Sir Alex F always said that the life cycle of a team is 4 years. Ralph took over in 2018 and so we are refreshing right on cue.
FERGUSON "Although I was always trying to disprove it, I believe that the cycle of a successful team lasts maybe four years, and then some change is needed. So we tried to visualize the team three or four years ahead and make decisions accordingly. Because I was at United for such a long time, I could afford to plan ahead—no one expected me to go anywhere. I was very fortunate in that respect.
Analyzing player transfer data reveals Ferguson to be a uniquely effective “portfolio manager” of talent. He is strategic, rational, and systematic.
The goal was to evolve gradually, moving older players out and younger players in. It was mainly about two things: First, who did we have coming through and where did we see them in three years’ time, and second, were there signs that existing players were getting older? Some players can go on for a long time, like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Rio Ferdinand, but age matters. The hardest thing is to let go of a player who has been a great guy—but all the evidence is on the field. If you see the change, the deterioration, you have to ask yourself what things are going to be like two years ahead."
For Ralph to make it for another 4 years (assuming he wants to) is entirely possible if we can recruit well in this window. I agree with others that we are a still couple of players short and if we continue to refresh the squad and coaching team with a couple of new faces at regular intervals we will have the basis of a really good squad. I do feel that losing romeu will be bad for the ago balance of the squad and for my feelings but so be it.
Some of the other long standing individuals have had their time and need to be moved on. I'm reasonably optimistic that doing that instead of thinking the players have the power is the best move.