Ferguson Replacement Thread

[Drew9]

ALEX FERGUSON will quit Manchester United within three years.


On Wednesday, Fergie added another Champions League title to his incredible haul of trophies during his 22-year Old Trafford reign.




But he revealed: "I won't be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most.


"Without question. I can assure you of that."


Ferguson turned back on his decision to retire in 2002 but now wants to spend more time with his family.


He added: "I think my wife deserves a bit of my time, too.


"The older you get, the more you feel guilty about it.


"My wife, Cathy, was the one who talked me out of retiring last time but she wouldn't do that now.


"I know I would find it hard to give up managing United.


"I can't do it, not at the moment anyway."

you have got to wonder now with grant being sacked, will it be keano and sparky locking horns at the top of the league in the next decade ? with fergie saying this it's understandable i suppose and you cannot fault the man, lets hope he does stay for these next three years though, goodness knows what we will do without him ! :eek:

[Dynamite]

Hope fergie does the same as he did in 2002 & turns his back on his decision to retire :rolleyes:

[Ando2008]

We can't realistically expect him to stay forever however tempting it may sound, but I think he will want to beat Loserpool's League record and possibly another CL before he leaves so that would be in 2 seasons then lol

[Dynamite]

We can't realistically expect him to stay forever however tempting it may sound, but I think he will want to beat Loserpool's League record and possibly another CL before he leaves so that would be in 2 seasons then lol

Just dreaming my friend, That's what the roll eyes are for

[yangch0000]

3 more seasons.
i feel sad thinking of not seeing him at the touchline anymore. but something got to end, and fergie has given us so much, and will probably give us more in the next 3 years.

[RedForceRising]

By Patrick Barclay
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/05/25/sfnpb125.xml&page=1

This time there would be no going back, no quips about how his wife, Cathy, could not stand the thought of him at a loose end and constantly under her feet; Sir Alex Ferguson was quitting. Truly.

He chose the last and cosiest of his briefings with journalists after the Champions League triumph to savour the Champagne and declare that Manchester United would have a new manager in maybe two years - three at the ''very, very, very, very most".

By the spring - or trophy distribution time, as this inveterate football man would view it - of 2011 he would be 69, and enough was enough, for all the enduring drive and enthusiasm that had led him to build yet another great team. ''I won't be managing at 70," he said.

''Definitely not. You have to think about time for yourself. And my wife's getting older - I have to think about that. She deserves a bit of my time. In fairness, she never brings it up. But I think she'd like it." We had, of course, heard all this before - more than once - as Ferguson readily conceded. ''But the older you get," he explained, ''the more guilty you feel about it."

Working on, he meant. He was caught between this guilt and a fear that retirement, after an extraordinary and increasingly glorious career in football, would seem relatively empty. ''The big fear is what you do with yourself. There are too many examples of people who retire and get buried in a box soon afterwards because they have lost the very thing that keeps them alive."

The story of his own father's retirement lent another side to the argument. ''I remember when my dad had his 65th birthday. The Fairfields shipyard gave him a big dinner in Glasgow. There were three or four hundred of his fellow employees there and the bosses. It was a big night and I came down from Aberdeen for it. The following week my mother phoned and said 'Your dad's going for an X-ray. He's got pains in his chest'. I said 'It'll be the emotion'. It was cancer. One week after his retirement. One week." And the following year Alexander Ferguson died.

So it seems that his son, who despite a fierce commitment to football has always taken a keen interest in life beyond it - yearning, in particular, to reap the benefits of travel which this ravenously consuming business has tended to deny him - is truly delivering to everyone connected with United the message they do not want to hear.

The risk that the players, aware he is a finite resource, will lose a degree of concentration - he said it happened last time - is being taken. We were convinced enough to ask whether he would become involved in choosing his successor. Certainly not, he replied; he had too much respect for the Glazer family, United's owners. Anyway, few who have seen Ferguson work hand-in-glove with Carlos Queiroz over most of the past six years - their partnership has been broken only by a season the Portuguese coach spent as No 1 at Real Madrid - would have any doubt as to his recommendation.

Ferguson will be the hardest of acts to follow. Unsatisfactory though the post-Moscow debate about whether he is the greatest of all British managers may be - how much sense can it make when the other candidates range from the genius Brian Clough to Bob Paisley, who, while very astute, could be regarded as distinguished only by those who crudely count trophies? - no one towers over the Scot, who arrived from Aberdeen in 1986.

It is unlikely that anyone ever will, because he is probably the last of the old-style managers with their proprietorial manner, even if the true key to his longevity at the game's top level is as much an understanding of the necessity to move with the times as an ability to rule like Herbert Chapman. While raging at the games played by agents, for example, he engages in them. And the players themselves: the wider the gap between their ages and his, the more they keep him young.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a case in point. ''Believe me," said Ferguson, ''he will not be leaving in the next two years - at least." Ferguson spat out, once more, the name of Real Madrid, whom he accuses of courting the Premier League's brightest star through the press. We were at United's training ground, which you approach down a narrow lane protected by an electronic gate.

''You journalists call it Colditz. That's for a reason. Nobody gets in. We can relax and enjoy ourselves. The players get entertainment from being themselves. You go to Real Madrid and there are 3,000 bloody supporters watching the training every day. The press are there. The TV stations are there. It's a jungle. Take it from me - Ronaldo knows what's best for him. In a couple of years' time he may feel differently and that's a challenge for our club. We've got to make sure we get bigger and bigger."

Literally, that would be, if Ferguson had his way. Believing United could draw 100,000 spectators if Old Trafford had the room (it holds nearly 77,000 now), he is forever badgering the club's chief executive, David Gill, with plans to increase the capacity. ''I know how it can be done." He uses his arms to show how the main stand could rise to accommodate at least another 6,000. ''At both ends you build a steel structure up, and across, like that. It's easier to build up one corner than the other. But it can be done."

Although he has clearly gone into the technicalities of ground development - managers such as Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are often fascinated by detail - he admitted: ''Money's not my concern. The only thing I can do is produce a winning team. And that's really the only thing that matters to me - the black type." The what? ''It's a phrase used in racing circles. When the racing results are printed, the winners are in black."

