Manchester United has been a club associated with tradition, heritage and élan. For more than two decades the stupendous success has been masterminded by one man only. Sir Alex Ferguson has managed to transform Manchester United into one of the most decorated clubs and one that is expected to win regardless of the competition or the opposition. However after more than quarter of a century the helm, the time is not far away for the wily Scotsman to call it a day. And when one thinks that the intimidating yet loveable figure of Sir Alex will not be seen chewing his gum and jumping like a school kid at old Trafford’s home technical area, the question automatically comes to mind. Will it ever be the same?
Sir Alex has always embodied Sir Matt Busy’s philosophy of investing in youth system and fostering long term growth instead of focusing on short term success. That is the reason he has managed to come up with generations of champions, but once again the time has come for the gaffer to get the next generation ready before he brings down the curtain.
2011-12 was the worst in terms of silverware for United since 2008-09 season. Prompting critics to question the depth and ability of United squad. Do they have what it takes to be champions?, do they have the match winners? Is there life after Giggs, Scholes and Sir Alex?
Even Wayne Rooney once had doubts about the ambitions of the club at one time, when he had decided to part ways and took all the persuasion powers of Sir Alex to lure him back.
When last season kicked off SAF put out a rather young looking United side, that had a fresh look with the likes of Tom Cleverly, Danny Wellback, Phil Jones , Chris Smalling and David De De Gea. The first few games promised a lot and many started saying that the new generation seems to be taking shape. However it all started to go pear shape as the season went on, injuries bad form and other factors meant that United were left to wonder who they put on field. The decision to bring back Paul Scholes from retirement was met by joy and romanticism from United fans, but cynics saw it as a desperate move.