Simply the maddest day of football regarding the media, it has been crazy. Manchester United fans have been in total meltdown and grief in equal measure. The announcement that Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped down as Manchester United manager came as a big shock. Especially with how he had recently been speaking and that he was so excited about this young team and wanted to see them progress. My reaction to hearing the news was nooo! Still can’t believe it. He is just a magnificent manager and has provided so many great memories over the years. There aren’t many teams who’ve done things and won things as excitingly as Manchester United has.
Growing up it was always Manchester United, they were the top dogs and top club- hated oh yes but they had a lasting success and identity made possible by Ferguson. Traditions central to the club which were first started by the pioneering Sir Matt Busby were brought to life again. The lists of honours Sir Alex and his teams have won are well known. However, it is the belief in youth, particularly that special 92 group who have been so central to the success of United. Special players that were as much the club as you could ever hope. A dream scenario. It is that, which I will remember and cherish most as part of his legacy and is a big reason why I have so much love for that team down south that is Manchester United. It is Sir Alex himself (Scottish connection influential also) that got me into Manchester United. Have always watched and enjoyed football, seeing a-lot of United at a young age. It just clicked and though not a true fan/one in the traditional sense- have not been able to not to follow them closely. Their football drew me in too, playing with flair, panache, width and that famous never say die attitude stemming from the great man himself. The club is all encompassing and is certainly true that there is not a more romantic club in world football than them.
Taking up a directors role, hopefully the great man can enjoy some of the lighter sides of life away from the stresses and pressures of football management. What a man and what a career. It is going to be some job for David Moyes, who on the same day has been named the new manager. It is a little surprising that it was announced so soon. I really like him as a manager, though it is not the most ambitious of appointments it is one that guarantees security. The reaction of a-lot of fans has been pretty negative and can understand it. My concern, is his lack of experience in competing in Europe and managing a team that competes on four fronts. Unquestionably, Manchester United have nothing to prove domestically. Their record breaking 20th title won this season is incredible. It is to Europe you need to look and is where even Ferguson admits himself, that things should be better for a club the size of Manchester United. Of course domestically it is not to be overlooked, league is so important (why god damn is the FA Cup so elusive!). It is also true with regards to the Champions League being a knock-out competition, anything can happen in cup football. Over the years seen United have their own share of bad luck. That Turkish refs decision this season was a shocker. You can’t control or plan too much with regards to Europe but would like it to be focused upon. For the group of players the club has at present, particularly the young it is the next step. It is also the best measure that they will truly prove themselves and make their mark. Competition from other sides in Spain and Germany is very strong, other clubs too are improving. It is the German side of Bayern Munich that look ridiculously strong, formidable and quite capable of being the new dominant force. Present quality, how they are ran, financial power and appointment of a certain Guardiola make for a heady mix.
Back to Moyes, reassured that Ferguson had a hand in the decision and also that he will be available to advice. Stability is important for Manchester United with Ferguson leaving after such a long, long time at the club- longer than I have been alive. Quite nervous of the future of course, the unknown. Fergie is Mr Manchester United and it will be odd to see someone else in the dugout and prowling the touch-line. However I do see that there are positives. Respectable, knows the league, works well on a budget, excellent man manager and motivator, great eye for talent, believes in youth, will likely keep at least some of the existing coaches, his teams work hard, are fair and do well in the big games. I am in quite a minority, but I would rather have Moyes manager than Jose Mourinho. Mourinho is incredible, brilliant manager for all that he is achieved but for me he is just trouble and is not a good match for Manchester United. Main concern with Mourinho is that he is so self driven, it seems his main care is his own CV and career. He comes into clubs, does what needs to be done and more often than not leaves them in a complete mess. Does enough to ensure the clubs have what he needs for his tenure but has not thought for the clubs future. I also don’t like the circus that comes with him and his lack of class. First to admit that Sir Alex whom I hero worship is no angel but Mourinho is just so ego driven. Even for him, some of his carries on at Real have been ridiculous. Hopefully Moyes gets the support from the fans and that there is patience exercised. Have a-lot of time for Everton, enjoy watching them. From what I have read the club sounds very much a family one with acquisitions from within and past players having roles within the club itself. Hopefully Moyes can bring that to United also. That unity, trust and family aspect has been a huge part of Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Many of the coaches and staff members have been there a great deal of time, many have played for the club and United does a great job of keeping connected with ex-players. So important that United keeps its soul. The bare bones are there, no major changes needed. Of course Moyes will want to change things, do things his way and bring his own staff in but do think he'll be more likely to honour traditions and practises than another manager would. Similarities between he and Ferguson, some obvious ones and listening to Phil Neville in the way they both work too. Always impressed with the fitness side of the Everton team and their work-rate, would be great to see if this can be implemented at United. The players do work hard at United but have recently suffered and crumbled when teams press them.