United had to keep winning to attract the required quality of player. ''That's why we can't rest on what happened in Moscow." Otherwise the enemy, embodied by Real Madrid, would become more alluring. Ferguson became scornful. ''Yes, they courted Ruud van Nistelrooy and his agent courted Real Madrid - and it was a marriage made in Hell! The minute Van Nistelrooy signed a new contract here, his one intention was to go to Real Madrid. Good! We wanted him to go." As they had David Beckham? ''Yes. We wanted to sell Beckham." There was a pause. ''We don't want to sell Ronaldo."

Nor Wayne Rooney. In this instance, fortunately, there was no pull to Iberia. The problem with Rooney was his own professionalism. Not that it really was a problem, though Ferguson did say: ''We're going to have to work with Wayne in terms of his right position. I'm not sure what it is sometimes. He's fantastic when being aggressive up front, but when he drops in he offers you so many options in terms of his balance and ability to sum up a situation quickly - he's brilliant at that.

"So we've got to try to make up our mind. It would help if we could get another player in." A centre-forward? ''Yes." With a bit of height? ''Possibly." The suspicion that Ferguson would like to pair Rooney with Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov is hard to dispel.

In the meantime England's great hope cheerfully donates his versatility to the team. Ferguson outlined how it helped him to include Owen Hargreaves in the midfield last Wednesday: ''I just felt that, with Chelsea so strong in midfield, I had to give myself the option of Hargreaves [initially on the right side] in case we needed to add him to the central area at some point, which we did because of their dominance in the second half. They created a couple of chances. But bringing Hargreaves in stopped the rot. In order to do that we put Rooney wide right and I know it's not his best position."

Ferguson could understand what people meant when they said Rooney was too adaptable for his own good. ''He's not a selfish player, you see, not a selfish boy. He's a committed winner and this leads him to make sacrifices to the detriment of his individual performance.

"As a team player he's absolutely fantastic. He tells me things like

'I can play centre-half - I played centre-half for my school, you know'. And I say to him 'But we're playing against Drogba today.' The attitude he's got is a terrific asset to the club."

When someone mentioned Rooney's fiancee, Coleen, the response from Ferguson was interesting: ''Clever girl. Down-to-earth. Good." For some reason, an image of Victoria Beckham came to mind.

You sense that Ferguson has seldom been happier in his job than now, as he enters the final phase.

The Rebuild '99-08

1999-00:
Out: June 1999, Peter Schmeichel (Sporting Lisbon, free)
In: Sept Mikael Silvestre (Inter, £4m)

2000-01:
Out: Dec 2000, Henning Berg (Blackburn, £1.75m); May, Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham, free)

2001-02
Out: Nov 2001, Jesper Blomqvist (Everton, free); Dec, Andy Cole (Blackburn, £8m)

2002-03
Out: July 2002, Denis Irwin (Wolves, free); July, Dwight Yorke (Blackburn, £2m); Aug, Ronny Johnsen (Aston Villa, free)
In: July 2002, Rio Ferdinand (Leeds, £30m)

2003-04
Out: July 2003, David Beckham (Real Madrid, £25m); Aug, David May (Burnley, free)
In: Aug, Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon, £12.2m); Jan 2004, Louis Saha (Fulham, £12.8m)

2004/05
Out: July 2004, Nicky Butt (Newcastle, £2.5m)
In: Aug 2004, Wayne Rooney (Everton, £20m); June 2005, Edwin van der Sar (Fulham, undisclosed)

2005/06
Out: Aug 2005, Phil Neville (Everton, £3.5m); Dec, Roy Keane (Celtic, free)
In: July 2005, Ji-Sung Park (PSV Eindhoven, £4m); July, Ben Foster (Stoke, £1m); Jan 2006, Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow, £7m); Jan, Patrice Evra (Monaco, £5.5m)

2006/07
In: July 2006, Michael Carrick (Tottenham, £18.6m); July 2007, Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich, £17m); July, Anderson (Porto, undisclosed); July, Nani (Sporting Lisbon, undisclosed)

2007/08
In: Aug 2007, Carlos Tevez (West Ham, free)

[yangch0000]

'I can play centre-half - I played centre-half for my school, you know'

thats why i love him so much.

[thedude]

It will be hard to see him go.

I personally like Martin O Neill. However, with the number of managers that have come through the ranks of Utd, it will be hard to discredit them. Either way, Sir Alex has left a forever a mark on Utd and the world of football.

[Red Devil]

May 2011. End of an era, but life will go on. I suspect that Carlos will be named his successor but it could easily be Sparky. Its early days yet and not something we need speculate upon here, yet.

He can be succeeded, he can be succeeded by a successful manager, believe!!

[versa]

Given his age, it is only inevitable and a matter of time. So let's enjoy him at the helm whilst it lasts.

On the other hand, it augers well for us in the next two, three years too. Not just his presence but that he would surely be even more hungry and ruthless to break Liverpool's longstanding EPL records and to push us closer to the top in terms of winning European honours.

Breaking AC Milan's European records is a bit far-fetched for him now but I doubt he will just want to settle at equalling Liverpool's EPL titles but to surpass it. That feat alone, I suspect, would leave him truly satisfied and ensure himself becoming an unparalleled legend for years to come.

[Brian of Nazareth]

It will be a very, very sad day when the "old Man" steps down, really will, and i hope that someone who knows united through and through takes over, CQ would be my first choice to be honest, he has been a massive part of our success lately!

Damn you father time....Damn you!!

[yangch0000]

lets name the thread
'Fergie will be here for another 3 yrs!!!!'

just trying to be positive....

[sunchaser]

:( i would be so sad , i think we have a great team, but in 2-3 years fergie will be gone , ronaldo the same , giggs, scholes , neville will be retired too , also van der sar , and God knows how many others.
and 3 years sounds a short period of time, it will be a new united though. i am already nostalgic :(

[cjl_safcfan]

all my life he has been in charge of you guys... what will you do withuot him

[carlyluvsunited]

A few here might be relieved
when he does go ...

After all he makes too many
mistakes these days ...

Against Barca and Chelsea he
"got it all wrong" ...

He made basic errors in team
selection ...

