Ferguson’s extraordinary 27-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams came to an end in 2013, with the legendary Scottish manager winning 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues before his retirement.
Former Everton boss David Moyes replaced Fergie but only lasted 10 months before being sacked, and subsequent managers Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have not fared a great deal better, with United winning just three trophies since Ferguson’s departure.
Meulensteen, who spent six years at United under Ferguson, believes it could have been a different story had the club moved to bring in either Guardiola or Klopp.
Guardiola is arguably the best coach of his generation, having produced one of the best teams in history at Barcelona and winning a host of trophies both at the Nou Camp and more recently with Manchester City.
Klopp, meanwhile, won two Bundesliga titles at Borussia Dortmund before guiding Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory at Anfield.
‘Manchester United missed a trick not getting one of them,’ Meulensteen told The Sun. ‘They both have such a presence and influence at their clubs.
‘If you ask a Liverpool player, “Do you know what you are doing?”, they will all say “Yes”. You ask City players, no matter how Pep might change things around, “Do you know what you are doing?”, they will all say “Yes”.
‘Ask United players and I don’t think you get such an assured answer. Mind you, if either club does not prepare properly for when they leave, they’ll end up in the same position.’
Meulensteen has urged Manchester United to consider how their squad will look in three years’ time as they look to restore the club to its glory days.
The Red Devils have endured another inconsistent season under former boss Solskjaer and interim manager Ralf Rangnick and are currently fourth in the Premier League, 19 points behind Manchester City.
‘What you have to do – and what you should always be doing – is looking at the team you’re going to have in two or three years. That’s how a club gets stability and continuity,’ Meulensteen added.
‘I’m not sure that has happened in the last eight years. Are we looking for the next De Gea, Maguire, Matic, Cavani and even Cristiano Ronaldo? The club should be looking now at how United will look in two or three years’ time.’
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