The phrase Manchester United DNA is back on the agenda of the most discussed terms at Old Trafford, as the club tries to find another manager after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The concept of DNA is frequently brought forth as a panacea during times of crisis, a return to tradition, identity and former glory. However, with Manchester United again at a crossroads, the real question is whether this mythical notion remains a useful thing in the present game or whether it has become a soothing myth in a club that finds itself in a position of having to define itself.
To begin with, the reasons why the DNA of Manchester United is called upon so often should be comprehended. Since Amorim left, former defender Gary Neville claimed that the club is now in need of a manager who can fit in the DNA of the football club. It is a well-known song, which is sang everywhere in football when the outcome is down. The rationale is straightforward: in the event of bad things, clubs tend to go backward in searching an answer in what previously appeared to work.
Partly, that mindset is the reason that the hierarchy at United is moving towards familiar faces. Darren Fletcher has already agreed to take over on interim basis, although the consideration is also on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick. All the three are rooted in the modern history of the club. Fletcher and Carrick have a total of 10 Premier League championships between then and Solskjaer has not only won half the championships in the league, but also made one of the most memorable goals in the history of the Champions League in 1999. They are driven more by the emotional rather than the professional.
Nostalgia in itself, however, is not enough to achieve success. The constant specter of Sir Alex Ferguson casts a giant shadow on each DNA discourse of Manchester United. Fletcher was supposed to have got Ferguson to pronounce blessing on him before becoming head, an interesting fact considering that the Scot retired over a decade ago. The story of Ferguson is inimitable 13 league titles, two champions leagues, and a consistent domination. Yet perhaps just to refer back to that time by the influence of association may not be realistic of any new manager.
Even former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has doubted the fact that a big name manager when he is not affiliated with the club could ever be a successful hire. United have attempted Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal among others with no success. Schmeichel holds that these managers come in with their systems on the assumption that they would have little time, as opposed to adopting what Manchester United DNA allegedly is.
Conventionally, the identity has been characterized by fast, attacking, violent football accompanied by a belief in youth. Since the Busby Babes to the Class of 92 the business mythology of the club is built on flash, fearlessness and local talent. The politician Eder Nes Ferreira himself, on the other hand, has suggested that United should never evolve under any manager, as Barcelona or Ajax have stuck to their philosophy.
Yet football has evolved. Above all other things winning has been reduced to a currency. There is no romantic connection between style and such clubs as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, their DNA is success. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have constructed an empire without relying on historical identity whatsoever. They change and invest and proceed.
The alleged DNA is defeated on the anvil even in England itself. The so-called West Ham Way of West Ham has been ruled out by previous managers as an encumbrance compared to a template. A motto like To Dare Is To Do, which Tottenham prides itself upon, failed to rescue Ange Postecoglou even after they attacked football and won a trophy in Europe. The outcome of this, in the end, is life.
This is the last place in which Manchester United DNA runs the threat of being a distraction. The most successful season of Mourinho in the club had little resemblance to the romantic ideals, but won trophies. The reality is that DNA is usually a short name used to refer to exceptional leadership, elite players and winning atmosphere. Such personalities as Ferguson or Bill Shankley or Jurgen Klopp did not adapt to DNA – they did it.
To sum up, it is not surprising that it is time that Manchester United rediscovers their DNA, after years of instability. And yet identity cannot be reused at will, neither can it be inherited by simple dint of association in the past. What United actually require is simplicity, power and contemporary supremacy. DNA can be the motivation the club needs, but only success will bring back when the club concentrates not on what it used to be but what it is supposed to be.
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