Even after last night's debacle and the tactical flaws that emerged during what was a very painful ninety minutes, Sir Alex could still get his hands on two trophies, which would be double that of Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is talk in many circles, be it pub gossip to football pundits, or indeed a combination of both, that when Sir Alex Ferguson adds the next trophy, be it Premiership or FA Cup (sadly it won't now be the Champions League), to the already bulging cabinet at Old Trafford, he will hang up his boots. Or in his case, the dreaded hair-dryer.

Unthinkable? It certainly would be to a multitude of worldwide fans, but the implications of such a decision need to be examined, because the Red Devils, without the man who has stoked the fires for 20 years, are about as contemplative as fish without chips. Even the most ardent and optimistic fans would find it a strange place to be.

'The Red Devils, without the man who has stoked the fires for 20 years, are about as contemplative as fish without chips'


Many pub debates have revolved around who would replace Fergie should he decide to call it a day. These conversations usually revolve around ex-United players who have done well in the managerial arena. Such debates are secondary to the actual issue, and that is: Can anyone really replace Sir Alex?

Ferguson's success at United cannot be measured in sheer silverware (although to do so would be ample enough). There is also the way in which he has brought in roughly three generations of talent through his tutelage. Even the takeover by the Glazers hasn’t shaken the man, and surely any departure from Old Trafford would be eased by his move into another post at the club, such is his magnetism.

His growth into the role as boss of the biggest club on the planet started roughly and could (some speculate) have come to an abrupt end early in his career (I believe a Mark Robins goal in an FA Cup match is often cited as a turning point).

He has gone from strength to strength since the FA Cup Final win over Palace in 1990 (Sir Alex's first trophy) and the Cup Winners' Cup success over Barcelona. Such is the longevity of his reign that the word Premiership hadn’t even been uttered when he was installed as manager at Old Trafford in 1986 (better days some would argue). Since then he has accumulated an enormous cache of silverware.

He has won eight Premiership titles; he's the only manager to have won three on the trot - in 1999, 2000 and 2001 - and he has guided United to five of their 11 FA Cup triumphs, to say nothing of the famous and, as yet, unrivalled treble, which included the Champions League.

I for one will be rooting for a United double, not only because Chelsea and Jose have in many ways outstayed their welcome, but also because it would be a fitting end to a glittering career which, in my opinion, means that he is worthy of the title of best manager of all-time.

I should point out that despite singing the praises of Sir Alex so loudly, I am not even a United fan!

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