And we finished with just the
EPL and Champions League ... :rolleyes:

Hmmmmm ... whatever.

He has given us 22 years of
his life so far ...

He has also given us 22 major trophies !!

Whenever he decides it's time to quit ...

Then that's fine by me ...

His wife Cathy deserves respect from
ALL United fans too ...

Without her support and commitment to
Fergie he would not have been able to
achieve all he has done !!!!

Sir Alex and Cathy Ferguson owe us
nothing ... we owe them everything !

In these days of the 'sack the manager
merry-go-round' ...

It's incredible to think that Sir Matt and
Sir Alex will have managed United for 50
of the 63 years since the end of WW II
between them !!!!

Who will follow Fergie into this job ... ?

I really have no idea ... and don't wish to
even think about it to be honest ... :(

Sure, Hughes and Keano will be at the
forefront of possibilities along with Carlos
Queiroz ... but none of these strike me as
having that 'something special' ... that
'je ne sais quoi'.

Only one person has a 'sparkle', a certain
charisma about them ... a passion for
United and a great football brain for both
knowledge and from a playing point of view ....
it's guys with these 'special' attributes that
become 'great'. This guy has it all in abundance ...

So I would vote for him without question !!!

Eric Cantona !

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QmUuaKga94k

[NateR]

I think I'm gonna cry :( Sir Alex is all I've ever known as Man Utd manager. It'll be the end of an era. Great players come and go, but Managers like Sir Alex are even rarer. I'm not looking forward to that day at all. But its true, his family do deserve his time as well, and we must be grateful to his wife for preventing him from retiring all those years ago. Otherwise we'd have no Rooney, Ronaldo, Anderson PL & CL double amongst other things.

[versa]

A few here might be relieved
when he does go ...

After all he makes too many
mistakes these days ...

Against Barca and Chelsea he
"got it all wrong" ...

He made basic errors in team
selection ...

And we finished with just the
EPL and Champions League ... :rolleyes:


It does not matter now only because we won the Double. However, winning the Double does not automatically justify that he was right in every single match, but only that he was mostly right throughout the season. Apple and orange; two separate issues.

And still can't say he was right in his approach at Stamford Bridge, especially after we won back the initiative in the second half, equalised and then substituted the attacking-oriented and stronger Anderson for a defensive-oriented and weaker O Shea, lost back the initiative, eventually lost the game and only found out later that Anderson did not even kick a ball against Barca (or since)!? And surely losing to Chelski itself did not contribute to winning the league title.

Although it remains debatable whether he should have employed an ultra-negative approach in Barcelona, given the fatal away-goal rule and that we shamefully conceded possession incessantly throughout the game.

Don't need to be sarcastic when members were just giving their honest opinions back then with plausible reasons. I am pretty sure that the detractors for some of the games like the two aforementioned will still stand by what they said for those games, despite winning the Double, for they are two separate issues.

And members pointing out that Fergie may not have been right in certain matches also does not automatically mean that they are better than Fergie. Just in case....

[CaptainRoyKeane]

I hope his wife to convince him to not retire again and again and again! It's just not right not having him as a manager, if he does retire in 3 years times, we should treasure everything he does!

[Drew9]

Cantona !! would be absolutely amazing

[-zuco-]

Cantona !! would be absolutely amazing
I hope you're joking :eek:

[TheManc]

Although it remains debatable whether he should have employed an ultra-negative approach in Barcelona, given the fatal away-goal rule and that we shamefully conceded possession incessantly throughout the game.




i was actually embarrased during that game, we have a reputation as being a club who have a philosophy of playing attractive football, but in this game infront of the entire world we played the most anti-football, park the bus type football that i have seen from us in years.

Still, it will be a sad, sad day when he retires.
but i have a question, after fergie does retire, how do you think his legacy will compare with Sir Matt Busby? who will be regarded as our greatest manager?

[sparkic]

Awesome read RedForce...I cannot imagnie Man United without Fergie! Iv seen him there for the 11 years I have supported them...I just hope we get another great coach in replacement when he does turn 70...to me Carlos is the best assistant manager - not manager. After seeing Real Madrid I made that conclusion, even though yes Real Madrid had some internal problems...I would love to see Mourinhio or Guus Hiddink after Fergie.

[versa]

i was actually embarrased during that game, we have a reputation as being a club who have a philosophy of playing attractive football, but in this game infront of the entire world we played the most anti-football, park the bus type football that i have seen from us in years.

Still, it will be a sad, sad day when he retires.
but i have a question, after fergie does retire, how do you think his legacy will compare with Sir Matt Busby? who will be regarded as our greatest manager?

It would be debatable too.

Going by the number of trophies, the preference is obvious but by impact, philosophy that lays down the traditions and the given circumstances then, especially the Munich Disaster, it will not be so clear cut anymore.

Guess only the older members who have both witnessed the Busby and Fergie days would be a better judge. [I am not the 'older' members here. :D]

[abojodeh]

:( please unstick it
it is just like every time you enjoy your life but when enter your home and you find a big note on the wall
"you are going to die in 3 years"
unstick it if you understand what i mean :( :( :(

[SALFORD RED]

:( please unstick it
it is just like every time you enjoy your life but when enter your home and you find a big note on the wall
"you are going to die in 3 years"
unstick it if you understand what i mean :( :( :(

Quoted for one of the best posts i've ever seen from abojodeh.

Says it all, plain and simple.

Think that is how every United fan feels.
.

[abojodeh]

Quoted for one of the best posts i've ever seen from abojodeh.

Says it all, plain and simple.

Think that is how every United fan feels.
.
so unstick it cuz the big note :die in 3 year" is this sticky thread :(

[RedDeviler]

More classic fergi mind games lol

Q. Oi wenger did u watch the c.l. final???

A. No, i didnt see it............... lol

[Red Devil]

Cantona would make a great Asst Manager; he has "the presence" required of all great leaders.

[Sownak27]

It will be a sad day in OT and for United fans all over the world when Fergie eventually does retire. But the day has to come... In all probability Carlos will be named manager as he has great mangerial attributes and is an amazing spotter of talent (Ronny for example:))

That will definitly be one of the saddest days in United's brilliant history. But then again
Believe.

