By Martin Graham
Manchester United are once again searching for a head coach after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, and with that process has come a familiar phrase: the need to rediscover the club’s “DNA”.
The expression is often revived during periods of instability, acting as a reference point to more successful eras. Following Amorim’s exit, former defender Gary Neville argued that the club must now appoint someone aligned with its traditional identity.
This language is not exclusive to Old Trafford. After Liverpool’s goalless draw with Leeds United, ex-Reds striker John Aldridge claimed the club had misplaced its own “DNA”, citing a lack of urgency, creativity, and hunger.
In moments of difficulty, talk of “DNA” usually implies a return to established values and past methods that supporters associate with glory. At United, this has prompted minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his group to consider interim solutions closely linked to the club’s history.
Darren Fletcher recently oversaw a match against Burnley, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are also under consideration. Between them, Fletcher and Carrick collected 10 league titles at the club, while Solskjaer lifted six and scored the decisive goal in the 1999 Champions League final.
Fletcher even sought approval from Sir Alex Ferguson before taking temporary charge, highlighting the continued shadow cast by the most successful manager in United’s history. Ferguson’s record includes 13 Premier League trophies, two Champions League triumphs, and multiple domestic doubles.
Yet questions remain over whether Ferguson’s endorsement still carries practical weight more than a decade after his retirement and whether invoking the past can truly restore what many believe has been lost.
Defining a club’s identity
Supporters who believe in “DNA” see it as an inherited philosophy, shaping how a team plays and how it makes people feel. Neville has described United’s version as fast, bold, attacking football, insisting the club should not adapt to suit any individual coach.
That description reflects the approach seen under both Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby, marked by pace, aggression, and a willingness to promote young players. Iconic eras such as the Busby Babes and the Class of 92 are central to this narrative.
Many figures from those periods now work in the media, increasing public examination of every decision. Amorim himself acknowledged this pressure shortly before his departure, suggesting the club might need structural change if it could not cope with constant criticism.
Liverpool’s supposed “DNA” is often linked to emotion, intensity, and attacking intent, qualities associated with their success under Jurgen Klopp. However, the modern game increasingly prioritises results above aesthetics.
Ultimately, winning has become the primary currency in football, regardless of the method used to achieve it.
Which teams really have a ‘DNA’?
Whether a club possesses a distinct identity is usually decided by supporters during successful periods. Manchester United and Liverpool both believe they know what defines them, including the bond between fans and manager.
Barcelona’s possession-focused style can be traced back to Johan Cruyff, later refined by those influenced by him, including Pep Guardiola. Ajax has remained loyal to the principles of Total Football, developed by Rinus Michels and embodied by Cruyff, while relying heavily on youth development.
For Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, success itself forms the core of their identity. Winning trophies is the defining characteristic.
In contrast, Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have dominated domestically and claimed European success without being tied to a clearly defined historical style.
In England, some clubs’ claims of a fixed identity are more contested. West Ham United’s long-held belief in “The West Ham Way” has been criticised by former manager Sam Allardyce, who dismissed the idea of a single traditional approach. David Moyes later admitted he could not define it himself, despite delivering a European trophy in 2023.
Tottenham Hotspur’s motto, “To Dare Is To Do”, is often linked to attacking football. Ange Postecoglou initially embodied that approach, but a season ending in 17th place and 22 league defeats led to his removal, even after a Europa League victory.
Romance versus reality
References to “DNA” are often rooted in nostalgia. Jose Mourinho’s pragmatic methods bore little resemblance to United’s preferred image, yet he delivered silverware early in his tenure.
Only a small number of figures truly shape a club’s long-term character. Leaders such as Bill Shankly, Klopp, and Ferguson combined authority, vision, and success in rare fashion.
In practical terms, “DNA” often serves as shorthand for having elite players and an outstanding coach. Calls for United to rediscover their identity are understandable, but identifying someone capable of recreating it is another matter.
The modern game demands exceptional personalities, usually forged by success at the highest level. Figures of Ferguson’s stature are extremely rare, and there is no guarantee that revisiting the past will solve present problems.
