Sir Alex Ferguson has today claimed in an interview with Radio 5 Live that he has never discussed which manager will replace him when he’s ready to retire.
There have been several managers who have been linked to the job over the years although unlike Ferguson, haven’t managed to maintain success. From Roy Keane to Mark Hughes, Sven-Göran Eriksson to Steve Bruce, United have been linked to them all, but Sir Alex reckons the decision needs to be made in a few years time when he’s ready to pack it in.
“Never discussed it – it is a dangerous game,” said Ferguson. “At this moment in time there are about half-a-dozen managers doing very well in the Premier League, all the others are fighting for their lives. Is that going to be the same in two or three years’ time when I’m ready to quit? Some may have lost their job. I think United need to have someone experienced. If I was coming into United today I would struggle because of the beast it is. When I came in we were in a valley because Liverpool were the dominant team and United were well adrift from that so we had to rebuild the club and it wasn’t easy, it took time. But the experience I had was the success from Aberdeen and that gave me a chance in terms of respect from the dressing room and gave me self-confidence I could do the job. If I was taken from the job in Aberdeen today it would be a much more difficult task even though I was successful.”
Man Utd News 24/7
Solskjaer
Interesting and very nuanced statement from the manager.
Basically,
– there is no list and the decision will be made at the time.
– an experience manager (but under that alot of description)
has to be a manager who will have the respect of the dressing room for what they have achieved.
it seams to me, that leaves out good man managers who havn’t won anything.
Also leaves out people who haven’t managed a very very big club.
So in fergies view, this will not be someone even that looked like he did 25 years ago. He didn’t have experience with such a massive club.
SAF has already been replaced
James has United in FIFA 12 and I have United in FM12
Like it or not, i think it’ll be Mourinho
Here is a link to the full interview on line
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01c6kk8/5_live_Sport_Spoony_meets_Sir_Alex_Ferguson/
I dont think it will be anyone under the age of 50.
I think we have to prepare for the club going downhill.
It’s almost impossible to replace a man like Sir Alex, just look at the decline following the Busby years.
But if that does happen we’ll never die, and we will be back one day.
I’d rather have Solsjkaer’s United who finish 5th doing things properly, than Mourinho’s United who win the league by playing negative football.
@Johnny
Surely can’t be that negative though being 10 points clear of Barca?
Maybe we can coax Ernest Mangnall out of retirement?
@gret77
Well no. He is an excellent football manager, second best in the world.
What I am saying is that I would rather lose doing things the United way, than win doing things the Mourinho way, poking people in the eye etc
SAF is just playing tricks with the enemy,i think he knows what he’s doing.Long lives sir Alex,Long lives man-united,Long lives the Red Army.
It is a very nuanced sets of comments by SAF. He is right to say that whole thing is a moving target with the fortunes and public reputations of managers go up and down like a yo-yo from season to season.
It’s a fool’s game to say X is a shoe-in.
The only thing one can be sure of is that SAF and the board will choose very carefully indeed if they want to someone to have the chops to build on the legendary legacy of SAF and not do a Wilf McGuiness.
My own favourite would be someone who is in-house like Daglish at Liverpool or Guardiola at Barcelona. In that respect I think it’s hard to choose between Ryan Giggs or Ole Solskjaer.
Either one would be a top pick.
@jonny
Get ya. Thats what makes this transition hard for us. Needs to know an play the Utd way but also needs great managerial experience. Like you say we have to be prepared to suffer for a while when it does inevitably happen. Just need the right man whoever that is.
I don’t see why it has to be just one man. How about Giggs AND Solskjaer?
In all seriousness though, SAF has talked about taking on a role behind the scenes when he steps down as manager. There’s no reason why he can’t provide guidance to whoever takes over whenever it’s needed.
Quite a daunting prospect to see SAF but very exciting too especially if it is Solskjaer n Giggs
I think that much will depend on the ownership structure at the time the decision is made. As it stands now, I think the Glazers would leave the decision to those who understand the football side, primarily Sir Bobby and Sir Alex. I could well be wrong about that, but based on their behavior so far, I think that’s what would happen. Whatever their other faults, they have shown enough sense not to interfere directly with the football side.
