Manchester United's quest to define its 'DNA' and reclaim its former glory continues to be a complex debate. Despite frequent managerial changes—seven permanent head coaches in just over 12 years—the club struggles to replicate Sir Alex Ferguson's era of success, which was characterized by youth development, courage, and success. The club's recent performances highlight the difficulty of maintaining high standards, with league points and performance metrics lagging behind those of Ferguson's final seasons. While cup victories like the FA Cups and Europa League have provided some success, they have not translated into consistent league dominance, especially as the points needed to win the Premier League have increased significantly. Recent interim coach Michael Carrick has managed to bring back some of the intangible qualities associated with United, but it is too early to declare a resurgence. The club's playing style under recent managers has varied, with a tendency toward counter-attacking football rather than dominating possession and pressing like Manchester City or Liverpool. The club's recruitment and youth development strategies remain a focus, with United historically producing many top players through its academy, although recent managers have been less inclined to promote academy talent. The debate about club philosophy is further complicated by comparisons to clubs like Barcelona, Ajax, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, which have clearer, more consistent playing principles and success models. United's approach appears more pragmatic, prioritizing winning above style, especially in a highly competitive Premier League environment. The club's future success may depend on aligning its leadership and strategy with a clear set of principles that prioritize winning and sustainable growth, acknowledging the cyclical nature of football success.