On Wednesday the 8th of May 2013 it was announced by Manchester United that their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson is to retire at the end of the season after twenty six years in charge of the Club. His legacy at Manchester United is monumental as he has amassed a mammoth thirty eight trophies during his reign, thus making him arguably the greatest manager in history.
Since his appointment back in 1986, Sir Alex Ferguson has ensured that Manchester United is now one of the biggest Clubs in the World, his methodology of creating teams that play attractive Football whilst developing young players is one that is now woven into the fabric of the Club.
Manchester United confirmed that current Everton Manager David Moyes will be his replacement from the start of next season, and the task he faces is a truly daunting one, especially with England Striker and former Everton player Wayne Rooney allegedly eager to seek pastures new in the summer.
Even though Sir Alex Ferguson has stepped aside as Manager; he will take up a directorial role within the Club. It has been suggested that things will change rapidly now at Manchester United and whilst differences are inevitable, David Moyes managerial style and philosophies are similar to Ferguson’s so the Club seem to be in safe hands. Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly made the recommendation to the Manchester United Board regarding David Moyes’s appointment, thus indicating his belief that his successor can continue the traditions and ethos created by him within the Club.
It is still the end of an era at Manchester United and it will be fascinating to see if Moyes can carry on the trophy laden seasons enjoyed by his predecessor. His record at Everton seems to show his credentials, as despite a lack of transfer funds compared with other Clubs, Everton were consistently a top eight side which is a remarkable achievement considering they were in relegation trouble when he took over.
Ferguson’s departure follows on the back of Chief Executive David Gill’s decision to step down from his position at the Club on June 30th, with current vice chairman Ed Woodward taking over. This signifies a change in power both on the playing side and in the administration areas of Manchester United. Ferguson’s relationship with Gill and the success they achieved working together will be forever remembered by fans in the Stretford End, and how Moyes and Woodward work together will be crucial in the Club maintaining its status as one of the biggest Football institutions the World over.
