Manchester United head to the Spanish capital in search of a morale-boosting Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. However, their trip also serves as a harsh reminder of the stability they have lacked since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure. Ferguson retired in May 2013 after 26 trophy-laden years at the helm. Since then, United have gone through a series of slumps under seven permanent managers, failing to win a single Premier League title.
In contrast, Atletico Madrid have maintained their position among Spain's elite under coach Diego Simeone, who has been at the helm since December 2011. Simeone has led Atletico to win La Liga in 2014 and 2021, despite battling against the financial and sporting might of giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico have played in the Champions League in every season since 2013-14, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals on two further occasions.
United, however, have missed out on Europe's top competition multiple times since Ferguson's departure. This is a remarkable decline for a club that spent much of Ferguson's reign as one of the continent's dominant forces. Atletico have kept a strong identity under Simeone, in terms of their non-negotiable work ethic and drive. They have turned from a rock-solid defensive outfit into a team more comfortable on the attack.
United have had a string of managers with different philosophies, and consistency only in their lack of sticking power. Even Atletico's stadium, the modern Metropolitano, is a reminder of their differences. The Metropolitano will host the Champions League final in June, having already staged the 2019 showpiece, won by United's rivals Liverpool. Manchester United's Old Trafford was not selected as a venue for Euro 2028.
Atletico supporters have their own host of complaints, particularly with expectations rising over Simeone's tenure. However, when contrasted with the constant upheaval at Old Trafford, they can perhaps be grateful for some of the continuity they have enjoyed. This season, Atletico have started well despite uncertainty surrounding former Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez during the summer.
Alvarez hit the post as a substitute as Atletico snatched a late 2-1 win at Alaves on Saturday to record a fourth consecutive victory. Simeone praised Alvarez's performance, saying he looked good and helped the team. United, meanwhile, are struggling to find consistency, sitting 13th in the Premier League and enduring their worst start to a domestic campaign since 1986/87.
The Red Devils have two victories from eight matches across all competitions this season. Manager Michael Carrick acknowledged the team's struggles, saying they need to put things in a positive direction quickly. The visit to the Metropolitano offers a vastly different proposition for United, against a team with wind in their sails and a culture of grit shaped over more than a decade.
Key points
- Manchester United's inconsistency since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure is highlighted by Atletico Madrid's stability under Diego Simeone.
- Atletico Madrid have maintained their position among Spain's elite under Simeone, winning La Liga in 2014 and 2021.
- United have missed out on Europe's top competition multiple times since Ferguson's departure, a remarkable decline for a club that was once a dominant force.
