David Moyes Would Make a Capable Successor for Sir Alex Ferguson

The Master and his Successor?

It’s easy to see why David Moyes is so highly touted as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United. No body comes close to comparing to the stature of Sir Alex, but Moyes probably comes the closest.

The two are almost identical. They both hail from the industrial town of Glasgow in Scotland and both bring a taste of the 'Old Firm' derby with them to Manchester: Sir Alex played for Rangers, Moyes laced up for crosstown rivals Celtic.

Now the word ‘legend’ gets used a lot in professional sports. But it’s a befitting word to describe 'legendary' Sir Alex Ferguson. The 71 year old Scotsman officially called it quits after almost 27 seasons in charge of the world’s biggest club, officially putting to bed months of speculation regarding his future. Wednesday put an end to one of the biggest sagas in professional football.

Well, all but one saga: Who is going to replace Ferguson at Old Trafford?

The club and CEO David Gill have made numerous references that it will be Everton boss David Moyes who gets the top job. But like a cliché that never seems to get old, there’s a lot of speculation out there regarding Ferguson’s eventual successor.

Will it be Jose Mourinho and his unique charisma behind the bench? Or perhaps Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp, who’s almost single handedly turned around Dortmund’s fate, guiding them to successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012. Perhaps you prefer Paris Saint-Germain bench boss Carlo Ancelotti?  Or outgoing Bayern Munich manager Jupp Heynckes?

The list goes on.

David Moyes doesn’t appear to be everyone’s favourite candidate for the Old Trafford job. He may not be someone who's won major accolades with Everton. But that's partly because Moyes ran into the Ferguson juggernaut while he was in Merseyside. What that wily 50 year old Scotsman has done with Everton in over a decade with limited resources is a joy to marvel at.

When Ferguson arrived, he was just a 44 year old Scotsman waiting to make the jump onto the biggest stage.

It's safe to say he did.

Moyes is not much older that Ferguson when he arrived at the club back in 1986. The resemblance is almost uncanny one might say. The Everton boss has a proven track record in the transfer market and like Fergie, he makes good players better players through coaching: Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Marouane Fellaini, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill immediately pop into mind.

Adding to Moyes' already impressive repertoire is his ability to know when to remain calm and when to lose his temper; and that, to use yet another cliché, is a list that goes on.

Now I wouldn’t mind Jose Mourinho taking over at Old Trafford. The 'Special One,' who’s indicating he might be leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, has even flirted with the idea of wanting the Old Trafford hot seat. The thing about him though, he's too erratic and would probably mess the ethic Ferguson has created at Old Trafford. Mourinho wouldn’t be a manager to respect the ethic that the club is bigger than the individual: he hasn’t quite done that during his time at Chelsea, Inter or Real.

But Mourinho is a winner.

During David Moyes' 11-year reign, teams like Birmingham, Swansea and Portsmouth have all won major trophies, unlike Everton. That’s about the only thing that seems to be a disadvantage for Moyes: a gamble you could say compared to hiring someone like Mourinho or Klopp, who’ve won titles in the recent past. Make no mistake, it won’t be smooth sailing for Manchester United under Fergie's successor, whoever he maybe, as he tries to live up to the greatest manager the beautiful game has ever seen.

Back in Germany, Jurgen Klopp has worked marvels in Dortmund, but still remains inexperienced when it comes to the English game. If you watch and analyze the Bundesliga, you'll find numerous differences between the two leagues. Still, in Klopp's favour, his Dortmund side play a fast paced, attacking brand of football; something the red half of Manchester is more that familiar with.

Sir Alex Ferguson will definitely have a say in who replaces his at the club. It was always going to be that way. I'm not expecting that the club I grew up watching on television will end up as treble winners next season. No! That would be an added bonus if anything.

While the club will hire the candidate that they feel best fits the job description, there will always be people out there who seem to think they have a better idea. Opinions, like the fine wine we know Sir Alex tends to enjoy on occasion, vary.

It's an exciting time to be a football fan. For Manchester United fans, it's an exciting and nervous time moving forward. The world now awaits official confirmation on who will take up one of the most hallowed seats in football management.

