'New generation'- Old Trafford cult hero outlines ‘mentality’ concerns at Manchester United

Nani discusses the flaws in the current lot of Manchester United players

Manchester United once showed consistency, discipline, and a fierce winning mentality. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the club ran like a well-tuned machine. Every player knew his role and understood what wearing the badge meant. In recent years, that unity has faded, and the change didn’t happen overnight. It crept in slowly, season after season, through constant managerial changes and an unsettled squad. Each new arrival joined a team that no longer spoke with one footballing voice.

That’s what former winger Nani said in his recent talk with Give Me Sport. He spoke about a time when new players adjusted to the club’s culture instead of reshaping it. Now, he feels, the balance has shifted. Too many players arrive at once, and few truly understand what Manchester United once represented. He said today’s players take longer to grasp the club’s mentality, and some may never learn it.

His words carry the weight of someone who lived through Ferguson’s best years, won four Premier League titles, and lifted the Champions League trophy. Nani hinted that the current setup has lost that sense of connection, but still, he feels hopeful. He believes this new generation can rediscover what has disappeared.

“I think what changed is the number of players who are not used to playing in that club. Before, if you change one or two players, these two players adapt to the players who are already there. Now you change almost all the players, and they don’t know the mentality. So to receive the new message, to understand how the club works, to receive how the fans think, it takes time.”

“I don’t know if they will understand how to play for that club. I think that was the key to games without success. But yes, it’s creating a new generation, it’s creating a new environment in the club. I believe with those new things, we will be successful.”

United are a club searching for their compass