Top five Manchester United managers with most wins in first season incharge

Even the Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't sway the leader of this list, who showed no mercy to the club icon

The job of Manchester United manager is one of the most high-pressure roles in world football, with expectations of success and silverware always weighing heavy on the shoulders of the person in charge.

Over the years, many have tried and failed to live up to the lofty standards set by the club's legendary managers, including Sir Alex Ferguson, who led the club to unprecedented success over his 26-year reign.

It's interesting to note that even world-renowned manager, Alex Ferguson didn't make the cut for this list, despite his immense achievements at the club that now we know him for. In fact, two managers before Ferguson, Wilf McGuinness and Frank O'Farrell, did make the list with 23 and 24 wins respectively.

Recently, Manchester United welcomed back club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to Old Trafford after a 12-year absence. But even the Portuguese superstar couldn't sway the leader of this list, who showed no mercy to the club icon. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top most successful United bosses in their first season, including the leader who broke a long-standing record, and how they navigated the pressure and expectations that come with managing one of the world's biggest clubs.

23 wins - Wilf McGuinness (1969-70)

Wilf McGuinness was the first Manchester United manager to make a mark with an impressive 23 victories in his debut season. Despite facing the daunting task of succeeding the legendary Sir Matt Busby who announced his retirement in 1969. McGuinness led the team to a respectable eigth-place finish in the league, while also reaching the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup.

His first season saw the team win 23 games, but he was eventually replaced midway through his second season.

23 wins - Louis van Gaal (2014-15)

Louis van Gaal took charge of Manchester United after the disastrous season under David Moyes. Despite a shaky start, van Gaal turned the team's fortunes around and guided them to a fourth-place finish in the league, securing Champions League qualification. The Dutchman's emphasis on possession-based football and tactical nous led to notable victories over rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, and a memorable 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Van Gaal was appointed as manager after a disappointing season under David Moyes. He had previously won league titles in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, and was expected to bring success back to Old Trafford. His first season saw the team win 23 games, but he was criticized for his conservative tactics and was eventually replaced after two seasons.

24 wins - Frank O'Farrell (1971-1972)

Frank O'Farrell enjoyed a successful debut season at Manchester United, which saw him lead the team to a eight finish in the league. Derby County finished as champions that season. O'Farrell's attacking style of play, coupled with his man-management skills, earned him plaudits from the fans and players alike, and set the tone for a promising tenure at the club.

O'Farrell was appointed as manager in 1971 after McGuinness was sacked. He had previously managed Leicester City and was expected to bring stability to the team. His first season saw the team win 24 games, but he was eventually sacked midway through his second season.

27 wins - David Moyes (2013-14)

Moyes was appointed as manager after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, who had led the team to numerous titles over 26 years. Moyes had previously managed Everton and was expected to continue the success of his predecessor. However, his first season saw the team win only 27 games, and he was sacked after just 10 months.

David Moyes inherited a Manchester United side fresh from winning the Premier League title, but the Scotsman struggled to maintain the club's success. Despite notable victories over Arsenal and Liverpool, Moyes was unable to steer United to a top-four finish in the league, resulting in the club missing out on Champions League football for the first time in nearly two decades. Moyes' lack of experience at the highest level, coupled with his inability to connect with the players, ultimately led to his dismissal after just one season in charge.

Sir Alex Ferguson handpicked David Moyes as his successor, hoping to maintain continuity and stability at Manchester United. However, Moyes' lackluster performance in his first season led to his dismissal and left the club struggling to find its identity in the post-Ferguson era.

37 wins - Jose Mourinho (2016-17)

Mourinho was appointed as manager after the sacking of Van Gaal. He had previously won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, and was expected to bring success back to Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United in 2016 was met with high expectations, and he delivered in his debut season, winning the Europa League, League Cup, and Community Shield. With 37 wins in all competitions, he set a new record for most wins in a first season at the club. Despite his success, Mourinho's tenure at United was marked by controversy and friction, and he was ultimately dismissed in 2018. Nonetheless, his impact on the club's recent history cannot be denied.

38* wins - Erik ten Hag (2022-23)

Ten Hag was appointed as manager after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He had previously managed Ajax and was known for his attacking style of play.

Erik ten Hag became the latest Manchester United manager to break the record for most wins in his debut season at the club, with a stunning 38 victories in all competitions and the 2022-23 season isn't over yet. The Dutchman, who arrived from Ajax, oversaw some memorable performances, including wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City in the Premier League, and victories over Barcelona and Real Betis in the Europa League. Ten Hag also had the unenviable task of managing the return of Cristiano Ronaldo, a club legend who was welcomed back with great fanfare but was not given any special treatment on the pitch. With his record-breaking season, Ten Hag has firmly established himself as a worthy successor to the club's great managers of the past.

He broke Mourinho's record of 37 wins. And is on course to guide the team towards Champions League qualification spots and a possible FA Cup triumph against noisy neighbours Manchester City.