The forward then had another attempt not long after, which was saved as the home side looked to build on their lead. "So there are opportunities there as well and it could be good timing for a new manager to come in too. At the start of this campaign, major trophies and perhaps even their first league title in nine years appeared to be drawing closer - but the numbers merely highlight that not only do United remain way off the pace but they have been adrift for several years. At the time of Ferguson's departure in 2013, United were Premier League champions.