It’s going to be David Moyes in the Old Trafford hot seat next season.

And you probably won't like it.

Ronny Returns

Ronaldo reacts after netting the game winner at Old Trafford

It had to be him. Of all the people on the football pitch in Manchester, it had to be Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the game winner. A dagger in the hearts of the United faithful, especially watching their hero put his current team into the last eight of the Champions League. There's no doubt in my mind that he 'Ronny' will return to Madrid with a case of mixed emotions after this result.

In easily the most hyped up of games I’ve watched in quite some time, the atmosphere did not disappoint. The crowd was right into the game from the very get go. And Sir Alex Ferguson is still showing us that at the age of 71 he still knows how to handle a team of superstars and get the best out of them.

But sadly, not this time around.

Such is Ferguson’s charisma that he started Wayne Rooney on the bench instead opting for local lad Danny Welbeck. And by no means did Welbeck disappoint. He used his running and ability to get in behind the Real Madrid defence and make a nuisance of himself. His link up play with Robin Van Persie was superb, especially with Welbeck running in behind the central defenders, causing Real big problems. Finishing is Welbeck’s weakness at this moment and if he can work on that, he’s got a bright future in the white of England ahead of him.

But Welbeck or even Rooney was not why Old Trafford was packed to the brim on a Tuesday night in England. No, definitely not. 75,000 fans were in their seats to watch their old hero play on the hallowed Old Trafford surface for the first time since he left the club in 2009. And play, he did.

When Sergio Ramos bundled the ball into his own net, it made the tie ever so interesting. But then it all back fired for United. Cuynet Cakir sent Nani off for a tackle, which pundits (except a certain Roy Keane) call a controversial decision.

But I won’t dig into that. Not here. 

Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic

The match did however turn in Madrid’s favour, as expected. And Luka Modric with North London connections, having played for Tottenham showed by he was picked up Madrid. Ever since his move, he’s been relegated to the bench and playing part time roles. He did just that at Old Trafford, but this time, with a vengeance. It was Modric of all people, on his return to England, who got Real clicking again.

He would score off a blinding shot putting it just beyond David DeGea’s reach, tying the game at two goals apiece, putting extra time back on the cards.

Before kick-off, Ronaldo was given a rapturous reception by supporters at the club where he had played a starring role en route to winning the Champions League in 2008, as well as three Premier League titles. And he responded with a wave tap of the hand on his heart in return.

But for his current team he went one better.

Gonzalo Higuain teed up a nice low cross to the far post and who else but ‘the boy from Madeira’ rushing towards the far post and slotting the ball home past a helpless DeGea. Just like in the first leg, Ronaldo didn’t celebrate after he found the back of the net, he just stood there, with a million thoughts rushing though his head, while his teammates were rejoicing in a frenzy. 

Old Trafford was silent.

I was silent.

But inside I was exuberant. The Golden Boy has returned.

Fond memories: Ronaldo trudges on the Old Trafford pitch

Image Credits: Manchester United facebook page

Sir Alex Ferguson: A Tribute...

25 and proud. Congrats Sir Alex!

Greatness they say is rare. Everyone wants to be great some way or the other. Everyone tries, most of them fail. Only a few people achieve true greatness. One such person is  Glasgow native, Alexander Chapman Ferguson, known better as Sir Alex Ferguson.

If completing twenty-five years in management is an achievement, completing twenty-five years at one club is even bigger. That’s what the modern world commemorates today. November 6^th, the date will forever be in the hearts of Red Devils around the world. The day the great man first said yes to Manchester United, the day the ball was set rolling. Today, that same man has a stand named after him at Old Trafford. Such is the respect people have for him in England and beyond. Ferguson inherited a dispirited team of underachievers who had consistently, to their supporters’ discontent, failed to break Liverpool’s domination. They were stuck in the bottom four of the Division. Without resorting to the transfer market, Ferguson guided United up the table to an 11th place finish: the first of many successes with United.

