Being a Manchester United supporter at the moment is highly stressful! We have had an amazing season thus far, no one can deny that we have scared every team in the premiership. At times we have looked impeccable, in all quarters of the field. The back four have been sublime even when without Neville and Ferdinand, Vidic has developed into arguably one of the best defenders in the world. Furthermore who can forget the contribution of Jonny Evans this season, a relatively inexperienced 21 year old. He played a key role along with Vidic and Van der Sar in going 14 games unbeaten without letting in a goal.
However its crunch time and the pressure is on. There's no doubt we are feeling the heat, our solid back four were unrecognisable against Aston Villa on the 5th of April. As a team we have wobbled ever since coming through against Inter in the Champions League, a game that could have gone either way. One would never put money against United not regaining composure, but the way in which we didn't hold on to the lead against Porto is another sign that the structure and assuredness has deserted Ferguson's men for the time being. Personally I think we have done enough to win the league and Porto will find it tough this week. What is troubling me is that next season could well be Fergie's last and I can't help thinking who the hell can replace him?
There's no doubt a good cluster of talented managers exist but to replace that aura Ferguson has built up over the years will be tough. It will take a couple of seasons for supporters and players to get used to the new environment. We need someone who is willing to stay long term, stamp their mark on the club and go from there. That's why for me the manager needs to be British, unless your Solskjaer or Cantona of course! Both Manchester United through and through. If our man is from the UK, being away from family wont become a factor. We all know having a run of new managers brings instability, teams under perform and spend season after season falling short of the trophies. Look no further than Chelsea, an array of world class players but have been lacking in solid leadership.
Furthermore the new manager will need to know what Manchester United is all about, bringing youth from the academy and an attitude of attack, attack, attack. Jose Mourhino's name is on many people's lips but his focus tends to lean on the defensive, making sure the back four are brilliant technically. This would not go down well at Old Trafford. If he came, there would undoubtedly be a honey moon period but the wheels would soon fall off when things get tricky. He is too much of a personality and when things get tough he can loose his cool, instead of focusing on the job in hand.
David Moyes has to be high on the list, apparently he is Ferguson's favourite to take over. What he has managed to do at Everton, out of minimum funds has to be applauded. Finishing in the top six in three of the past four seasons. He is a great manager, not flashy and knows how to get the best from his players. Then there's Martin O' Neill, another fantastic manager who enjoys building something from nothing. Focusing on bringing the youth through and showing belief in them by playing them in crucial games, similar to Fergie with Welbeck, Fabio and Rafael. Belief is what the youngsters need to propel them to the next level, look no further than Federico Macheda in the past week. Unfortunately O' Neill is doing so well at Aston Villa and still aiming to build on solid foundations, it should be difficult to prize him away.
Who can forget Mark Hughes, he played his best years under Ferguson and would probably love the job. You sense that this is the legacy Ferguson has left, he managed to keep the likes of Hughes, Bruce, Keane, Giggs, Scholes, Neville and Ferdinand at the club for years and in turn they love the club more than any supporter could. When retired those last four players will undoubtedly want to be involved with the club on some level, this promising to carry on where Fergie left off. In these terms the future doesn't look too bleak, we will always have a part of Alex.
Roy Keane, before Sunderland was one of my personal favourites but he seriously needs to learn how to build a relationship with his players. Fergie is firm and we all know who the boss is, Keane also has that steeliness but unfortunately he can come across as a scary depressive, doesn't do wonders for the confidence!
Solskjaer coaches the reserves team at the moment and will definitely be adding to what he has already learned from the man. For me it may too soon for him, a few more years as the understudy and he will be there. I can see him as a Queiroz type, the right hand man.
What made me fall in love with the club was the sense that something special was brewing, starting from the bottom and building an unbeatable club. Growing up I saw the same players play week in week out, Butt, Beckham, Irwin, Ferguson's teams have been more about building a generation rather than seeing players go in and out too often. His experience has taught him to think outside of the box, becoming a master away from the pitch also. In my eyes he bought Nani, Ronaldo's Portuguese team mate partly to keep the winger settled. Furthermore he can handle Rooney better than anyone and seems to have a huge influence on Ronaldo, managing to convince him not to sign for Real Madrid.
With departure looming Man United have a good crop of players who as far as I can see want to stay even beyond the Fergie days. For someone to ignite so much passion inside these players is great to watch. The amount of respect he has from everyone involved in the club is awesome to see, he is the heart beat of Old Trafford. That first game at home after he has gone is a day that will take the wind out of everyone's sails.
Something to think about if your a Manchester United fan.
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