[versa]

the independent
Tuesday, 3 June 2008

In an interview with Sir David Frost, to be broadcast tonight, Manchester United's greatest manager sets his departure date.

Two more years. That is how long the rest of the Premier League title contenders, and putative Manchester United managers, will have to wait until Sir Alex Ferguson drives away from Old Trafford for good.

In the wake of United's Champions League victory last month Ferguson, now 66, had indicated he would not work past his 70th year, which was interpreted as meaning he would retire in three seasons' time. Tonight, in an interview with Sir David Frost, he fixes his retirement date as summer 2010.

In his first lengthy television interview for nearly a decade, and first major interview anywhere in the English media since sitting down with The Independent in 2005, Ferguson names his three best United players and his biggest transfer mistake and discusses his belief that had Paul Gascoigne signed for him, and not Tottenham, in 1988 the retired midfielder would be a more contented soul today. Ferguson also discusses his feud with the BBC, and referees, and speaks of his friendship with Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and his concern that the talent pool of English footballers is "evaporating".

The general theme running through the interview, which is to be broadcast on Sky Sports 1, is, as it usually is with Ferguson, the need for players – and managers – to stay hungry for success.

"I always feel comfortable with players who have got real ability and a bit of hunger about them," says Ferguson. "In a way it mirrors my own image of a life with a winning attitude. I associate myself with players like that.

"Of the players who have been successful with us over the years, very few have ever caused me a problem in terms of their desire to do better, so I don't expect a problem next year. They're young enough and the great thing about winning the European trophy is that they want to do it again. Young players like Anderson and [Wayne] Rooney and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Nani. These young boys – they'll want to do that again."

If such players ever thought it would happen without trying they were given a reminder, says Ferguson, by Ryan Giggs. After the players presented him with a watch for beating the club appearance record of Bobby Charlton, Giggs said, pertinently: "I had to wait nine years for my next European medal."

Ferguson goes on to detail a motivational technique that he developed after, in 1993, United won their first league title in 26 years, the first of 10 under his management.

"I said, 'I've written three names down. I've put them in an envelope. Those are the three players that are going to let us down next season.' Of course, there was no envelope. And they're all looking at each other and saying, 'Well, it's not me!' So the next season I did it again, and I think it was Gary Pallister, who says, 'I think one of our names is in that, boss!' But it was just a challenge to them, because dealing with success is not easy."

Asked what he looks for in a player, Ferguson says: "His ability, obviously – and his enthusiasm. I remember someone said to me [that Sir] Bobby Robson's greatest asset was his enthusiasm. People like Bobby Robson are treasures – wanting to keep on working until their 70s and with the same enthusiasm, so I make the point to players. It's not easy to keep that enthusiasm and work-rate and hunger up all your life."

At this point Frost, who is still working in his 80th year, says: "Absolutely – you're going to keep that enthusiasm up long past 70?"

Ferguson laughs, and says: "I'll keep the enthusiasm up – whether I'll still be doing the football, I'm not so sure about that. No, I don't think I'll be... I think no more than three years – two, maybe two, more like that."

"Two more?" asks Frost.

"Yes, I think so. I have also got to respect my wife, because she's suffering. She did suffer because she doesn't go to the games. She's not a football fan you know – she's an Alex Ferguson fan. She's a mother to all these three boys and a grandmother – that's her life. She watches the games on Teletext."

In declaring that his reign at Old Trafford only has two seasons left to run, Ferguson may be risking a repeat of the 2001-02 season, when United's form dipped after he announced it would be his last campaign as manager. Ferguson changed his mind in February 2002 and later admitted there had been a deleterious effect on the players and on his ability to enforce discipline. United finished that season without a trophy and outside the top two in the top flight for the first time in a decade.

"Success gives you control," says Ferguson. "That's what you're after as a manager. Because it's very difficult to control if you're not successful. It means, usually, the end of your job. The most difficult job and the most important man at Manchester United is the manager. Without question, the minute that ever changed it would mean a massive free-fall in the club.

"You can never allow the players to run the football club and you can never allow the supporters to run the football club. They've all a part to play. Without our supporters, we'd be nothing; without the players, we'd be nothing. They are the most important components of a football club; but somebody has to run it. Somebody has to be in charge. The manager is the best man, and has always got to be supported."

Ferguson says that when he does retire, he will make a clean break from Old Trafford. "The field will be left clear [for my successor]," he says. "People say that if you're about the place you'd be in the road. God, when you've done 21 years, or 22, 23 years [which he will have completed in November 2009], you need a rest."

Ferguson, who is a known Labour Party supporter, dismisses a suggestion from Frost that had he not gone into management he would have entered politics. He admits, however, to having given advice to the former prime minister Tony Blair, and adds that the current premier, Gordon Brown, has sent him a 20-CD set on the American Civil War.

Relations with the BBC are less warm, however. Intriguingly, the Sky interview discusses his refusal to speak to its rival broadcaster, but Frost does not ask Ferguson why.

The dispute dates to May 2004 and a documentary which examined, and criticised, the role of Ferguson's son, Jason, who was then an agent, in Manchester United transfers. "I forgive easily," says Ferguson. "I don't hold grudges at all. I have never held a grudge – I think what I'm doing with the BBC is not a grudge. It's a stance until they accept their own wrong. Gary Lineker, a bright boy from the BBC, says I'm childish. Well, he'll understand what childishness means, because he is childish."

On more football-related matters he says referees are not fit enough and that the player talent pool is dwindling. He says: "I think there's an evaporation of real talent coming through. I think the [the influx of foreign players] has something to do with it. You're never going to be able to change the law and say no foreign players – Arsène Wenger [the Arsenal manager] has made that point very, very forcibly over the last few years. Maybe you could insist on four or five English players."

Perhaps. But when this Scottish manager goes, voluntarily, the BBC and a few opponents might be relieved. The game, however, will be poorer.

Although Sir Alex Ferguson was interviewed before yesterday's news that Paul Gascoigne had again been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, his assertion that Gascoigne's life would have been simpler had he signed for Manchester United has gained added poignancy.

In the Sky interview, having named Gascoigne as the player he would most liked to have signed, Ferguson is asked by Sir David Frost if "he thought he 'could have helped him with his personality problems?'"