This first trophy came but not before a Mark Robin’s goal, which is widely remembered as the goal that "saved Alex Ferguson's job" in 1990. The European Cup Winners’ Cup was won the following season in Rotterdam; Barcelona was defeated 2-1 thanks to a brace from Mark Hughes. Then, in 1991/92, the League Cup was added to United’s list of honours. Sadly the title remained elusive. It was the Holy Grail to United fans, the 26 championships-free years being exacerbated by Liverpool’s dominance of the domestic and European game. It was a modest £1 million that was chiefly responsible for United winning their first league title – Eric Cantona was the player. That league victory inspired many more and the Ferguson won several trophies with ‘kids’, contradicting what former Liverpool legend Alan Hansen had once said about his decision.

Ferguson’s greatest achievement however was the Champions League Final in 1999. I don’t think I need to tell you people what happened then, its history and it will never occur again. Such was the drama and the emotions that Ferguson was knighted following that success and some suggested that he should retire, believing his desire would wane following the realisation of a dream. But that was not to be. Titles followed as United tightened the screws on football in England.

Though there have been several dark moments in the Ferguson era at Old Trafford (the humiliating defeat to Man City being the most recent one), United have always stood tall. Guided by a sprightly fatherly figure, they knocked Liverpool off their perch which Ferguson said they would do back in 2002: "My greatest challenge is not what's happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch. And you can print that." Those were his exact words a decade ago.

Today, Sir Alex set his eyes on the “Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.” Only he knows what went through his mind that moment. A flashback perhaps? No one but he knows. 1.409 games in charge of Manchester United so far, a feat no one will come close to matching. Even Arsenal’s great manager Arsene Wenger (who is the second longest serving manager in England with fifteen years at Arsenal) doesn’t feel he will come close to Ferguson’s feat. Only time will tell. “He talks of the drive that enables him, not far off turning 70, to get by with such an unfeasible lack of sleep: in bed by midnight, into Carrington before sunrise. Then he breaks off from the questions and directs his audience to the photographs on the walls before offering the most illuminating insight into why he does not want to let go so easily.”

Phillip Jackson will erect a statue for Sir Alex: it’s a fitting tribute for a man who says he has five years left in him. Such dedication in the modern game is rare. It’ll be quite something to enter Old Trafford and see statues of two true great managers: Ferguson and the late Sir Matt Busby. I end with nothing but praise for Sir Alex. Greatness is something he achieved and will continue to achieve. It’ll be a sad day when he finally calls it a day. I wouldn’t want to be the manager to replace Ferguson: the pressure would be immense. There is just one way I can think of summarizing the Ferguson dynasty at Old Trafford:

“Football, Bloody Hell!”

Remembered Forever! The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand at Old Trafford.

Image Credit: https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/373942_303276363017728_100000060998228_1324397_1781472427_n.jpg (Ferguson Stand)
http://s1-02.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/415961881.jpg (Mosaic)
Ferguson Quote: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/04/manchester-united-sir-alex-ferguson?newsfeed=true
Video Credit: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150388443388485

From The Heart Of A United Fan...

Sir Alex Ferguson with the great Sir Matt Busby

I've been a Manchester United fan all my life and believe me when I say it; no feeling comes close to matching the United way of life. A club seen by rival fans (and even some so-called 'fans') as a bully, I've seen more fake United fans, who support the club only because they're successful, than true ones. Jealously, that's all I can say. Manchester United are a club with as humble a background as any (not one with dogs biting people in a pub). In the early and middle 19th century, North Road in Manchester was off everybody's compasses, but in 1878 it was at the very epicenter of change. A mere thirty years previously this part of Manchester was nothing but open heathlands stretching to the Pennines. It was in these grim surroundings that Newton Heath LYR FC (renamed Manchester United in 1902) was born - The club of Taylor, Edwards and Colman, of Best, Law and Charlton, of Cantona, Beckham and Giggs. Newton Heath initially comprised of railway men from all over Britain and was soon Manchester's most successful club. All ties with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway officials, who refused to fund the clubs developmental projects, were soon severed. What's more when the Football League decided to split into two divisions, Newton Heath were placed in the first division with Ardwick Association FC (later renamed Manchester City, who last won a trophy in 1976) placed in Division Two. Today even though North Road in Manchester is a bustling district, there is not a sign anywhere which indicates that the world's greatest sporting franchise had its roots there.

