revenue last season. The club’s commercial strength, worldwide following and Old Trafford income mean every crisis attracts attention from supporters, rivals and neutral viewers.

The familiar Old Trafford slogan, “Hated, loved, never ignored”, captures the situation. Manchester United once dominated headlines through trophies and stars; now repeated failures and internal disputes are sustaining the coverage. The question is whether that scrutiny can restore the club’s standards or has become part of the cycle holding it back.