With the start of the English Premier
League less than a week away excitement is building in football fans across the world at what promises to be another thrilling season. Since its formation in 1992 the Premiership has delivered high tempo attacking football on a weekly basis and is regarded by many as the best league in the world. One man has remained a constant throughout this time delivering unprecedented success to Manchester United year after year; this is of course Sir Alex Ferguson. But with many speculating that Ferguson may call time on his illustrious career in the next two years who will be the man to replace him?
On the 6th November 1986 after achieving league and European success with Aberdeen Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United. After a sluggish start few could have predicted the success that was to follow as Ferguson would go onto win twelve league titles, five F.A Cups and two Champions League trophies. But as Ferguson approaches his 25th year in charge at Old Trafford many are beginning to speculate as to who will be his eventual successor.
Jose Mourinho the self proclaimed ‘Special One’ is a favourite amongst Manchester Utd fans and bookmakers alike. Despite his relatively young age for a manager Mourinho has already achieved what many would aspire to in an entire career. Having won two Premier League titles, two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies in just eight years Mourinho undoubtedly has an impressive CV.
His organised defensive approach along with an astute ability to galvanise a team with an ‘us against them’ mentality has led to Mourinho earning the respect of many in the football world. But will Mourinho’s tendency to move clubs after a relatively short period of time deter David Gill when looking to appoint a long term replacement at the club.
The current Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is another muted as a possible replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson. Taking charge in 2008 Guardiola delivered immediate success to the Camp Nou playing a free flowing attacking style of play that has many fans and pundits labelling them the greatest club team ever. But with Guardiola’s strong ties to Barcelona and a current squad that contains some of the best players in the world it’s highly unlikely he will leave the club anytime soon.
It is clear that when Ferguson does leave Old Trafford the pressure on his successor will be enormous. Whether it is Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola or another manager success and an entertaining style of football will be is a prerequisite when joining Manchester United.
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