But if the ownership changes, then who knows? If United becomes a public company, but the Glaziers retain the controlling interest, not much may change in this regard. But if the board is independent, it may try to exert significant pressure and influence. Or, if the ownership is dominated by another individual (as either a private or public company) that person may try to impose his will.
Not forgetting too that neither Sir Bobby nor Sir Alex is a spring chicken. 2e shouldn’t assume either or both will be able to put up a fight.
Also, it’s not just about the initial selection. It’s also about having the fortitude and patiience to stick with it for 3 or 5 years, even if things don’t initially go well. God forbid that we should ever be at the mercy of an investment banker, mutual fund, a rising/falling share price, or a billionaire playboy who thinks he knows the game and wants to “play the game”.
Whats wrong with Steve Bruce?
Or Walter Smith?
I joke ( They would have my backing, no question, 100% )
Personally I back this guy:
“Martin O’Neill (Leicester, Celtic, Aston Villa)
Mercurial, maverick, obstinate and a huge grudge-bearer. But a manager most players would run through a brick wall for – and that shows what he is all about. O’Neill has tried to take the best of Brian Clough without any of the worst, darker excesses, and while he is a nightmare to fall out with – as I know from personal experience – he only holds a beef about things for five or six years. Like Clough, who used Peter Taylor as the link-man, O’Neill is more of a motivator than a coach, leaving much of the technical side to Steve Walford and John Robertson. But he retains a terrific eye for a player, holds his own and fights his corner at every opportunity, with a hinterland outside the game dating from his days as a student lawyer. Mesmeric and intelligent although, despite the trophies at Leicester and Celtic, needs more silverware. ”
Either Him or David Moyes, Mourinho as a last resort if we fail somehow.
Maybe SAFs been holding on as the right man just isn’t out there?
There’s no value in the market BUT “in two or three years” there will be – “and Solskjaer wins it !”
Red Nation…
think your spot on with o’neil.. he prob achieved as much as he could with villa
Ryan giggs will be given the job. I would prefer someone from within to carry on the philosphy already laid down by Fergie.
We need AVB.
Another Vibrant Brit.
Jonny @ 21:54 … I think Sir Alex would be vary of providing “guidance” to the new manager. He has always made it abundantly clear that a manager, whoever he is, must be left alone to do whatever he sees fit. He must, in essence, be a dictator. Now, someone could argue that “guidance” is not the same as “interference”. But I would say that’s a fine line, and the difference is very much in the eye (or ego) of the beholder. A person may offer guidance to another person, who resents it as interference. We know this from our personal lives: a parent offers some well-intentioned advice to his teenage son, who considers it interference.
How that plays out would depend on the new manager. At this level, egos are immense. An experience manager might well treat “guidance” as “interference” and resent it. If the new man was inexperienced, he might accept and even value “guidance”. Especially if it is someone who knows Sir Alex and the club, like Giggs or OGS. But eventually, he will want to do his own thing too. It’s a tricky situation for the person providing the advice, too. A person who offers advice that is ignored, may well stop offering any advice at all, and may become resentful himself. Especially if he feels strongly that his advice is correct. Friction can easily build on both sides.
I believe Sir Alex understands all this from his own experiences, and that’s why he’s always been so insistent that it can’t work that way.
If the decision is to appoint someone inexperienced, like Giggs or OGS, I think it would make more sense to initially appoint that person as Sir Alex’s deputy for a year or two. That way, the relationship and the responsbilities are absolutely clear. Then, when Sir Alex decides the new guy can run the show by himself, he would step away and make a clean break of it.
What a good interview. Knew it was on but missed it. Thanks for the link Fletch.
I don’t think Sir Alex is going anywhere yet but I have to agree that I think it will be Mourhino eventually. Then again this great club of ours is full of surprises so who knows who’ll take over. Interesting SA said he’d struggle these days if he was coming in as manager because of the size of the club.
oops, “wary” not “vary”
Samuel … I’d like to see Giggs or OGS in the job, but I think there would have to be a transition period, as I outlined in my earlier post: whoever gets the nod would work with Sir Alex, probably as his deputy, for a season or two (or three), before Sir Alex steps away. But in that case, the decision should be made sooner rather than later, to allow time for it. Even though both Giggs and OGS know and understand the club, stepping up to the manager’s chair at United is a huge ask, for someone who
hasn’t done it (OGS does have some experience, of course). I think it would be folly to do that, and unfair to the person involved.
