Sir Alex Ferguson is 70 now. One needs no fortune telling to assume that his reign is all but over now – at least as the manager of one of the greatest football teams in the world. The pointers, the checkers are there: he has bought Robin Van Persie, (arguably the world’s best striker from last season), in the last three years he has bought youthful English boys (Smalling, Jones, Young, Powell), he has tied down other youthful ‘Typical United’ players’ to long term contracts (Welbeck, Chicharito, Rooney, Evans, Rafael, Cleverley).
Of the aforementioned, 8 are British players, a clear indication Ferguson is preparing to leave and to leave British football in good hands. And then, there is the heart surgery – lest we forget that “he did say his health will decide”
It is quite obvious, when Ferguson leaves, he will still have an interest in the United team. No doubt in Kagawa, Cleverley, Jones, Anderson, Smalling, Powell, Welbeck, Chicharito, Evans, Rafael, Fabio, Young, Valencia, Buttner, De Gea, Bebe, Macheda, and future captain Rooney, Sir Alex Ferguson has created a very youthful team, full of potential. They are competent today, possible champions and a team capable of winning 3 consecutive titles. And that is what Sir Alex Ferguson will look to achieve first.
So the pointers are there; a tendency to hog all the British talent, a tendency to invest in exciting young talent (players who will be at a destructive best in 2-3 years time and who will stay in their prime for a further 5-8 years), the purchase of Van Persie (to allow Ferguson to exit with a bang) and the way his side have played this season.
Watching United play this season, I can’t help but draw comparison with what Ferguson’s teams have become so popular for. “The comeback kings”, free scoring, entertaining and destructive football. Below is just a pick of a few lines commentators have thrown, in disbelief and amazement, at just how United have played:
“They do it so often, you wonder if it is planned! Jolted with a 2 goal deficit, they now lead 3-2!”
“Manchester United, the masters of late goals have got another! You have to feel for Southampton, but my word you have to admire Manchester United!”
“From defeat, they have surely gone on to win it”
Compare these to the following quotes from FIFA 13:
“Manchester United have scored so late in the game, you are tempted to say, AGAIN”
“can Manchester United pull another rabbit out of the hat here?”
“You can never discount Manchester United”
Ferguson all but refused to buy a Defensive Midfielder, opting for creative players who can read the game well, and can tear apart any opposition going forward. He has all but neglected his side’s defence, opting instead to focus on attack, attack, attack!
If this doesn’t scream, “Fergie is going soon, then I don’t know what does!!”
Imagine, if against odds, he catapults United to Champions league Glory, and to a 20th Title, and an FA cup? Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Evra and Fletcher will go very soon, and perhaps, their guidance will most certainly help the youth to a 20th title. But the youth will allow Fergie to rest easy, with the knowledge he has created a ‘99’ like team, a ‘07’ like team, one to win 3 consecutive titles, from 2015 to 2018 at the least.
So the sun sets, the curtain comes down. For me, the success of this season will almost certainly be his last, especially if he lands “The Treble”, because, everything else is in its place, waiting for his final taste of success! The future is guaranteed! Even the successor!
What’s your take? Do you agree the curtain has come down?
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