In Zach Helm’s 2007 children’s fantasy film, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, Dustin Hoffman plays a 243 year-old owner of a magical toyshop. When he suddenly announces his retirement, the store grieves, loses its magic, the toys, furniture and even the bright red walls turning a charred gray in anticipation.
Latest reports from Old Trafford suggest Manchester United’s magical shrine hasn’t suffered the same fate but when I heard that Sir Alex Ferguson was leaving I did wonder! In the aftershock it seemed almost disrespectful to consider life after Fergie, our focus was gratitude to the great man. But life for United supporters goes on and in the shape of Moyes Boys (mmm… I think we need to work on that?).
I’ll put my cards on the table, I wanted Mourinho. He has the perfect CV and could fill Fergie’s shoes perfectly whilst worried Reds point to Moyes’ lack of trophies and Champions League experience. Yet Everton have punched above their weight for a decade given their financial constraints and credit goes to David Moyes for shrewd transfer dealings. My only concern is that football is littered with failed managers who did wonderful work with ‘smaller’ clubs only to spend foolishly when a big transfer chest was handed to them. Neighbours City have specialised in recruiting such managers for over 30 years now!
So let’s get a grip of ourselves and look at the positives. David Moyes is an excellent manager. His work ethic, drive, tactical nous and man management are all first rate. He knows the game inside out. At United we cherish our tradition of playing attractive, winning football. I feel Moyes will embrace the tradition. Rearing homegrown talent is another cornerstone of Old Trafford, Moyes will ensure the academy pipeline continues to produce pure gold. If that doesn’t convince the sceptics, then remember, Sir Alex Ferguson recommended David Moyes, would our beloved leader handover the keys to the kingdom lightly? No.
I’m old enough to remember the doomed Busby - McGuiness handover in 1969. On the surface, the similarities are disturbing but two differences stand out. Firstly, Moyes is very much his own man and learned his trade managing Preston and Everton over a fifteen year period. Secondly, Fergie’s legacy is a young successful team and an empire with all the pieces in place to deliver success. Busby was accused of interfering in team matters after he stepped down. Wilf McGuiness has scotched those claims saying that he should have consulted Sir Matt more than he did. I don’t believe David Moyes will make that mistake.
Moyes will do well, the walls of the Old Trafford will stay Red and Fergie Magorium will ensure the magic never dies.
In December 1989, United fanatic Pete Molyneux raised a banner calling for Alex Ferguson’s head, sparking the biggest protest in Old Trafford’s 100 years. For manager and supporter alike it was their darkest hour. Pete never gave up on his team and, thank God, Fergie stayed. Ta Ra Fergie! tells Pete’s story of his time following United at home and abroad since 1964, attending over 2,000 matches.
This is the story of United from a fan’s perspective covering Alex Ferguson’s reign. From the despair of relegation and the tortuous false-dawns of the 1980s to that elusive title win, the doubles, the treble and two more European Cups, his obsession with watching United brought countless thrills but it also had a darker side that led to heartache and tragedy.
Further reading:
* Sir Alex Ferguson is going to retire at the end of the season
* Manchester United's wins and losses under Sir Alex Ferguson
* 10 things not everyone knows about one of football's most iconic managers.
* Sir Alex's most famous relationship: Beckham and Ferguson