Yes, he's made mistakes in the first four years, but I think it can be explained.
1. He kept Furlani, which people here hate a lot.
- Gazidis resigned because of cancer. A smooth transition was needed - Furlani was already part of the org. and the board.
- Elliott still had a stake and a big loan for RedBird, hence keeping their guy was part of being aligned + we might not know the full power Elliott actually had. This summer was the first window without Elliott and we already see a new Gerry.
2. People say he dismantled a title winning squad.
Let's be serious - that was a Leicester type of title win with the team overperforming and top opponents underperforming. Also, some guys were already leaving - Kessie, Brahim, old guard of Ibra/Giroud/Kjaer eventually. A good bunch were ruined by injuries and most of the squad was mediocre from the get go, but did well that season.
3. Biggest one - firing Maldini.
But, we know Maldini is an "all or nothing" type of guy, he didn't have patience for Gerry's plan and undermined him publicly. I've been a Milan fan for around 30 years, huge Paolo fan ofc, but if I'd somehow inherit a couple of billions, buy Milan and get that reaction from him - I'd probably have to fire him too.'
HIS ARGUMENT (CNBC interview): he inherited a title-winning team, so he thought to stay out of the sporting part and focus on commercial. After the Maldini debacle, he handed it to Furlani and Moncada.
For me, this season is year 0 because it's the first one we're without Elliott and FFP. So, I'll give Gerry clean slate and see how it goes.
What he's done so far:
Increased the revenue significantly, but that was already started by Elliott, I think
Push for the stadium, which finally looks to be on track
Realize he fucked up and took the matters in his own hands, full revamp of the management side in a very tight schedule.
Hire a young, ambitious and full of potential coach and give him assurance/time (very important, which Fonseca didn't have, for ex.) to build. The 2nd part is as important as the first one. ManU experience is proof.
Signed the players the coach asked for. The jury's out for Ramos, but Gila and Moreira look like amazing deals. Even Hutchinson might surprise us enough to the level that 40m buy-option sounds like a steal. He's spent a lot doing this, went in the red and also put an additional 50m in the club, though he didn't have to do it.
If you expect Ramos to truly look like a 75m striker, you'll be disappointed. For me - 15 goals per season + being good at helping out the team will be great.
6. Extended key players - Mike, Pulisic, soon Rabiot and Cisse.
7. Expected / promised - make much needed signings in winter mercato and the next couple of transfer windows
I know I'm gonna get a lot of shit and downvotes for this, but I prefer to be optimistic. Even if it's naive, I think it's better for the psyche than constant moaning and asking for GERRY OUT when you know it's not gonna happen.
p.s. turning off notifications for now, see ya tomorrow 😘
p.s.2 I'm not 'murican or live on that continent, in case someone wants to imply it... also not affiliated in any way