- Manchester United must shy away from listening to Sir Alex Ferguson
- Legendary Scotsman recommended David Moyes in 2013
- 84 year-old is big fan of Unai Emery
The shadow of the Manchester United manager who won it all for the club lingers around Old Trafford 13 years on.
At times, the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson has overseen managers who have come and gone from the stands, but also in the boardroom.
The managerial carousel rings once more, so the legendary manager is once again in the spotlight. As are his picks for who should be appointed the next United boss.
Ferguson Recommends Unai Emery
An extensive piece on Manchester United’s managerial search by The Athletic recently discussed topical issues around the saga. Journalist Laurie Whitwell deep-dived into possible candidates, which has included Unai Emery.
He wrote that Emery has “been proposed” to the Old Trafford hotseat “at different stages” previously. One of his biggest admirers is Ferguson, who previously had a hand in picking his successor. In 2013, he infamously told the fans in his farewell to ‘stand by’ David Moyes. It marked the start of a challenging new era for the Reds. The current Everton manager was sacked after just 10 months in charge.
Speaking in 2024, Ferguson later went viral for prophescising the success of Aston Villa. Later on, they overachieved and secured Champions League football under Emery. Ferguson was full of praise months before the media circled in on their achievements. He described Villa as playing “fantastic football”, putting the spotlight on “their manager” who “has done a great job there”.
The biggest barrier to Emery’s appointment at United in the past has been shifting him from Aston Villa. The Spaniard has a significant “level of control” that he would not get at the Red Devils. Since Ruben Amorim’s appointment, the managerial title has shifted to head coach, which signifies a reduced level of control.
INEOS Must Hear Ferguson as White Noise
Ferguson left his ambassadorial role at Old Trafford in 2024, as INEOS made the bold move to reduce his influence. It was billed as a cost-cutting measure, given that the club were paying millions to the 84-year-old since his retirement from football.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe opted to recruit his own team and create a hierarchy within data, transfer and financial streams. Through the process, the adage of ‘out with the old, in with the new’ has reflected a new dawning at the club since the minority co-owner invested in the club. That move in 2024 to remove Ferguson from the wage bill is a given assurance that the Scot no longer has a big voice like he once did.
Sir Alex’s genius on the touchline is unmatched. However, his track record in talent-spotting managers has always been tainted by the recommendation to appoint Moyes.
Emery is a fantastic manager in his own right. However, he thrives on the total control he has at Villa Park, which would come at a crossroads if he were appointed as the next United manager. Similiarly, Amorim had no problems in putting pen to paper when he left Sporting CP to take the helm at Old Trafford. It was only months later that he went on a rant that ultimately cost him his job.
If United wants to become a modern powerhouse again, the board must prove they don’t need the co-sign or parental permission from the godfather himself. Ignoring Sir Alex’s advice isn’t an act of disrespect, but the club can’t continue to be tied down to one voice.
