Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez has offered a sharp and insightful perspective on why Manchester United have found it difficult to replicate their historic dominance in recent years — while Liverpool have surged back into European and domestic contention. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Benítez broke down the contrasting paths of two of England’s biggest footballing powerhouses.
According to the Spanish tactician, United’s struggles stem from a lack of “clear football identity” and inconsistent decision-making at the executive level. “Liverpool built a philosophy around structure, patience, and recruitment,” Benítez said. “United, on the other hand, have often chased short-term success without a consistent sporting vision.”
Benítez pointed to Liverpool’s modern resurgence under Jürgen Klopp as a textbook example of long-term planning. The Reds focused on data-driven recruitment, youth development, and tactical cohesion — all built around a single managerial philosophy. In contrast, United have cycled through managers with vastly different playing styles since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 — from Moyes and Van Gaal to Mourinho, Solskjær, Ten Hag, and now Amorim.
“You can’t keep changing the manager and expect stability,” Benítez emphasized. “Every coach brings a new system, new players, and new expectations. You lose your football DNA when there’s no continuity.”
He also cited recruitment as a major factor behind United’s decline. While Liverpool targeted players who perfectly fit their tactical model — such as Salah, Mané, and Van Dijk — United often spent heavily without a coherent plan. “When you buy players for marketing, not for football reasons, you end up with an unbalanced squad,” Benítez explained.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss praised Liverpool’s collaboration between sporting directors and the coaching staff, something United have reportedly lacked. “It’s not just about money. It’s about understanding what kind of team you want to be. Liverpool knew that. United are still searching.”
As Benítez put it, the difference between the two clubs isn’t just on the pitch — it’s in the boardroom. “Liverpool built a culture; United are still rebuilding one.”
With United now under new management and ownership restructuring ongoing, Benítez believes there’s still hope. “The talent is there. But until the philosophy matches the ambition, Liverpool will continue to be the more complete football club.”