SirAlex Paul Gascoigne was the only world class player england has produced since ’66
Giggs Is Welsh
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/02/20/2918493/paul-gascoigne-is-the-only-world-star-england-have-produced
Barca manager is head and shoulders above the pretenders and would command plenty respect.He oozes success.
Good job he will still be managing at 100 eh?! Solskjaer for next manager?
@FletchTHEMAN…….. until a certain Wayne Rooney came along. Now there are TWO world class players who are English.
I tink it might be pep….mourinho will go in the summer which is too early for him to come to united….pep would bring great football to utd
Dannysoya, yes Wayne is up there. But it is a bit odd that part of the interview. He is clearly talking about players you would expect to find on a world cup winning side. But that list should defo have a few more englishmen if you consider FIFA POTY candidates. Even Paul never made it to the Ballon d Ore level awards. Sir Bobby/George Best type players. Funny/surprising that he leaves out our own Michael Owen(1) and ofcourse Keven Keegan who won it twice. Becks as well, was runner up in 1999.
Guardiola is good, but I hv my doubts, as he inherited a team that was work-in-progress already. All he had to do was “let it be.” 95% of his team is homegrown quality, so I think credit must go to the guys tinkering behind the scenes at La Masia coz you can’t buy that sorta chemistry. Any manager in the world would win with a duo like “that” in midfield. Xavi and Andreas are the best combo we’ve EVA seen (Spain just proves it), in fact throw them in Blackburn ryt now and see what happens.(Not to mention “you know who” and Cesc inevitably returning home)
SAF has shown over the years the ability to not only promote the “right” players but also buy correctly and effectively blend the 2. Guardiola has made dubious decisions with transfers>>> Yaya for Busquets? Zlatan for Eto’o + 40mil?? Chygrinski for 25mil??? Hleb????
If our academy fails to churn up something good, I’d be really worried having Pep in charge of the buying #i’m just saying
no one can replace him, 1st human to be cloned?
Its better we dont discuss the life after Sir Alex.. too premature and we have no clue what so ever..
#####
Ball possession leaders:
La liga:
1 Barcelona-69.17 %
2 Real Madrid- 62.91%
3 Athletic Club-55.96%
4 Valencia-54.48%
5 Espanyol-53.13%
6 Atlético Madrid-52.61%
EPL:
1 Arsenal-58.00%
2 Swansea City-56.04%
3 Manchester United-55.48%
4 Manchester City-55.24%
5 Chelsea-54.76%
6 Liverpool-54.44%
7 Tottenham Hotspur-53.80%
Serie A:
1 Juventus-60.35%
2 Milan-60.21%
3 Roma-60.17%
4 Napoli-54.58%
5 Internazionale-52.96%
Bundes liga:
1 Bayern München-61.64%
2 Borussia Dortmund-53.09%
3 Bayer Leverkusen-53.09%
4 Borussia M’gladbach-52.36%
5 Hamburger SV-51.27%
TOP OF EUROPE:
1. Barcelona-69.17%
2. Real madrid-62.91%
3. Bayern München-61.64%
4. Juventus-60.35%
5. Milan-60.21%
@Diablored:
well said, i thinking the same about guardiola’s transfer judgement.
Make that 3 against Guardiola getting the job. I’m also against The likes of giggs and Ole being given the job simply because they where great servants for the club. To many people thinking with there hearts and not with there heads which is why I don’t like the idea of fans running the club. You don’t need to be a ex utd player to understand how the clubs likes to play football.
As for people who say they would rather play the right way and win nothing than have the likes of Jose in charge you are idiots. The simple fact is when SAF does retire we will be entering into one of the most important times in club history and a experianced leader is needed, who that is nobody knows but for me it’s certainly not someone who’s only just beginning a managerial career.
Mourinho is not really playing a negative football @ Real Madrid, except when they want to play Barcelona. I think I would like him to succeed Sir Alex more than having Gaurdiola cos I think Mourinho unlike many other managers; but like SAF, has more than Plan A & Plan B for each games and he knows how to read the game quite well. The only side of him in doubt is his temperament, but I think with SAF still around he can help him mellow down. MOU is like a young SAF, and I think that’s why SAF likes him.
