There have been times when I’ve hated Man Utd. The hypocrisy that was all too often present particularly in the early days was unpleasant to say the least. The barracking of referees was a form of cheating and so were the early dives of Ronaldo. Cantona was a genius, but one capable of flashes of unsavoury violence. Other reasons for dislike were just pure jealousy, such as the massively annoying ability to turn around 3 goal deficits or secure injury time equalisers before then securing an even later injury time winner.
Fergie’s red glasses when giving post match interviews were sometimes infuriating, sometimes just funny. His treatment of star players sometimes seemingly cruel but often well judged. His dictatorial style and continual attempts to control journalists who step out of line by banning them from press conferences are legendary. However, now 26 years on there can be no doubt as to the greatness of the man.
Since Busby, United hadn’t won the league and had run through a range of managers looking for the original special one. In Fergie they not only found the man with the ability to manage players but also with personality to shape a club with the stature of Manchester United. In 26 years he has won more honours than any other top level manager, lasting for a period of time at one club which in football terms is equivalent to the time measured since the Universe was formed. 26 was also the length of time United went in between the title wins of Busby and Fergie. Is he now the greatest manager of all time?
Yes some will say that Shankly, Clough, Stein, Renus Michels, Capello etc can rival Sir Alex. Bob Paisley remains the only man in history to win three European Cups, but did he have the longevity to challenge Fergie? I don’t know. I think with one more Champions League win there will be no doubt, so maybe we shall have to wait until then?
That being said, a certain young Portuguese pretender may well beat him to it and in so doing effectively elect himself as successor to Sir Alex’s mantle – a certain Jose Mourinho. Could he one day become the man to knock Sir Alex off his own lofty golden perch? Equally as divisive, Mourinho has the swagger and size of ego to match Fergie and he has the coaching background and tactical knowledge to win in any league in Europe. If anyone can do it, he can. That being said, he still has much to learn and I for one would like to see the pair resume their challenge in the EPL.
Of course with 26 years gone, there can’t be too many seasons left in the tank. It seems whilst there is still plenty of fight left, even the owners are now beginning to realise the enormity of the task they face in replacing Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United fans will just hope it doesn’t take another 26 years before they get it right again.
Sir Alex Ferguson – a true legend of the game.
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