As things stand and assuming we have a passable transfer window, I.e. 3 starters/ regulars where do you think we'd end up in the following scenarios:
1) Under ETH
I think top four, most likely 4th but potentially anywhere between 3-6th
2) No manager, players have to work it out, I.e. natural leader or captain, etc
I think mid table to lower down the table, having a player assume the responsibility (while still playing) would be a pretty combustible situation considering the context of United atm. I think this scenario would be worse than having a supporter manage.
3) Reserve team coach, I.e. limited experience, basically Rangnick!
8-10th, potentially a couple spots higher
Tricky one, he's proven he can motivate a side when coming in, and his fairly stripped back tactical approach lends itself to being employed and understood quickly, and there's still some very good individual talent in this United side. Because of his coaching history at the club though (his final season) I would think that would work against him and there would be a lack of belief as opposed to his first stint. I still think he'd be looking at around 6th
5) Best womens football manager
I'm not knowledgeable enough on this to put forward a fair answer. I know a few women coaches working in the womens game and they're fantastic, I think being the first woman coach in English football, at a club the size of Manchester United would invite an incredible amount of scrutiny and sadly vitriol too. They would face challenges that a male coach wouldn't.
6) Referee turns manager, maybe Collina for example
Depends on their knowledge of the game outside of legislation. Collina certainly has the presence though
7) Avid football fan with decent managerial experience in a non football environment - people person, modern management style
Pretty badly, management skills from certain sectors will be more applicable than others. Some office manager won't be particularly useful, but someone from an emergency response team would probably have a better grasp. Chefs would thrive. In this hypothetical if the person had good management skills and good people skills, mid table is plausible but also very likely for things to combust and to be very low down.
8) As above, but autocratic and authoritarian style, think old school gravitas
Mid table, maybe a couple of spots higher couple of spots lower, less likely to fully combust to the above scenario though
9) Avid football fan no managerial experience - nice guy
Mid to lower table, outside chance of relegation
10) Avid football fan no managerial experience - arse hole
Same as above but bigger chance of relegation
First season top 4, second season strong challenge and high possibility of winning the league
On another thread I suggested a fan wouldn't do much worse than bottom half as that is over stating the impact of a manager, but am I understating the impact?
It's plausible. The amount a club spends on wages is usually the biggest indicator of where they'll finish, and if a supporter has basic knowledge and follows the club he's going to take over, at the very least he'll have a basic understanding of the players and where to put them. Things like opposition negation can be better trained from using your coaches, and a simple basic tactical approach doesn't mean it's a bad one. The initial danger will come from rectifying any big tactical blunders in the approach and positional play, and dealing with things like loss of form and injuries.
The longer the person is in said role the higher the chance the club will plummet. I'm also assuming in this hypothetical the players themselves are unaware of the managers complete lack of experience, as credibility is essential in management.