Ferguson says, of Gascoigne signing for Spurs: "That was a bad mistake and Paul admits it to this day because as a 19-year-old lad, going to London is not easy for a footballer. We'd be taking that away and we had Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce – all Geordies. We had a structure of players who could have helped him and I think it would have given him some discipline. Maybe it would have helped him, too."

Jaap Stam is the player Ferguson wishes he had not sold. "I made a mistake there," he says. He adds that the decision was due to Stam's poor start to the 2000-01 season and the size (£16.5m) of Lazio's offer. He says: "I went to see him play a game and I says, 'Bloody hell, he's playing fantastic.' So, therefore, it was a bad decision. I should maybe have waited a bit longer." The move was, Ferguson says, "nothing to do with [Stam's] autobiography," though it is evident the book irritated the manager.

Ferguson goes on to name his three best players: "Robson, definitely. [Eric] Cantona, definitely. [Roy] Keane." He adds: "Eric's great asset was to score important goals at important times or make a goal at important times. Keane is a very intelligent man. He reads good books – I like to see that. He had fantastic concentration and focus in the eyes. Bryan Robson had it too – the glazed eye during games."

[U]Sir Alex: The Frost Interview, tonight at 8pm & 10.30pm on Sky Sports 1[/U]

[Jazz 16]

fantastic article there Versa^^^^
Ill look forward to seeing it in full later on SS1.

So Fergie has just 2 more years left (Not 3) in management.
I guess it was bound to happen eventually but it will be a sad sad day
when it does.
We know how quick a season goes.......so he will be gone in no time at all.
Lets hope he goes out with a bang with some more trophies :)

[reddwarf]

Let's hope the next 2 years pass as quickly as the 100 year war :(

[versa]

Just a little more information in addition to the previous one.


ITV
June 03 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeated his intention to retire as Manchester United boss before 2011 - and revealed he will probably not remain at Old Trafford in any capacity.

The 66-year-old said he still has his passion for the game and it burns as strongly as ever despite fulfilling the long-term ambition of winning the European Cup for a second time.

In a Sky Sports interview with Sir David Frost, Ferguson confirmed his retirement plans and dismissed the view he may stay on in an advisory role.

"I'll carry on for no more than three years, maybe two more. I have to respect my wife because she is a not football fan you know, she's an Alex Ferguson fan," said Ferguson.

"At that point I wouldn't have an interest in how it was run. No, it would be the manager's domain. People say that if you are about the place, you are in the road, and I don't want that - the field will be left clear.

"I'll keep the enthusiasm up long past 70 - whether I'll still be doing the football, I'm not so sure about that.

"Anyway, I deserve a rest. After you've done 21 years, or 23 after a couple more seasons, you need one.

He continued: "Success gives you control. That's what you're after as a manager. Because it's very difficult to control if you're not successful.

"It means, usually, the end of your job. The most difficult job and the most important man at Manchester United is the manager. Without question, the minute that ever changed it would mean a massive free-fall in the club.

"You can never allow the players to run the football club and you can never allow the supporters to run the football club. They've all a part to play. Without our supporters, we'd be nothing; without the players, we'd be nothing.

"They are the most important components of a football club; but somebody has to run it. Somebody has to be in charge. The manager is the best man, and has always got to be supported."

Ferguson reiterated his desire to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and believes that the current crop of United players can go on to dominate in Europe and at home.

He said: "I always feel comfortable with players who have got real ability and a bit of hunger about them.

"In a way it mirrors my own image of a life with a winning attitude. I associate myself with players like that.

"Of the players who have been successful with us over the years, very few have ever caused me a problem in terms of their desire to do better, so I don't expect a problem next year.

"They're young enough and the great thing about winning the European trophy is that they want to do it again. Young players like Anderson and [Wayne] Rooney and [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Nani. These young boys - they'll want to do that again."

Ferguson also revealed that he has mellowed in his latter years and his famous 'hairdryer treatment' has been toned down.

"Jock Stein once told me there was nothing wrong with losing your temper for the right reasons and I think 70 or 80 per cent of the time it has been the right reason," he added.

"You sometimes regret it, I suppose but you are who you are. It has been premeditated at times, to get the point across or keep all their feet on the ground.

"But I have also said things in the dressing room and maybe reacted badly or too strongly. Not so much now. I'm going back maybe 15 years.

"I'm just a *****cat now. There are no flying tea cups in the dressing room at half-time anymore."

[Red-Boy]

:eek: Ferguson retires? :eek:

[Red Devil]

er, yeah, where have you been in orbit around? He will retire in approx 2 years, 3 tops.

[carlyluvsunited]

He'll be there ... in the background ... watching his beloved United !

Sir Matt was manager for 24 years until he quit ...

When he finally gave up the reins ...

He stuck around and watched too ...

Nobody could do a good job so Sir Matt stepped back in again !!

He did another year before finally quitting for the last time.

Sir Alex has as much right as Sir Matt to call this club 'HIS' ...

It's his 'baby' now and how could he just walk away and forget it ?

Maybe he wont be in an official post -
but he will be available to whoever takes over for advice, help etc etc.

Sir Matt has his unused seat in the stands and right next to it should
be Sir Alex's seat - he can use this for free as long as he wants to.
It will remain his seat for ever too !!! The seats of the guys who made
Manchester United !!!

Between them they will have managed United for 50 years !!!

Won every trophy available to them, been pioneers in their time
and had some of the best players the world has ever known
playing under them ...

When Sir Alex does go then we let the memories begin, and oh
my ... what memories they will be. He will always be in our hearts
and thoughts and they will sing his name for 50 years and more
at Old Trafford.

That's what history is all about ...

Check it out Chelsea FC
You aint got no history
17 leagues
and 12 FA Cups ...

That's what WE call history !!

[cjl_safcfan]

Carly...that was a short post

[reddwarf]

12 FA Cups ...

11 FA Cups :rolleyes:

I don't know Carly, you and your typos ;)

Good post though. Fergie may retire but United is in his blood now - it's part of him and and he is part of the club.

[carlyluvsunited]

Carly...that was a short postYes ... a little short of time so just a baby post, lol.