The news of the day didn’t end there. Late on, it emerged that Wayne Rooney had once again handed in a transfer request. It remains to be seen what will happen there. It has been confirmed by Manchester United as true. The club apparently has said no to his request. It doesn’t mean he’ll stay though. It hasn’t been quite the same since 2010 and his stunt in the media. Not seen him the same way and been ambivalent towards him since. Such a talented player, so central and had so much of what I admired in a player. However, it was not forgotten and reading around not the only one who thinks that way. This season, been a bit disappointed with him- he hasn’t played all that well and has looked really disinterested in a-lot of the matches. Also like he was not trying and has looked in poor fitness. His unhappiness at having to play in central midfield this season could be justified and thought that a bit unfair on him. Not the first season he’s been moved around to accommodate others. His attitude hasn’t seemed right to me though at all. With this latest news, I would rather see him sold to the highest bidder. What is the point in keeping a player who clearly doesn’t want to be at the club. Nothing can be gained and the fans now knowing, how can things go on. From Rooney’s perspective a change could just be what he needs. He is on high wages and the clearance of that will allow United to bring in players that actually want to play for the club. Not blind to his quality. He is an excellent player, some say his best years are behind him. Could be true, he’s played a-lot of football and is not the most natural athlete. Don’t think he’s burnt out yet and that if he does go, football may see him back to his best- a move could rejuvenate him. I can't see why any player would want to leave United but that is a naive way of thinking. He has won everything he can bar the FA Cup at United and players don't have that love fans do, they are workers it is their job plain and simple. Are exceptions of course, some rare gems but those types are getting fewer and fewer with the money driven and changed nature of modern football. The muppet in me says that I just don’t want to see him in a United shirt again.
Don’t want to end it on Rooney. It is a mere detail in the grand scheme and it is the Ferguson news that takes precedence. Element of sadness he has gone, great what he has given. He has done so much for football, not just Manchester United. Hopefully the fans give him a marvellous send off and sure they will, the clubs and support really excel when it comes to occasions. It is not the only change due to occur, Chief Executive David Gill is stepping down and other staff are set to follow, especially when you consider Moyes will want to bring his own men in. Another notable retiral, not so unexpected is that of Paul Scholes. Retiring for the second time, the majestic Scholes is one of my favourite ever players. So intelligent, so gifted, never tire of watching him and have never seen a player with the range of passing he has. A true one off. Old school in his character too, couldn't be further away from the modern player- quiet family man and am sure that he will be happy that he can sneak away under the radar. With all of these changes and perspective ones it really does feel like the end of an era at Manchester United. There is a real sense of the unknown which is certainly exciting and will be more so I am sure when this news is less fresh! For me anyway, football just won’t be quite the same anymore without Sir Alex. To be fair it has never existed without him, he's been at United alone longer than I've been alive- which is remarkable in itself. Just been so blessed to have seen so much of him and his teams over the years.
With no one to talk to this is perhaps a rather garbled mess of a post but I just had to get some of my thoughts down!
No comments:
Post a Comment