Ryan Giggs' infamous 2011 claim that Manchester United would "never collapse like Liverpool" has resurfaced as the Red Devils face yet another crisis, with the club now 16th in the Premier League and on the brink of a 13th managerial change since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
The comments, made ahead of an FA Cup third-round tie in January 2011, have been revisited repeatedly as United's struggles have continued. Giggs, who scored the winner in that match, suggested that the foundations laid by Ferguson would prevent United from suffering a similar decline to Liverpool, who were then in their 21st year without a league title.
Giggs' 2011 Comments Revisited
Speaking at the time, Giggs said: "Our manager is not always looking just for this season. He buys players with a view to the future, which he's done more and more over the last few years… The manager is experienced enough to know that we'll be challenging for the league this season and long after that because of the nucleus of the squad we have, as well as adding fresh blood, which gives everyone a lift."
He added: "Liverpool are a big club but they've obviously had massive problems off the pitch. They've had a new manager this season and new owners, and they haven't got off to the start they'd wished. Losing is like winning, in that it can become a habit. Once you start losing, the luck doesn't seem to go for you."
While the headline is not a direct quote, the sentiment was clear. United went on to win the Premier League that season and again in 2013, but have not truly challenged for the title since.
United's Decline Since Ferguson
Michael Carrick is set to retain his job for now, despite back-to-back defeats to Como and AFC Bournemouth. His side sit 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone with one win to their name. Should results not improve, club bosses would be searching for their 13th different manager since 2013.
Since Ferguson's retirement, United have won five trophies: two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League. They have qualified for the Champions League seven times, but have also finished outside the top four seven times, including their three worst Premier League finishes. Their average finish over 13 seasons is fifth, with an average points total of 66.
In contrast, Liverpool's first 13 years after their 1990 title saw them win seven trophies, with an average finish of fourth and 67 points. They made seven managerial changes and qualified for the Champions League only twice, though the qualification rules were different then.
Spending and Managerial Stability
United are believed to have spent over £2bn on senior signings since 2013, while Paul Pogba remains their club-record signing at £93.5m. Liverpool, meanwhile, spent £173m between 1990 and 2003, with Emile Heskey their record signing at £11m.
Despite the spending disparity, Liverpool have not panicked as frequently as United. The Reds have never been in danger of freefall, with their only real crisis coming under Tom Hicks and George Gillett's ownership.
United have collapsed monumentally, with Carrick the latest in a long line of managers unable to reverse the decline. The club's plight shows no sign of improving, and Giggs' warning that "losing is a habit" has proven prescient for his own former club.
