With the dust settling on what has been one of the most eventful weeks in the soccer season so far, Sir Alex Ferguson’s last game at Old Trafford will take place on Sunday.
United will face Swansea City in Ferguson’s 1,499 game in charge.
But now, despite his status as the most successful manager in British history and arguably world soccer, all the talk is switching to Ferguson’s successor, David Moyes.
Amongst the scenes of jubilation, widespread approval and cautious optimism surrounding Moyes’ appointment as the new manager of Manchester United, one question is on everyone’s mind: can Moyes (or anyone else for that matter) really live up to Sir Alex Ferguson?
The daunting task that Moyes faces won’t scare him. His, at times, dour demeanor and measured approach is what many believe make him the perfect replacement for Ferguson. His feathers will not become ruffled when a few results don’t go United’s way, and that will happen, trust me.
But the main reason why I believe Moyes will be a big success: Fergie will only be a phone call away.
For Moyes to have the greatest club manager of all-time to confide in whenever he wants, that is a sizable advantage in his quest for domestic and European success. And it is not just Ferguson. There is Sir Bobby Charlton, Dennis Law, Bryan Robson and so many other legends that are all working on United’s behalf at Old Trafford. Ferguson has created this, a soccer dynasty that stays together and has a real family feel to it.
Ferguson looked at other great European clubs, like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, and the way they kept their former great managers and players within the club structure to never lose that feel of history, pride and passion. Madrid have Alfredo Di Stefano and Emilio Butragueño working as directors and ambassadors, Munich have Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Matthias Sammer around. The lists go on.
What Moyes has achieved at Everton won him the respect of the hierarchy at United. They will help him become a success, he won’t have to face the pressure of managing one of the world’s biggest clubs on his own.
It will be interesting this summer to see how he fares in the transfer market, trying to keep hold of the likes of Wayne Rooney and if he can tempt Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club. He will be backed financially, after the six-year contract handed to him proves.
(More: Moyes handed six-year contract at Manchester United)
Only time will tell if Moyes will be a success at United, it is fare to early to give either a damning or celebratory verdict on his reign at United. But one thing is for sure, he won’t do it alone. The Manchester United family he has been welcomed into win and lose as one. Whoever is in charge, that will never change.
A lot of people are waiting for Moyes to fail, he won’t… will he?
