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Sir Alex Ferguson looks to the future as he prepares to seal his legacy in the last three years of his Manchester United career
The 70-year-old is in talks to sign his final contract to complete his project to build his fourth great United side, with the ultimate goal to win a third Champions League trophy
18 Jan 2012 08:04:00
Getty Images
ANALYSIS
By Greg Stobart | Northern Correspondent
Sir Alex Ferguson was not plucking a figure out of thin air when, in an interview with Manchester United’s in-house television station just before the turn of the year, he declared his desire to carry on as the club’s manager for three more seasons.
When speaking to MUTV, the United boss already knew of the stunning contract package on offer, revealed by Goal.com, that will make him the highest paid manager in Premier League history.
“I think I’ve got three years at the club,” Sir Alex said. “As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best.”
For Sir Alex, those three years represent the chance to finish building the fourth great United team, to complete the project that started in earnest when Cristiano Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid in 2009.
The money on offer from United chief executive David Gill - a £6.5 million basic salary with up to a further £1m available in bonuses - will be welcome. But you get the feeling that Sir Alex would do it for free as he looks to see his vision fulfilled.
Ultimately, the aim is to topple Barcelona as the kings of Europe after humbling defeats at the hands of the Catalans in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
“We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and, without question, winning a European Cup is important at this club,” Sir Alex added.
"We should have been in at least another three finals. But you can’t be greedy, I suppose, and having won two in my time is an achievement. They were special, it was terrific to win them. I think I’d be very keen to do that again.”
Sir Alex is the master of foresight and one of the most remarkable aspects of his managerial success, perhaps facilitated by his job security, has been his willingness to play the long game. The building bricks are already in place in a young squad full of players who should be blossoming in three years’ time.
In fact, for all their faltering displays this season, this United squad is jam-packed with youthful talent. From David de Gea in goal through to the da Silva twins, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young – the future is bright. Attacking stars Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Tom Cleverley will only continue to improve while academy prodigies Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba could yet achieve stardom at Old Trafford despite both considering leaving the club.
It is clear why the Glazers have been so keen to reward Sir Alex, who has delivered four titles since the Americans’ controversial takeover in 2005. The Scot has managed to keep United competitive despite the hampering impact of the vast amounts of money siphoned out of the club by the owners, with debts standing at £433m in the last set of accounts.
It is arguable that Sir Alex’s refusal to condemn the Glazers - in fact he has staunchly defended them - has kept a lid on the boiling emotions of the United fans who have so vociferously campaigned for change.
The most recent example was in December, when Sir Alex assured supporters that the Glazers were willing to back him in the transfer market.
“If a really top-class player became available, then we would go for him,” he said. “But let me reiterate, contrary to what some people seem to be fixated about, money for a transfer is not a problem if I deem it necessary.”
After the success Sir Alex has brought to Old Trafford in the last 25 years - including 12 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs - few could argue that he doesn’t deserve to carry on in the Old Trafford dugout for as long as he wants.
For the 70-year-old, the next three years represent the chance to seal his legacy before handing over to a new boss with the squad well set for continuing success.
The immediate future puts Sir Alex up against local rivals Manchester City, the club he once described as ‘noisy neighbours’ but now sit top of the Premier League, three points clear of United having won 6-1 at Old Trafford in October.
That was a result described by the United manager as his ‘worst ever day’ in management - but Sir Alex loves a challenge, relishes the mere scent of combat, always setting himself and his players new targets.
He caught up 12 titles on Liverpool to win number 19 last season and he’s seen off challenges from great Arsenal and Chelsea sides, so he will take on City nose-to-nose with bullish confidence.
Sir Alex had originally planned to retire in 2002 but changed his mind because of his insatiable desire to win. That drive has not waned - and who could possibly bet against him fulfilling his vision for Manchester United in the next three years?
Follow Greg Stobart on
By Greg Stobart | Northern Correspondent
Sir Alex Ferguson was not plucking a figure out of thin air when, in an interview with Manchester United’s in-house television station just before the turn of the year, he declared his desire to carry on as the club’s manager for three more seasons.
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When speaking to MUTV, the United boss already knew of the stunning contract package on offer, revealed by Goal.com, that will make him the highest paid manager in Premier League history.
“I think I’ve got three years at the club,” Sir Alex said. “As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best.”
For Sir Alex, those three years represent the chance to finish building the fourth great United team, to complete the project that started in earnest when Cristiano Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid in 2009.
The money on offer from United chief executive David Gill - a £6.5 million basic salary with up to a further £1m available in bonuses - will be welcome. But you get the feeling that Sir Alex would do it for free as he looks to see his vision fulfilled.
Ultimately, the aim is to topple Barcelona as the kings of Europe after humbling defeats at the hands of the Catalans in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals.
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“I think I’ve got three years at the club. As long as my health stays up, and as long as I’m still enjoying it and still getting the satisfaction of the team doing its best”
- Sir Alex Ferguson
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“We have to continue the dominance of winning leagues and, without question, winning a European Cup is important at this club,” Sir Alex added.
"We should have been in at least another three finals. But you can’t be greedy, I suppose, and having won two in my time is an achievement. They were special, it was terrific to win them. I think I’d be very keen to do that again.”
Sir Alex is the master of foresight and one of the most remarkable aspects of his managerial success, perhaps facilitated by his job security, has been his willingness to play the long game. The building bricks are already in place in a young squad full of players who should be blossoming in three years’ time.
In fact, for all their faltering displays this season, this United squad is jam-packed with youthful talent. From David de Gea in goal through to the da Silva twins, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young – the future is bright. Attacking stars Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Tom Cleverley will only continue to improve while academy prodigies Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba could yet achieve stardom at Old Trafford despite both considering leaving the club.
It is clear why the Glazers have been so keen to reward Sir Alex, who has delivered four titles since the Americans’ controversial takeover in 2005. The Scot has managed to keep United competitive despite the hampering impact of the vast amounts of money siphoned out of the club by the owners, with debts standing at £433m in the last set of accounts.
It is arguable that Sir Alex’s refusal to condemn the Glazers - in fact he has staunchly defended them - has kept a lid on the boiling emotions of the United fans who have so vociferously campaigned for change.
Euro dream | Sir Alex's ultimate goal is to win the Champions League for a third time
The most recent example was in December, when Sir Alex assured supporters that the Glazers were willing to back him in the transfer market.
“If a really top-class player became available, then we would go for him,” he said. “But let me reiterate, contrary to what some people seem to be fixated about, money for a transfer is not a problem if I deem it necessary.”
After the success Sir Alex has brought to Old Trafford in the last 25 years - including 12 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs - few could argue that he doesn’t deserve to carry on in the Old Trafford dugout for as long as he wants.
For the 70-year-old, the next three years represent the chance to seal his legacy before handing over to a new boss with the squad well set for continuing success.
The immediate future puts Sir Alex up against local rivals Manchester City, the club he once described as ‘noisy neighbours’ but now sit top of the Premier League, three points clear of United having won 6-1 at Old Trafford in October.
That was a result described by the United manager as his ‘worst ever day’ in management - but Sir Alex loves a challenge, relishes the mere scent of combat, always setting himself and his players new targets.
He caught up 12 titles on Liverpool to win number 19 last season and he’s seen off challenges from great Arsenal and Chelsea sides, so he will take on City nose-to-nose with bullish confidence.
Sir Alex had originally planned to retire in 2002 but changed his mind because of his insatiable desire to win. That drive has not waned - and who could possibly bet against him fulfilling his vision for Manchester United in the next three years?
Follow Greg Stobart on
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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