The Checkered Mind

for 24 years, 1 month and 14 days, Sir Alex Ferguson has reigned supreme as manager of Manchester United Football Club.

Surpassing Sir Matt Busby’s record was probably the last thing on his mind in the run up to this weekend, however with the now infamous clash of Chelsea – United being postponed due to the white stuff, he may, just for a moment, sit back and reflect on his incredible journey with the Red Devils.

On the 6th November 1986, Fergie left Aberdeen’s granite terraces for the west of Britain and Manchester’s sunny skies! His first years at the club were frankly very up and down, finishing his first season in 11th, his second in 2nd and his third in 13th. Moreover, during this latter campaign, 1989-1990, Ferguson came under fire from both the press and fans, declaring that he was just another excuse making failure who would never live up to the Busby days. Nonetheless, he was overwhelmingly praised for his work within the club. He increased discipline for players such as the drink fuelled Bryan Robson, reorganised the club’s coaching system and brought in future stars such as Steve Bruce, Brain Mclair, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Gary Pallister, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Parker, Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis.

From 1992, all was to change. Manchester United won the first Premier League title in the 1992-93 season, with Ferguson being announced as manager of the year and new signing Eric Cantona storming the field. The following campaigns were equally as exciting, although a major blip occurred in 95, when King Eric was banned for eight months following his attack on a fan at Crystal Palace. Despite this, the manager used his now infamous ability to handle the situation smartly and calmly. Moreover, he swift to play down any criticism that was thrown at him…with 1995-96 being the most brilliant example.

Ferguson began the season under an avalanche of condemnation, having sold Ince, Hughes and Kanchelskis without bringing in replacements. He opted instead to try out his youth, playing the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers on a regular basis. Many believed that this was a poor decision, with some announcing ‘You never win anything with kids!’ However, as the season continued, Fergie’s proteges tailed their rivals Newcastle United, pushing for the top-spot. As the end of the season neared, the pressure rose, but Ferguson remained collected, unlike Kevin Keagan, who was lambasted for his ‘I would love it if we beat them!’ rant on television. Fergie had the upper hand, won the championship and topped the whole thing off with a victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup Final thanks to a scorcher from Cantona.

1999 was the next major year for Ferguson and most probably his finest. He had built his squad of youths into a crushing power, with awesome additions such as Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham, Ole Gunnar Soskjaer, Ronny Johnsen, Jaap Stam and Dwight Yorke. With such a force, it was no wonder that Manchester United won the treble, but it was the skill, precision and character of both players and most importantly manager that made 1999 a year to remember.

Since that infamous campaign over ten years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson has shown more than ever that he has the drive and determination to maintain Manchester United’s position as the greatest and most successful footballing force around. The 2002-03 season in particular illustrates his managerial prowess. With his major competitor Arsene Wenger taking his team to eight points ahead with less than two months to go, Ferguson managed United delightfully and rattled the composure of Arsenal. With no defeats since Boxing Day and ten huge victories in eleven games, they marched on to victory and an eighth Premier League title.

Of course, like every manager, Alex Ferguson has come under scrutiny in the past and will probably do so in the future. The press certainly haven’t given him an easy time and he hasn’t ever been practically canonised due to having to build a new squad following a major disaster and his own near fatality. However, Busby was one in a million and Ferguson must be viewed in a seperate light. What the present manager does have, is an outstanding ability to ensure control over most situations. Unlike many of his competitors, he has a political understanding of football and has not and does not allow himself to lose grip on ‘champagne superstars’ or players who believe themselves to be in command, or even the pressure to get caught up with the financial problems that the Glazers have caused. If we look at the handling of both the Ronaldo and Rooney sagas for example, we see a manager taking care of things behind the scenes, without giving in to the press and inevitably either making a huge amount of money from a sale, without any bad feelings, or, settling the worries of a player who then goes on to sign a new contract with a big smile on his face. Essentially, it is this that makes Fergie what he is today. His talent to stay focused on the team and the team alone, as well as his god-like ability to retain authority over his players, but still keep them happy, enjoying their football and rarely causing any fuss.

At the end of the day, amongst this era of half-a-season managerial careers, Arabian money throwing owners and increasingly demanding players, it is a surprise that any coach has survived the idiotic politics of today’s football world. However, Sir Alex Ferguson can be proud to say that he has and hopefully will continue to do so. Moreover, we will all hope that these retirement rumours are just that and he will be down at Carrington, 6.30am each day, to train his team towards victory, with an overwhelming appetite for success, for many more years to come.