[carlyluvsunited]

11 FA Cups :rolleyes:

I don't know Carly, you and your typos ;)

Good post though. Fergie may retire but United is in his blood now - it's part of him and and he is part of the club.Oooops ...

11 FA Cups ... :o

[scottbellerby93]

Who will be the manager after THE GREAT FERGIE leaves?

[Keano4taoiseach]

I know Sir Bobby says that it shouldn't be an ex-United player but I think Keane will be the right man for the job. He has made Sunderland into a strong force once again and this season could well decide if he succeeds Fergie. With the money he has, he must spend well and try and push for a Uefa Cup spot imo.

[abojodeh]

I know Sir Bobby says that it shouldn't be an ex-United player but I think Keane will be the right man for the job. He has made Sunderland into a strong force once again and this season could well decide if he succeeds Fergie. With the money he has, he must spend well and try and push for a Uefa Cup spot imo.
i agree with you about keane
but i think he should improve him self in the transfer market

[ManUtd19]

I said it somewhere before, if Keane does very well with Sunderland these next few seasons before Sir Alex retires then he will stand a good chance to be the next manager. I would welcome him with wide arms.

[-zuco-]

Keane did rubbish last year with Sunderland in my opinion. He spent bucket
loads of money and only just avoided relegation. Based on the miracle he
performed the season before, that was a poor showing from him.

[ManUtd19]

Keane did rubbish last year with Sunderland in my opinion. He spent bucket
loads of money and only just avoided relegation. Based on the miracle he
performed the season before, that was a poor showing from him.

Sometimes players let the manager down. Look at Sir Alex during 2003-05. There are occasional unlucky seasons where players that the manager banked on doing well don't do so well, like with Darren Fletcher.

The EPL is a huge jump once promoted and maybe Keane didn't have the season turn out the way he wanted, even compensating for the relatively low position he knew would be inevitable. A newish manager like Keane will learn the trade very quickly. This last season he was just finding the ropes.

I say only another season or two in the top flight will show Keane's true colours.

[1 red devil]

keano

spark are the obvious names

ryan giggs anyone ?? maybe even ince depending on his sucess??

giggs

[abojodeh]

Manchester United Without Sir Alex Ferguson Is Like The Bible Without Jesus

[ManUtd19]

Manchester United Without Sir Alex Ferguson Is Like The Bible Without Jesus

Not really. Manchester United isn't fictional and Sir Alex wasn't fabricated by Manchester United. We have verifiable proof! :p

Whilst being a terrible loss to United, Sir Alex's retirement will usher in the next period in Manchester United's history. Hopefully that period will be every bit as good.

[abojodeh]

Not really. Manchester United isn't fictional and Sir Alex wasn't fabricated by Manchester United. We have verifiable proof! :p

Whilst being a terrible loss to United, Sir Alex's retirement will usher in the next period in Manchester United's history. Hopefully that period will be every bit as good.
not really we cant be successful with the new manager like we was with Sir Alex
the retirment of fergie is the end of super manchester united era

[-zuco-]

not really we cant be successful with the new manager like we was with Sir Alex
the retirment of fergie is the end of super manchester united era
I bet people said the same thing when Sir Matt retired ;)

[abojodeh]

I bet people said the same thing when Sir Matt retired ;)
yes maybe its true
but it took us more than 20 year to be successful again :rolleyes:

[ManUtd19]

I bet people said the same thing when Sir Matt retired ;)

Here's hoping the transition doesn't take a long time. :rolleyes:

[versa]

the independent

United want Ferguson's help to find a successor

By Mark Ogden in Johannesburg
Friday, 25 July 2008

REUTERS

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will be allowed to anoint his successor at Old Trafford when the 66-year-old eventually retires

Sir Alex Ferguson will be given the opportunity to anoint his successor as Manchester United manager after the club's chief executive, David Gill, confirmed that the club's owners, the Glazer family, plan to seek the opinion and advice of the 66-year-old when he finally announces his retirement at Old Trafford.

Ferguson, who recently suggested that he would spend no more than "two to three years" at the helm, has previously dismissed the possibility that he could play a part in identifying the man to follow him into the manager's office.

Carlos Queiroz, who left his post as Ferguson's assistant to become the Portugal head coach earlier this month, will be a leading contender to succeed Ferguson, having earned high praise from the Scot in the wake of United's Premier League and Champions League success last season. Manchester City's new manager Mark Hughes, the Italy coach Marcelo Lippi and former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho are also understood to be rated highly by Ferguson.

With the United hierarchy having not made a managerial appointment since Ferguson's arrival from Aberdeen in November 1986, however, Gill admits that Ferguson's input will play a key role when it comes to replacing the most successful manager in the club's history.

Gill said: "There are no discussions at the moment about a successor. We will address that when it comes around, but the owners, myself and the people involved will obviously get Sir Alex's views on the subject. Somebody who has managed the club for so many years, who knows the club inside out and knows what is required would be invaluable. It would be remiss of us not to have a discussion with him, involve him and get his views, so he will be a key part of the process.

"The manager is a key employee of the club and we need to get it right. The owners will expect me to do the work and then they would get involved in the process of choosing the right man, but the board will ultimately make the decision on the new manager."

Succeeding Ferguson has often been described as an impossible job due to the immense success the club has enjoyed during his 22 years in charge. Yet Gill insists that the long-term planning that is already taking place, with Ferguson playing a central role, will ensure that the new man will have everything at his disposal to continue – and build on – Ferguson's success.

Gill said: "It will be a big change and, without putting a deadline on it, that time is getting closer. When I joined in 1997, Alex had already been here 11 years and when I went to meetings it was the key question then.

"What we have to do is plan the team appropriately and make sure it is the right age etc, so that anyone coming in, even though they would want to make their own changes, would not need to rock the boat too much.

"It would be naive to think it won't be a big change, but we are trying to put things in place that will make it as easy as we can. Alex is aware of that. You don't work here for 20 years without falling in love with the club and he would like to make sure that he does what he can to make sure it is successful after he has gone.

"The players will be of the right age and will be motivated and he won't want the work he has done to go to waste."

