It almost sounds like the name of a new film. A verb followed by a name; ‘Saving Private Ryan’, ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’, ‘Finding Nemo’ and of course, ‘Looking for Eric’. Yet this isn’t a movie, but in fact the words that strike a chill down the spine of anyone associated with Manchester United Football Club. Be careful when you utter it, but it is perhaps one of the biggest questions in world football today: just who is going to replace the legend that is Sir Alex Ferguson?
During 25 magnificent seasons at the helm (which is an incredible achievement in itself considering the short lifespan of managers at any one club these days) Fergie has established Manchester United as not only one of the best clubs in England, but in the world. 12 Premier League titles, 9 domestic cups and 2 Champions League crowns, along with various other trophies, have firmly planted Sir Alex at the top of a ‘who’s who’ of football managers. But as he approaches 71 years of age it is inevitable that his time in charge of Old Trafford will shortly be coming to an end. His passion for the game certainly doesn’t appear to have wavered, and he still remains in great health, but such a taxing position must surely take its toll on a man who should now be enjoying retirement.
The Manchester United board are obviously aware of this, and it is a certainty that they will be aware months, if not years, in advance of Sir Alex’s plans to call it a day, long before it is announced publicly. In fact, vice chairman Ed Woodward recently came out claiming that a strategy was in place for finding a replacement but, at present, remains ‘in the drawer’. And of course, in order to maintain the success and the legacy he has created over the years, the man himself will surely have some input in finding a safe pair of hands to pass over control; he will not simply walk out and leave the club struggling; but will ensure everything is ready for a smooth transition.
So just who could be the man capable of filling Sir Alex’s enormous boots, stepping out of the shadow and creating a name for himself in a new and successful post Fergie era? The Football Writer analyses the credentials of some of the candidates being mentioned and assesses whether they would be up for the job. Be warned, this is a long read…
All odds provided are the shortest odds across SkyBet, BetVictor, StanJames and Betfair.
David Moyes, 49 (currently manager at Everton). 3/1.
Strengths. David Moyes has arguably been one of the greatest managers in the Premier League during his 11 seasons at Everton, which has been reflected in his three LMA Manager of the Year awards (a record in which he shares with Sir Alex). He has guided an impressive Everton outfit to 8th or above in eight of his seasons at the club, and a 4th place finish in 2005 saw them venture, albeit briefly, into the Champions League. Yet what has made Moyes stand out so much higher above every other manager in the league is the manner in which he has achieved this. On a shoestring budget, Moyes has never had the luxury of having lots of money available. Instead, he has been incredibly shrewd with his low value signings, all the while remarkably keeping Everton as regulars in the top half.
Due to this lack of money, he has created an excellent youth policy which has seen the likes of Osman, Rodwell and of course, Rooney, all develop into top players. With Financial Fair Play being pushed, this could be an important factor. Moyes also shows fantastic commitment in standing by this Everton side for so long; with no money to push on for a top four finish, it is sentiment to Moyes that he has remained and continually achieved above expectations. Well respected, including by Fergie who is impressed by his compatriot, and experience in the EPL, Moyes looks like a very suitable candidate.
Weaknesses. There are two main weaknesses that may concern the United board. Firstly is that while Moyes has done a terrific job at Goodison, he has never managed a top European club. How would he fare at Old Trafford where he would face bigger egos, bigger expectations and bigger competitions. This could also lead to a concern with money; he is so terrific at making cheap but effective signings, would he exactly know what to do with a more generous transfer kitty?
That might be somewhat clutching at straws, but we have seen many a manager go slightly wild when a bigger budget is produced. The other real concern would be that, despite Moyes’ time at Everton certainly being considered a success, he has yet to lift any silverware. A 2009 FA Cup runners up medal is really all he has to show for his time so far, and this lack of a winning mentality could hinder him at a club seriously competing on four fronts.
Verdict. Respected, experienced and clever with signings, a youth driven approach would certainly appeal to Manchester United associates. But a lack of silverware may be cause for concern to continue where Sir Alex leaves off.
Pep Guardiola, 41 (currently undertaking a one year sabbatical). 3/1
Strengths. Arguably the most sought after manager following his decision to leave one of the greatest clubs sides ever, Guardiola’s record alone is reason enough to put him in charge. Pep won 14 trophies in just 4 seasons at Barcelona, winning everything club football has to offer; not bad going for your first managerial job (if we don’t include his single season with the ‘B’ side). Yet not only is the statistic impressive, and ridiculous, on its own, but the manner in which he did it is incredible.
Getting rid of several controversial but nonetheless talented stars, Guardiola built largely through the youth academy a team playing some of the most beautiful football ever to grace a pitch. Of course, stars such as Messi and Xaviesta were already at the club, but he has elevated them to higher pedestals beyond belief. Youth policy is certainly a big factor these days, and while La Masia continues to reel off wonderkids, they were nonetheless aided by Guardiola’s tactical nous. The brilliance of the ‘tiki-taka’ has formed the core of the greatest national team ever, and Pep is reportedly an incredible technician; pinpointing even the tiniest aspect of a game to improve. Backed by Sir Alex (and the vast majority of fans) and with recharged batteries, he still has his whole managerial career ahead of him. Manchester could be a very tempting offer.
Weaknesses. There are several concerns about Guardiola that do need to be mentioned. This may be harsh on the work he did at the Catalan club, but you can’t help but wonder how many other managers could, and would, have done an equal job had they been given the opportunity, with so many world class stars at their disposal. Did Guardiola make the team, or did the team make Guardiola? Furthermore, while the team was packed with stars, it has to be said that there were a few questionable transfers during his tenure. Of course, not all of his signings have been poor, but €125m on Ibrahimovic, Caceres, Chygrynskiy and Keirrison can’t be argued as anything less than wasted money. Whether or not Guardiola would be a long term solution is also questioned; he felt ‘burned out’ after four years at Barcelona – how long until the same would happen in Manchester?
The fact that he enjoyed rolling one year contracts also keeps the fun of never knowing when he may leave. The last thing that I’d like to mention about Pep though is that we’ve never seen him as the underdog. He left Catalunya when Real Madrid won the league, and thus we’ve never seen how he reacts when the going gets tough and he is chasing others. Would he be able to chase the blue half of Manchester, or catch up to Chelsea, or can he only ‘sing when he’s winning’?
Verdict. He is certainly one of the most talented managers in world football, and his remarkable CV from four years at Barcelona puts him to the top of the wishlist. But question marks will remain about how he will be able to cope in a team where he will really need to put his stamp on it, without having the magic of Messi and Xaviesta.