From the humble beginnings in 1878 to the Munich Air Disaster in 1958, From financial trouble in the early 1900's to European Glory in 1968. From relegation to Division Two in 1974, to becoming World Champions in 2008, we've witnessed both sweet and bittersweet memories. We've seen both glory and relegation albeit the former was more abundant.

The story of Manchester United is largely the story of three men and their title winning teams - the late Ernest Magnall, the late, great Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, United manager since November 1986. These three men led United to their Eighteen (now Nineteen) League Titles and eight of their eleven FA Cups. (Both of which are records; United used to share the League record with Liverpool, but have now surpassed them)

Manchester United was right up there with the best in the world the most famous team being the title winning side of 1955/56 and 1956/57. The Busby Babes as they were called were like the Arsenal of today only much better. Fortune seemed to favour the youthful side until that ill-fated day, the 6th of February 1958, when eight players were killed after the team aeroplane failed to take off and crashed at Munich Airport. "Manchester United had become more than just a football team." so said the Manchester News Chronicle. For the players who died, their reputation was forever secured. They died young and carefree, about to conquer the world. The tragedy at Munich was the reason why several people began to follow the club out of sympathy. What added to the poignancy of the loss was the comeback. Manchester United didn't die in the slush of Munich. They were resurrected like a phoenix. With upper lips stiffened, chins raised and backs braced they rebuilt and recovered. Manchester United did not concede defeat. A heavily patched up team made it to the FA Cup final that year only to lose to a Nat Lofthouse inspired Bolton.

A decade after Munich, having reassembled the team, Sir Matt Busby won the Holy Grail - the European Cup. Sir Matt, together with Munich survivors Bill Foulkes and one (Sir) Bobby Charlton, united in bittersweet triumph in memory of fallen friends and colleagues. United were kings of Europe at last, the first team from England and the second from Britain. It was during this renaissance that the world was introduced to the King Of Old Trafford, Denis Law who racked up 237 goals in 404 games. Charlton, Law and Belfast boy wonder, George Best formed the famous United Trinity that entertained fans for years.

Manchester United are the Premier League era's most successful team and are amongst the seven teams that have never been relegated during the same period. Twelve Premier Leagues, Four FA Cups, Three League Cups, Two European Cups, A Club World Cup, An Intercontinental Cup and Eight Community Shields all made their way to Old Trafford during this short time.

The dawn of the Premier League saw the arrival of Eric Cantona for a princely sum of £1.2million. The second King of the Old Trafford led his army of youngsters amongst them David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, the 'Ginger Prince' Paul Scholes and brothers Gary and Phil Neville. Quoth Liverpool legend Alan Hansen, "You'll never win anything with kids." I bet he  eats his own words year after year.

Nothing can or will ever come close to 1998/99 season, the treble year. United were champions of England and Europe as well as winners of the FA Cup and no one will ever win the European Cup in such dramatic fashion again! United had ended the millennium as World Champions after lifting the Intercontinental Cup, truly those were happy times.

The last couple of years have been fabulous. From recapturing the Premier League in 2006/07 after three years of near misses to John Terry's famous slip in Moscow in 2008 which handed us our third European Cup, from the departure of Ronaldo to the arrival of Chicharito, who at the time of writing had scored sixteen in his debut season.

There is a buzz in the hearts of United fans like me. The feeling that something big is on the cards, something quite similar to 1998/99. Needless to say the Glazers must go and take all their debts with them. There is no room in United's heritage for people like them. Instead of helping the club, the Glazer family is slowly ruining the club, propelling us to a debt close to £1billion; something that has to be done away with. Change is required; it's high time we fans protest. With a talented crop of youngsters coming through the ranks along with the charisma and presence of players: Rooney, Nani, Valencia, Vidic to name a few, the future of the club looks bright as ever. It's an exciting time to be a United Fan and I for one can't wait to see what the future has in store.

All together now: "Glory Glory Man United

                                  And the Reds go marching on and on....."

Photo Credits: http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__10/ept_sports_sow_experts-847369891-1279229903.jpg?ymPPRdDDj4l_PeSQ