Three Manchester United teenagers are flying out to South Africa to join the squad. The defender Craig Cathcart (19) has been drafted in as well as the midfielders Tom Cleverly (18) and Rodrigo Possebon (19). The trio have all played for the reserves and will link up with United, who play their final game in the Vodacom Challenge tomorrow in Pretoria. Then the squad will move on to Nigeria for a friendly against Portsmouth on Sunday before flying back to Manchester.

India could be next market as Gill looks to spread word

Manchester United are considering offers to play in India next summer after being approached to become the first leading Premier League club to visit the world's emerging financial powerhouse.

United, currently on their pre-season tour of South Africa, are due to visit Asia and the Far East in July 2009 and the club's chief executive, David Gill, admits that the club are drawn by the appeal of taking the European champions to the subcontinent.

Bayern Munich played in front of a 120,000 crowd in Calcutta two months ago and interest in the Premier League is understood to be growing at a fast rate. And with United keen to consolidate their brand name across the globe, Gill has revealed that India is high on the club's priority list. He said: "India is interesting. We have been approached to go there and we are looking at some soccer school opportunities there. I know Chelsea have done something and I think Barcelona have. We would not rule out going there.

"They [India] do have ambitions and have a key goal to make it to the World Cup. Whether they can make it or not, I do not know, but it's a huge, huge country. Look at [cricket's] IPL. That has shown that it is a very wealthy country and it is definitely worth looking at. Other clubs will look at it and so will we.

"The interest in football around the world is increasing. It is not saturated. We have worked on our global position for many years, but it would be wrong to think that we are impregnable. If we did that, then we would get knocked off our perch."

[Red Devil]

The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, will be allowed to anoint his successor at Old Trafford when the 66-year-old eventually retires Dont you meant appoint? To annoint is to make saint or something?

[versa]

Dont you meant appoint? To annoint is to make saint or something?

1. Are we into that level of details? :eek:

2. But you mean anoint?:p

3. Ask Mr Mark Ogden. :)

4. But you are spot on because according to dictionary.com:

a·noint
Audio Help /əˈnɔɪnt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-noint] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–verb (used with object)
1. to rub or sprinkle on; apply an unguent, ointment, or oily liquid to.
2. to smear with any liquid.
3. to consecrate or make sacred in a ceremony that includes the token applying of oil: He anointed the new high priest.
4. to dedicate to the service of God.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Origin: 1300–50; ME anoynten, deriv. of anoynt, enoynt (ptp.) < OF enoint < L inûnctus anointed (ptp. of inungere), equiv. to in- in-2 + ung- smear with oil + -tus ptp. suffix]

—Related forms
a·noint·er, noun
a·noint·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

5. My guess is that the author used it deliberately, more as both humour and respect, and thus a credit to both Fergie and Manchester United. Sometimes we do intentionally 'abuse' the language for creativity and fun, as long as it is not too far-fetched or overbearing.

6. This is the boring, long-drawn pre-season. We can afford some frivolousness. ;)

[Clarky101]

very scary times ahead. glad fergie gets to voice his opinion on the matter tho, if anyone can pick the best manager its the man that picks the best players

[versa]

william hill

Mourinho Second Favourite For Sir Alex's Job!

William Hill have opened a book on the next Manchester United Manager and currently rate Mark Hughes as their 7/2 favourite with Jose Mourinho offered at 5/1. Hills are 10/1 that Sir Alex leaves this year but is favourite to go in 2009 at 6/4.

"Sir Alex is expected to have some input into which manager will replace him at Manchester United and as he championed Mourinho for the England job that is where we expect the money to go," said Hill's spokesman Rupert Adams

William Hill Bet:

When Will Sir Alex Ferguson Cease To Be Manager Of Manchester United: 10/1 2008, 6/4 2009, 7/4 2010, 3/1 2011, 9/1 2012 or later

Next Manchester United Manager: 7/2 M Hughes, 5/1 J Mourinho, 6/1 M O'Neill, 7/1 R Keane, 8/1 C Queiroz, 12/1 D Moyes, 14/1 S Erikkson, 16/1 S Bruce, 20/1 P Ince, 20/1 G Hiddink, 25/1 F Capello, 25/1 P Scolari

[Jazz 16]

Id be happy with one of Hughes, Keane, Jose, Hiddink, Bruce and O'Neill.
Quieroz and Moyes would be capable also.

[Drew9]

I think Hiddink is the second best manager in the world behind Sir Alex and i would love it if he was to come in after Fergie, Mourinho's personality is perfect for the job but his playing style wouldnt go down well at OT, a lot of fans would be bored of the negative style, i lke O'neill's style of football but i find him quite an annoying all round bloke and personally dis-agree with some of his comments and quite frankly cant see many fans taking to him like they would Keane or Hughes ... basically im very relexed about it as Fergie will ultimately make the decision and that suits me just fine :)

[manutd004]

Beat me too it versa :p

Its also in the Daily Express

OVER TO YOU FERGIE

Friday July 25,2008
By Peter Edwards in Johannesburg

http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/285x214/53936_1.jpg
KING MAKER: The Glazer family are keen for Ferguson's input in their hunt for a successor

SIR Alex Ferguson will be asked by Manchester United to help them find his successor.

The man who has led United to unprecedented success will soon be asked to make one of his biggest decisions.

Ferguson, the most successful Old Trafford manager of all time, has always said he would have nothing to do with the process.

But chief executive David Gill revealed here that the club’s owners,from back page the Glazer family, expect Ferguson to play a “key part” when the big day comes.

Ferguson, 66, goes into his 23rd season in charge, in Gill’s words, “looking pretty fit and looking forward to it”.

But United know that the end of his all-conquering era is nigh and that they must soon decide who is worthy to fill his shoes.

“The owners, myself and other people involved will obviously get his views,” said Gill. “It would be remiss of us not to involve him. He will be a key part of the process.

http://www.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/x190/53936_2.jpg
ANY IDEAS? Sir Alex and Gill will make recommendations
“The input of somebody who has managed the club for so many years, who knows it inside out and what is required, would be invaluable.”

Ferguson, who has amassed 10 league titles, two Champions Leagues and five FA Cups since taking charge in November 1986, said last season he would finally retire within three years.

