Manchester United slide leaves Keralam fans heartbroken
Manchester United's decline this season has left fans in Keralam heartbroken, supporters and former players told reporters in Kochi in a report published on November 14, 2026, 03:06 pm IST. The club sits in the relegation zone after registering one win in 10 games and is 18th in the 20-team table.
Supporters traced the downturn to the years after Sir Alex Ferguson's departure, noting intermittent success amid prolonged instability. Ferguson retired in 2013 after guiding the club to its record 13th English Premier League title, and United have employed 13 managers, including interim and caretaker appointments, since then. The period has produced a Europa League title and a couple of FA Cups but few sustained moments of success. The recent sacking of manager Michael Carrick and the appointment of Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who previously coached the U.S. national team, were cited as part of another rebuilding phase.
Former Indian international N.P. Pradeep expressed the depth of supporters' frustration: “There is nothing more painful in the world at present than being a Manchester United fan. It is frustrating to watch the club in action, with the players unable to string together even four decent passes,” and he nonetheless hopes the club will turn the corner at some point.
Another former Indian player, Mohammed Rafi, summed up the immediate reaction to the campaign's form: “This season has been really bad, with just one win. It is infuriating to watch the team play despite having a good squad, not to mention the trolls from rival fans. Hopefully, things will improve, as sometimes happens under a new manager,” he observes.
Naveen James, a legal professional and long-time United supporter, recalled earlier anguish when Cristiano Ronaldo, described in the report as the club legend, left during his second stint after criticising the way the club was being run. James said he is now ‘‘totally numb’’ to the team's plight and added: “I was fortunate to watch seven blissful seasons under Sir Alex and will relish those memories for the rest of my life. Gone are the days when I lost sleep when United lost. I have become used to mediocrity and try to extract maximum positivity from the rare wins.”
Fanatical supporter Narendar Bhat, who decorates personal accessories with Manchester United themes, described the change in how he experiences matches: “Earlier, watching United was the biggest relief, helping me escape the hardships of life. But now it has become a torture. I still continue to watch the team’s games, but have resigned myself to the fact that another defeat is always just around the corner,” he bemoans.
The club's next concrete step is managerial: Michael Carrick has been sacked and Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, who previously coached the U.S. national team, has been appointed his successor.