A Gooner's tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson

On 6th November 2011 Sir Alex Ferguson will complete his 25 years as manager of Manchester United. In this transient world one can safely conclude that it is an insane amount of time that he has spent at a single club. It would be really stupid to compare his achievements with any other manager, and I truly believe that it will be impossible for anyone to emulate him. For me he is truly the greatest manager of the present era and there is light years of difference between him and other managers. It is amazing that when even great professionals tire out working at same job, the fiery Scot has continued with same passion and ferocity for 25 years!

He has often been criticized for lack of flair in his team, often been labelled as too haughty and arrogant but the results are there for everyone to see. Lets take a glance at the stats which prove his superiority, these are the trophies won by him during his tenure at Manchester United :

1. Premier League : 12

2. FA Cup: 5

3. League Cup : 4

4.FA Charity/Community shield : 10

5.UEFA Champions League: 2

6. UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1

7. UEFA Super Cup: 1

8. Intercontinental Cup: 1

9. FIFA Club World Cup: 1

The total adds up to 37 which is a staggering number to say the least and it may happen that he may add 1 or 2 more this season. But these are not the stats that have impressed this Gooner. His ironclad authority , tactical shrewdness and hunger for glory are some of his qualities that stand out. There is marked difference between the fortunes of Manchester United today as compared to the club’s unimposing status in the late 1980′s. When Ferguson took over at Manchester United, it was a crisis situation for a club which was staring at relegation, soon he transformed the club into a household name not only in England but in Europe as well.

But the path to success was difficult for the Scot, several times both supporters and critics of the club were asking him to resign. Luckily he stood the test of time and came out with flying colors. He was often labelled as too short sighted but it was due to his support that Manchester United had an army of homegrown talent at their disposal including the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes , Phil and Gary Neville. Another reason which shows his cunning side is his hectic activity at the transfer window, if buying Rooney was a master stroke then acquisition of Ronaldo was perhaps the best buy of last decade.

Winning is his habit, he is here to conquer it all

Unlike few other managers who are impassive, he openly shows his emotional side : often seen dancing in joy, consoling his players after a heart breaking defeat, openly accepting his mistakes and swearing at referees. Unlike few others who like to hog limelight by indulging in mind games and labeling or christening themselves as “chosen one” or “messiahs” , he has often admitted that he is just human. Yes, he may not have won several Champions League titles nor has he enjoyed an unbeaten streak like Arsene Wenger but his passion, discipline and shrewd tactics have seen him achieve phenomenal success unlike both of them who have in past few years faded away.

Never afraid to speak his mind

He protects his players but is not afraid to lay off those who do not go by his rules. David Beckham learnt that the hard way, after achieving grand success under Ferguson, things got worse for the pair who once had a father-son relationship. The end result Beckham got 2 stitches above his eye and was soon exported to Real Madrid, and since leaving Manchester United Beckham has not achieved the success which he deserved as a player; truly indicating that Ferguson brings out the best in his boys. It is no secret that players like Giggs, Scholes, Rooney, Roy Keane have all confessed that he is the best manager they have ever worked with.

It is only a fitting tribute that the north stand of Old Trafford was named as Sir Alex Ferguson Stand. As of now the celebrations will continue , when it will end nobody knows. However, one thing is for sure. When he does retire, he will leave a legacy which will not be matched by anyone for a long time. As Sir Alex Ferguson enters perhaps the last 5 years of his managerial career expect him to add some more feathers to his cap. One thing is for sure that he will not give up without a fit a personal quality which he has embodied in his boys. Hats off to you Sir !!