But I really don’t want to think about the day SAF will call it quit with UTD, it always send a bitter taste to my mouth. GGMU
Happy Birthday Phil Jonesy
Whether pottential replacements have been discussed or not I guess we will never knoiw. I think it was very wise of the boss to say that they haven’t otherwise the media would have had a field day with speculations.
For me the heart says Ole, the head says I hope the heart is right!
Am United manager in PES 12
To be honest, still have not found anyone who can motivate and lead a team like him, yes there is mourinho being discussed about in many newspapers and sites, even guardiola being brought about at times if he leaves barcelona, but i think the best candidate would be between these men Giggs/Scholes/Solskjaer
For me the heart says Ole, the head says I hope the heart is right!
lordrt
Thing is NO one can really replace the great man. All we can hope for is when that dreaded day comes along who ever steps in has at least half the passion, dedication and love for United
In no particular order, my list includes
Moyes, O Neill, Solskjaer & Guardiola
What a long interview, really covered a lot of stuff. Hope Scot is busy working on a thread for the whole interview. It seems at the Fergusons’ house its football everyday on TV, Monday night football (Mon), Champions league (Tue & Wed CL nights), Championship football (two nights), wonder how it would be like to watch football on the couch with the great man (those grand kids dont know how lucky they are!).
As for his replacement everyday I think different, but there is one constant candidate who I believe is gaining ground every time SAF continues another year …. OLE!
Sandeep
Glad you liked that one buddy…. Seriously though I can only imagine seeing Ole in the dug out when the boss calls it quits. Call me a romantic, but I would rather have Ole in charge with a 3 to 4 year transition then some money grabbing whore who might win us something then piss off.
Would be great if Molde won another title!
Like Cedars, I would love to have Ole in the dugout after the Gaffer retires. But since the great man isn’t concerned about his replacement, why should we get concerned? I’m sure SAF won’t retire till he has won a few more CL and PL.
Utd4life
How are you my young friend? You make a good point, however we all know that the dreaded day will come eventually and I can bet you that at some stage both Sir Alex and Sir Bobby have already agreed on a name over a nice hot cup of tea.
agree with u Cedars, the charisma and understanding which SAF has are irreplaceable at any level, we may give our opinions on who will be in charge next, but who knows really who will be the owners of the club when he leaves (will the glazers still be here or not??) , and who will take the final decision to appoint his replacement…
The next manager will be a decision between both Sir Alex & Sir Bobby, regardless of who the owners are at the time. David Gill will have no say in the matter, he will just be told to draw up the paper work.
Cedars.. I’m good mate. How have you been? Like you said, Sir Bobby and Sir Alex would have decided on this clubs successor after a nice long discussion. Irrespective of who is hired, be it Ole or Mourinho, he will have my backing simply because he has been backed by the Boss himself.
Utd4life
I am good thanks my friend….. For the love of God I seriously hope it will not be Mureen, as good as he is with a proven track record I never want him anywhere near OT, just my opinion…
Anyway, time to move on from this discussion I guess, such a pity we are not playing tonight or tomorrow night for that matter.
Mind you, if we do go on and win the Europa that we will create history.
Cedars. Your opinion regarding Mourinho has been well documented mate. Like you, I can’t wait for Thursday. Looking forward to beating Ajax and going through to the next stage. Europa league might not be as prestigious as CL but a trophy is a trophy and I want Utd to win it.
Happy birthday Jonesy lad..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5AO9QnySJE
I’m listening to the interview as I type and I gotta say, it’s been an absolute treat listening to SAF talk about the club, life, players, etc. Oh, we are absolutely lucky and privileged to have a manager like Sir Alex.
Utd4life
I am actually looking forward to our Europa campaign to be honest. As I said if we win it we will make history as the only English team to have won every European trophy on offer….
Cedars,
Indeed i liked it my friend and i m sure Ole will learn the trade before the great one steps down..
Speaking of history, we’re not bad at creating it are we?
First English team to play in the European Cup
First English team to win the European Cup
First English team to win a European trophy after the 5 year ban
First and only English team to win an out right treble
First English team to get to 19 titles
Not bad eh?
