Hina Jalil

Many people are counting the days until Sir Alex Ferguson leaves Manchester United and those same people are licking their lips in anticipation of the end of the Old Trafford dominance. You could argue that only a fool would try to fill Fergie’s boots, but the opportunity to be a part of the history of such a great club would be equally foolish to turn down. When the fateful day comes, and one senses it drawing nearer, you can almost guarantee that the Scotsman will have a say in the name of his successor. On that basis, this hub will try to create a shortlist of current coaches who will get the Fergie thumbs up.

The relationship between Sir Alex and Jose started on a rocky footing, of that there is no doubt. They first encountered each other as opposing managers in a Champions League Round of 16 match-up in 2004 when Mourinho’s Porto sent United packing. A last minute goal for Porto sent Jose running up the Old Trafford touchline in delirium, and needless to say it left Fergie fuming. A few words of contempt were exchanged in the formative years but once Sir Alex finally beat Jose to a league title, their relationship has blossomed into one of respect and their words for each other have been amiable.

Why he could be manager?

Simply, he is the only man big enough for the job. He has proved time and again that he can win wherever he goes and he can get the most out of his players. Mourihno is very popular in England, particularly with the media and the Manchester United board may also take this into account. They will want a brand like Jose that will appeal to a worldwide audience and clearly this manager offers that along with an impressive haul of trophies.

Why he can’t be manager?

He was heavily criticized during his spell in England for his boring style of football, even though it was successful. The Man Utd supporters are used to watching exciting football, but they prefer winning football.

Jose is not a long term guy. He has stated on many occasions that he could not stay at a club as long as Sir Alex. He has also expressed his wish to coach the Portugal national team and a desire to retire relatively young. The question is can he fit Man Utd into his busy schedule?

Steve Bruce was like an adopted son of Sir Alex, particularly when he captained Manchester United to their first league title in 26 years, and in doing so he ensured that Fergie had a success on which to base his future vision for the club. Bruce the player was an ultimate winner. He was an old style centre half who also contributed over 50 goals in 400 odd appearances under Ferguson. Bruce has taken a slow route into top level management and some could argue he still isn’t there. He had some success in the lower divisions with Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace before he guided Birmingham City into the Premier League. He has since enjoyed good spells in the top flight with Birmingham, Wigan and currently Sunderland.

Why he could be manager?

He remains a huge favourite with United fans who thank him to this day for his two goal salvo in injury time in a game against Sheffield Wednesday that all but sealed the long awaited league title in 1993. He has also shown great courage as a manager in that he always goes out to win any match. Indeed he has been criticized for this attitude because it has often led his small clubs to heavy defeats at the hands of big clubs. However, this positive approach can only endear him further to Man Utd supporters. Bruce also has a wonderful record in the transfer market after discovering players like Antonio Valencia and Hugo Rodallega, and improving players like Darren Bent and Titus Bramble.

Why he can’t be manager?

The fact he has never managed in European competition is a big problem for his hopes of managing United. He is also untested under the pressure of title races and the pressure of having to win every game.

Hughes is a former Man Utd forward who is very respected by the fans although not quite as popular as Bruce. He has plenty of managerial experience already having managed Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City. He also coached the Welsh national team for a period. Known for his mental toughness, Hughes often exchanged words with Sir Alex during his tenure as Man City boss and is never one to back down. Having already endured the pressure that comes with big expectation, he is probably the most suited of any former United player to take over from Fergie. Hughes was sacked by Man City earlier this season when results and performance levels dipped below the owner’s expectation, despite the fact that the club were forecast to finish in their highest position ever since the Premier League was founded.

Why he could be manager?

He is an excellent motivator and has mostly over-achieved with the teams and players he has managed. He is a strong character who would not be fazed by the daunting nature of the Old Trafford job. He understands as much as anyone the style of play that is traditional at Manchester United.

Why he can’t be manager?

His relationship with Ferguson became strained while Hughes was in charge at the blue side of Manchester. He does not like media intrusion and the media, by and large do not like Hughes because he creates little controversy. On that basis, he would not be ideal on the PR front. As with Bruce, he has never managed a team down the title stretch and is therefore unproven.

Carlos is recognised by Sir Alex as one of the world’s top coaches who simply outgrew the assistant role at Old Trafford. He joined United in the summer of 2002 and his coaching methods helped the reds to win the Premier League at the end of his first season. Queiroz then moved to Spain when he was given the opportunity to manage Real Madrid. After a relatively unsuccessful tenure lasting 10 months, he was sacked by Real, but then who hasn’t been sacked by the Spanish giants? He was welcomed back to Old Trafford with open arms where he and Sir Alex set about creating another great United team. It took time for the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney to blossom but eventually after some patience, Utd won the title in 2007 and again in 2008. They also captured the European Cup in 2008. Queiroz was back in the headlines and Portugal made their move. Once again Carlos could not turn down the opportunity and has since guided them to this year’s World Cup in South Africa.

Why he could be manager?

He enjoys a great friendship with Sir Alex who has huge respect for the Portuguese. He is a calm, intelligent figure who is well known for turning good young prospects into great players. Examples of this include Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo. He already knows the management and training set-up at Carrington and would fit into the place like an old shoe. The transition from Ferguson to Queiroz would be smooth.

Why he can’t be manager?

At 57 years of age, the Manchester United board might be looking for a younger candidate who could provide a long term solution. Carlos will be 59 when his contract expires with Portugal and who knows whether he would have the motivation to begin such a strenuous project at the verge of 60.

Gasperini has emerged as a potential outsider to take over at Old Trafford based on the wonderful job he has done at Italian club Genoa. He has guided Genoa from the depths of Serie B, the second division to a contender for a Champions League place in Serie A. His style of football has been largely admired in Italy and it has also caught the eye of Ferguson. It was reported in December of 2009 that Sir Alex wanted Gasperini to initially work alongside him as a technical director before moving into the manager’s position once Fergie retires.

Why he could be manager?

He is a very talented manager and astute tactician. He has produced a very fluent style of play at Genoa which may be to the liking of the Man Utd fans. If the Manchester United owners are looking for a manager from outside of England, Gasperini ticks many of the boxes and may not command the hefty wages of some of the bigger names. He may feel that he has taken Genoa as far as he can, and barring an offer from a top Italian club, the prospect of Manchester United may be too good to refuse.

Why he can’t be manager?

He does not speak fluent English which may be a problem but one that can be overcome. He could be hesitant about leaving his comfortable lifestyle in Italy for the hectic world of the Premier League and English football. He is unproven at such a pressurized level and may not have the character to ride such expectation. He will not want to spend years as technical director or as deputy to Ferguson which may halt any deal as it is Ferguson’s wish to have a smooth transition when he leaves.