Liverpool have won just four of their last 14 games as Arne Slot faces scrutiny, but Sir Alex Ferguson’s views on what to do in such situations offer a lesson for the Reds
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
08:33, 05 Dec 2025
Sir Alex Ferguson has in the past called for more faith in managers, suggesting change at the helm doesn’t guarantee improvement(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has consistently maintained that stability is crucial for managerial success. Therefore, he would likely advise Liverpool to persevere with Arne Slot despite the recent spell of disastrous form at Anfield.
A frustrating 1-1 stalemate at home to Sunderland on Wednesday has left the Reds with just four victories from their last 14 matches. Following a brilliant start that saw him capture the Premier League crown in his maiden season last year, Slot now finds himself under intense pressure.
Old Trafford icon Ferguson was well-acquainted with such pressure during his remarkable 27-year reign at United. Despite stepping down in 2013 as perhaps Britain’s finest ever manager, even the Scot faced severe criticism at various stages throughout his distinguished career.
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He set an almost insurmountable standard when David Moyes took over as his immediate replacement at United. Following his countryman’s dismissal after just 11 months in the job, Ferguson urged football clubs to demonstrate patience with their appointments, even when the heat is turned up.
“There’s no evidence that sacking a manager gives you success,” said Ferguson in 2015. “But there is evidence at Manchester United, at Nottingham Forest, at Arsenal that [if] you retain the manager for long periods, you get consistency and you get success.”
Former adversary Arsene Wenger led Arsenal for nearly 22 years and ushered the Gunners into the new millennium. The Frenchman clinched three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups at Arsenal, but arguably his biggest contribution was embedding a culture and style that can only be cultivated with time.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have won just four of their last 14 games(Image: Getty Images)
Ferguson also made reference to Nottingham Forest and Brian Clough’s 18-year reign at the City Ground. It was under Clough’s stewardship that the club secured consecutive European Cups, achieving remarkable success particularly in the late 1970s.
Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), demonstrated their astute judgement by appointing Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor last season. However, this immediate return has been tarnished by a challenging few months this term.
That said, while United have shown a tendency for rapid managerial changes, Liverpool traditionally exhibit more patience. Slot is Liverpool’s seventh managerial appointment of the 21st century, whereas the Red Devils have had six since Ferguson left the club just 12 years ago.
Virgil van Dijk’s own dip in form has been cited by many fans as one of the main factors in Liverpool’s fall(Image: Getty Images)
Moreover, the fact Slot achieved so much and was even in contention for a quadruple in his first season should buy him some time. It’s also worth remembering Liverpool kicked off the campaign on a high note, winning their opening seven matches in a row.
With that in mind, it might not require many adjustments before we see the Liverpool of recent memory return. And Ferguson’s own track record is testament to the notion a small bit of trust can indeed go a long way.
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