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The rumors are the strongest they have been in recent years, with various fairly credible sources from the media speculating that there is a strong belief Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to step down as Manchester United manager. It is a matter than cannot be ignored given his age of 71.
The end point of his 26-year-reign at the club has been a question for Ferguson to answer frequently this season with very strong denials in recent months and weeks; but after a few days of silence on the matter, the subject has sparked up with discussion of his replacement playing the biggest part in the what’s and ifs.
The real question is why would Ferguson quit now? In February this year, he stated — “It’ll be my decision, my time”. If that’s the case, then no matter of what people think is the future of the squad or the club, it would be his verdict on when is best. However, it seems that if these rumors are true, then Ferguson may be looking for what is best for the club. There are two notably discussed managers who have their contracts expiring this summer; David Moyes and Jose Mourinho. Now, it is widely agreed that Ferguson is likely to have a major say in who replaces him. Therefore, it could be argued that there will never be a better time to acquire one of these two, who are considered the best suited and favorites. By that sense, it would be a believable claim that he is ready to retire. It would be a fitting end and marker of Ferguson’s effect on the club if he were to put the club’s future before his own.
But on the other-hand, Ferguson has recently claimed that his current squad are in it “for the long haul” with the persistence on the fact that he wishes to stick around as long as possible. There is no question that Ferguson has always stated he’ll do this, so the rumors could simply be rubbished. But the club has yet to act on the debate and have been silent, with the press simply stirring it up with their belief that there was a strong sense at the club’s golf day that this would be Ferguson’s final season.
Ferguson, at one point, said his aim was to beat Liverpool‘s 18th title record; they achieved that. Then he stated he wanted at least one more European Cup and that is still waiting. Would it be wrong to believe that Ferguson is so strongly attached to the club that he truly wishes to nurture one more United side as long as his health can sustain? It’s almost an impossible question for anyone but the man himself.
One trending topic is that of David Moyes. Some are led to believe that Moyes will come in as an assistant for Ferguson, but take hold of the squad over the summer tour — whilst Ferguson undergoes a hip operation. This would definitely make him the front-runner for the job in the future as if he is being nurtured for the job. It is also personally a far more understandable claim — given Ferguson’s denials of quitting — but that may purely be down to the uncomfortable situation that my mind imagines of the great man saying goodbye to the job.
It pains me to discuss his replacement, but the other man obviously relevant is Jose Mourinho. Ferguson has admitted in the past that Mourinho would be suitable as the next United manager and that he has the correct mindset to cope. This is where the question marks lay for Moyes, does he have that ability to manage egos and compete in Europe? Although, Moyes appears a brilliant manager and instigator of hard work and similar values to those seen at United.
Either way, there has been silence from the club (at time of writing). A statement is expected to be made soon. If not, would it be a surprise if Ferguson told the Old Trafford crowd he was retiring on Saturday? Possibly not, but it would certainly be a sad day for United and the supporters. Until then, one can only hope these are inevitable rumors, that will be denied for at least another season.
Stowe Gregory is an English featured Soccer and Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him or tweet on Twitter @stowegregory. Or add to circles on Google +
You can read about his piece on ‘The appeal of Borrussia Dortmund’ here.
