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LONDON. — The year was 1986 and with just three league wins to their name by the first weekend of November, Manchester United dismissed Ron Atkinson as manager and appointed Alex Ferguson.

The rest, as they say, is history as Ferguson won 38 trophies — including 13 English Premier League titles — during his 26 success-laden seasons at Old Trafford.

Fast forward 28 years and there is a sense of deja vu in Manchester.

After losing to fierce rivals Manchester City on Sunday, United, under the guidance of Louis van Gaal, have won three times in the league by the first weekend in November.

But while Atkinson’s reign came to an end after a slow start to that season which saw them win three, draw four and lose six of their opening 13 matches in the old First Division, there have been no calls for fiery Dutchman Van Gaal to be given the boot despite United’s early season struggles. — AFP.