According to media reports, there is a long-standing and complex rift between many of Manchester United’s current players and members of the Ferguson-era "Class of 92".
While recent signs of reconciliation have emerged among United’s top brass – such as Gary Neville joining the new stadium taskforce and the club renting training facilities to Salford City – the psychological antagonism between the two sides at the dressing room level remains sharp and difficult to resolve.
The root of this rift dates back to 2015, when Neville and Ryan Giggs built a "football hotel" opposite Old Trafford. United’s hierarchy was angered, believing the former players were using the club’s resources to divert matchday commercial revenue in a prime location, even banning staff from entering the hotel at one point – a major turning point in their relationship. Additionally, during Ed Woodward’s tenure, the club deliberately downplayed the Class of 92’s presence in commercial activities, leading to estrangement between Giggs, Nicky Butt and others who felt neglected or ideologically misaligned with the management.
Media outlets argue that the most prominent current conflict lies between media commentary and active players. The persistent sharp criticism from legends like Paul Scholes and Neville on TV programs has left current players feeling hurt and misunderstood.
Last season, United defender Lisandro Martínez could not let go of Scholes’ criticism on a TV show and even arranged a face-to-face meeting to discuss it. However, for unknown reasons, the meeting never took place – perhaps, in hindsight, it was for the best.
There is a widespread sentiment in the dressing room that these predecessors do not want the younger generation to succeed in order to safeguard their own historical status. Some players have even felt humiliated by Scholes’ remarks, leading to refusals to be interviewed by the legends. Despite Scholes and others emphasizing that their criticism stems from deep affection for the club, the psychological standoff between the old and new generations is likely to persist until the team’s results improve.