Cedars. Exactly mate. We will back in the CL next year but right now, let’s win the EL and add another trophy to our cabinet. Also, this is the perfect opportunity for the likes of Cleverley, Jones, Young and Welbeck to get some European experience without the pressure of being in a CL.
Speaking of out right trebles, the dippers were one step away from getting it way before we did in 1977, they just needed to win the FA Cup and guess who beat them in tne final?
6 minute video of united players training and some fun..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwH-VVsONp0&feature=related
Steele says to David – this is Man united, not Athletico
Cedars,
Who else can haunt the Dippers?
Been on YouTube a whole lot today, and here’s what I’ve realised:
I hate Liverpool and City.
Paul Scholes is awesome. ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDI7KxMpbGw&feature=related )
Nani’s goal in the Community Shield was fucking brilliant.
Sir Alex is a god.
ON THIS DAY: In 1958, former ManUtd player and legend, Duncan Edwards, died in a hospital in Munich.(RIP Big Dunc)
ON THIS DAY: In 1992 Phil Jones was born!
Coincidence???
Jose, Pep and Ole are the 3 main contenders
Giggs, Blanc, Moyes on the B-list
Would prefer Jose/Pep to take charge for 4 years to manage the transition and pressure to be compared to SAF then Ole to take over long term if he continues to be a successful manager. Ole needs to leave Molde next season and manage a bigger club
The Boogeyman
I love that analysis mate
I reckon the manager is leaving this summer. I remember the last time he was meant to leave and he decided to stay he said that he wouldnt make the same mistake of announcing when he would retire and instead just leave. Now that he has come out and said he’ll be here for 3 more years i reckon that the same mistakes as early 2000′s is being made but i know he’s learned from his past mistakes which makes me wonder is this a curve ball to reporters??
I reckon he’ll move upstairs in the summer and Mourinho will come in…
So fergie was massive success with Aberdeen but says even he would struggle if he came to the club now because of it’s sheer size yet people want to throw OGS around as his replacement, like I said way to many people thinking with there heart and not their brain. Nobody should be given the biggest job in football based on his playing career and a couple years managerial experiance at some third rate league.
United till i die
Completely agree mate, i cant see past O’Neil, Moyes, and Mourinhio when the day does come. Giggs and OGS will be in the future when they have 10 years of managemnet under their belt
What do you guys think of someone like Ancelotti or Van Gaal? Personally I think Ancelotti’s class.
Some financial results were released today. The debt is down to 439 mil and we have 50 mil in the bank.
Jeet
I still cant believe Ancelotti was sacked from Chelsea it was a ridiculous decision
Kuszczak on loan to Watford until the end of the season.
Good for Tomasz, much needed gametime he has been whinning about. Hope he flourishes and gets more suitors.
Kace Kun
Shivers doiwn the spine stuff…..RIP Duncan
Someone says Mourinho’s team is playing negative football? They are out scoring in their league Barca for goodness sake.
1) The logical choice is Mourinho
2) The sentimental choice is Solskjear
3) The one that popped out of no where just because someone made a remark is Giggs
4) Barca have struggled without Xavi & Inesta. And when was the last time Pep made a game changing substitute? It has always been dependent on Messi and co to come up with some magic to save the day
5) Bruce was out done by O’Neill
6) Hughes decent, but hasn’t been linked to any top clubs, which suggests…..
7) Moyes seems to have problem having his team ready to start playing before March
9) Blanc seems to have problem dealing with all the egos in his team
Conclusion, lets not talk about it until the time comes…
*They are out scoring Barca in their league for goodness sake.*
Jimmy Murphy once said: “When I used to hear Muhammed Ali proclaim to the world he was the greatest I used to smile. You see, the greatest of them all was an English footballer named Duncan Edwards.”
In between the crash and his eventual passing away, Jimmy Murphy had went to see Duncan and as ever, beautifully poised and eager to play for United he had said to him “What time is the kick off against Wolves, Jimmy? I mustn’t miss that match”.
Duncan Edwards died 15 days later from Munich. He was read his rights twice but he never gave up his will to live until death was finally too much for him.