Appointing his successor will be one of the biggest decisions in the club’s history.

Gill said: “The board will make the decision. The owners will expect me to do the work and then they would get involved in the process of choosing the right man. The people who own the club should have the final say.”

But Gill said the Glazers will leave it to people such as he and Ferguson to nominate the best candidate.

“They have never interfered in any of the key areas,” he said. “They have been very supportive of Alex and have never questioned his ability or decisions.”

The next manager will inherit a well-planned set-up. Gill said: “We have to plan the team appropriately and make sure it has the right age etc, so that anyone coming in – even though he would want to make his own changes – would have no need to rock the boat too much.

“Following Alex will obviously be a difficult task for any manager. But he would be coming in to a well-run club, a fantastic team, a great stadium and fantastic support.”

As to the fateful moment when Ferguson announces his exit, Gill said: “Without putting a deadline on it, the time is getting closer.

“It would be naive to think it won’t be a big change, but we are trying to put things in place that will make it as easy as
we can.”

Gill also revealed just how quickly United’s owners reached an agreement not to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

http://www.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/x190/53936_3.jpg
FERDINAND: Return
“We had one phone call and one chat at the Champions League final in Moscow – and the decision was made,” he said.

Although Ronaldo may well get the move he says he desires next summer, United insist he will be pulling on the red shirt this season.



AND Rio Ferdinand last night became the second player to fly home early from United’s tour.

Ferdinand has returned for the birth of his second child after his fiancee Rebecca Ellison went into labour.

Wes Brown came home on Wednesday following the death of his sister.

Teenage reserves Craig Cathcart, Tom Cleverly and Rodrigo Possebon will fly out to link up with United, who play their final game in Pretoria tomorrow.

[SALFORD RED]

Ferguson not keen on London role.

Ferguson has said he will retire in three years' time.

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is unlikely to take charge of a Great Britain football team at the London Olympics.

London 2012 Organising Committee chairman Lord Coe told BBC 5 Live he had discussed the matter with the Manchester United boss.

But Ferguson said: "I will be 70 in 2012. I've not made any commitment to anything like that.

"I would not, in any way, shape or form, try and commit myself to something that is four years ahead."

Coe believes Ferguson, who plans to leave his Old Trafford post in the next three years, is the ideal candidate to lead the British side in London.

"I would love to have him there because he is a phenomenal coach and a great man manager," he said.

"We have had a few conversations, but I stress that it is for the British Olympic Association and the Football Association to make that judgement and I leave it with them."

The inclusion of a Great Britain football team at the London Games has sparked huge controversy, with the FAs of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland concerned it may compromise their individual status within Fifa.

President of football's world governing body, Sepp Blatter, has said it would be better for GB to enter a team featuring players from just England to avoid such a scenario.

But as it is the BOA which selects teams for the Games, it has decided to press ahead with plans to include a football team despite the opposition.


.

[Zense_United]

i think mourinho will be a great boss for the united squad...
what do you guys think, maybe he'll make our team king of kings!?

[Wazza1989]

we are the kings of the kings..and we don't that arrogant guy to become what we already are...and he's not worthy to succed Sir Alex at Man Utd....with the help of Sir Alex we'll sure find a great replacement for him

[dlan4327]

I enjoy watching Mourinho on Television. :p However he is not what I'd want in a Man Utd manager.

[Zenitka]

In my opinion Mourinho is a big manager, but he may to train only stars...if he will our manager, Football of United will become not beautiful football of Mourinho.

[spellbound]

The only step we can take to beat what we've already achieved is to win the World Cup final beating Brazil at Maracana stadium. If Mourinho can do that to the club...he's welcome. If not...sorry!

[hafiz_shukri00391]

nop, i dont agree and i dont want mourinho to be our next manager...
If he was sign as Manchester United manager in the future than this club will sign more and more foreign player and plus he like african player.........no, i am not saying that african player are bad but i am saying for the sake of england future..........Some of foreign player that Jose Mourinho have signed when he was a chelsea manager is Mikel, Makelele, Ballack, Essien, Drogba, SHEVCHENKO, PIZARRO and many many more................those with capital letter is the player that failed to impress...........and plus he like signed old player.......surely the player did not progress but I respect Ballack because he impress me a lot.........He should signed for us before...........

[RedDeviler]

three points i want to make

1. he is the best candidate for the job ................no question

2. it would pi$$ kenyon and rich lad right off


so up to now he is looking good for the job

3. his sliding celebration vs utd in champs league


unlucky chump jog on

[-zuco-]

No, no and no!

He'll bring trophies wherever he goes of course, but with
that comes the most mind numbingly boring football you
can imagine. Chelsea won two leage titles in a row but
can you ever remember them playing beautiful football?

We've just won two league titles in a row and we showed
the world that it can be done by playing attacking, creative football.

Mourinho would have us playing a 4-5-1 with 3 central midfielders,
no wingers and we'd just hoof the ball up to the lone striker for 90
minutes, I don't wanna watch that crap, it's not the United way.

Screw Mourinho, he's no good for us.

[Zense_United]

then who do you really want to be on SAF shoes?

[burnzy1987]

**reads thread**
***shakes head***
**leaves thread**

[Red Devil]

i think mourinho will be a great boss for the united squad...
what do you guys think, maybe he'll make our team king of kings!? this is a thread without any basis in fact, pure speculative guesswork but worthy of discussion in that he is but only one of several people being linked with the empty managerial chair at OT.

This, I predict, will be the main thread to replace all that spoken about a certain player called Ronaldo.

There will be names cropping up in this thread that are as yet unheard of

I have merged Zenses' thread with this, the original.

[PrinceZane]

I honestly can't see why so many people are upset about this. It's like mourning for someone with cancer. They aren't dead yet, celebrate the life.

He's not gone yet, why get bent out of shape. It's exactly what he was talking about when he announced retirement first and the players went crazy. Have to keep the discipline, etc.

When he gives his official farewell, THEN we can all lose it :D

[sandiegomanu]

fergie can go at anytime. the man holds all the cards after such a illustrious career. if he does go, he'll have great options to replace him. carlos, keano, ole,huges,ince. so many great choices all from a manu team.