I have been supporting Manchester United since I was 7 in a family of Liverpool supporters. I never knew the extent of Munich but do remember my head teacher Mr. Oliver saying to me that Duncan Edwards had passed away when I wanted to go see him close by to where he was born in Dudley from Wolverhampton.
I never understood the legacy or the impact of The Busby Babes as I do now, but even then like I do at present and with greater understanding I know that I was born to support Manchester United for a reason.
This is my family, it’s here that I have a greater understanding of who and what I am.
Because of one man.
Wherever you are Duncan Edwards, I hope that you are in peace and that the time that was not given to you here, you spent it better with your sister.
But for everything that you gave to us, to this shirt, to this world, we thank you for being a part of Manchester United.
One day maybe I’ll finally get my chance to tell your story…
Until then I cannot say no more to you than I say to everyone else.
For Duncan Edwards. For The Busby Babes.
19
MG
You have just brought this old fool to tears my friend, I kid you not. I mentioned before that my late father actually met Duncan, almost twice his age at the time yet my dad felt like a child talking to the great man….
MG
With all my heart I salute you, probably one of the best ever posts on RoM….. I keep reading it over and over and the tears keep flowing!
Cedars
You and me both – I kid you not my friend…
I still remember My head teacher telling me – I had no idea what I was to learn – I wish he had died in comfort but that was never to be…
But then maybe he did Cedars – who are we to know?
Keep the light shining Cedars – we have stories to tell for those ahead of us.
As sad and as heartbreaking it is, it’s here where we learn about what makes this club so unique.
I bet Duncan Edwards and your dad have met more times since – what we do know is that we hope that they are all in a better place looking down on us all.
We are who we are.
United
19
Cedars
You’re welcome my friend – but it has been the same every time and it will never change much.
Every one that is touched by United has a story to tell
Mine simply was a young kid out to get Duncan Edwards signature – from that moment on I’ve never looked back.
We find ourselves here for a reason – such a journey has been worth it to find those that understand what the true nature of this beast is.
So many connections, so many hands on each others shoulders, so much laughter and the tears.
We all got here because of the thing we love most
It’s more than a football club, it’s one big family, only have to see how the gaffer runs the club to understand that emotion…
19
@ giggs 12 gerrard 0
I’m not against OGS or Giggs becoming g manager someday but they have to learn the trade first. For years I thought it would be o’neil taking over from Fergie but to be honest I can’t see past Mourinhio. other than SAF Mourinhio’s record at the top is second to none which is why players want to play for him and like Fergie he seems to get the best out those average players every squad has. Sure he comes
with some baggage with his antics but that’s something that Sir Bobby and Sir Alex can turn around.
Moyes could be a good choice and if he gets the spurs
job and does well. I think he needs to have some success with someone other than everton to really have a good chance of replacing the boss.
MG
I cannot put my emotions into words like you can, I do not have that talent…. Currently I have a lump in my throat…… I simply Love Manchester United and everything that goes with it
Going out in a bit with some friends for wings and beer and I will raise my glass multiple times to Mr Duncan Edwards
I seriously think Paul Lambert can be the right answer in a few years time.He has already done miracles in Norwich and may do some more-he’s learning his trade but the sings are all there-I’d like to think.
He’s attitude is very similar to Fergie’s:never satisfied,always wants to do better-and he sure can build a team of commited players with a never-say-die attitude.
He’s got a little bit Clough in him,how he managed his team to the Premier League with championship/league players and with a few more years of experience in the PL-hopefully a decent run in the EL(but this is sci-fi territory now) he’ll be suited for one of the top teams menagerial position
I’m sure Ferguson keeps an eye on him
Cedars
Have one more of everything on me you Devil
19
David Moyes?
And Cedars
I can only put things together because of friends like you
As a certain tale once sentenced:
One for all and all for one
Cedars,
The chavs have nothing, nothing to complain about. They lost in an FACup match, so be it, no conspiracy, they had it in front of them and didn’t do it. All teams have that in their history and we have it spades. But the little thing that sets our missed trophies appart is a little thing called the Munich run way. On that stretch of tarmack, we lost a generation of titles and posibly at least one european cup if not a decade of watching madrid take them for free. Chavs lost it on the pitch, that is fair enough in my view.