Ferguson's Successor

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:40

Following the Champions League Final we heard all the talk about SAF having another 2-3 years in the hot seat before riding off into the sun set. It has been widely accepted that Carlos Queiroz would step into the breach, but he has since been linked with the Portuguese job. Surely that would change his prospects.

I am going to throw the usual names around, but maybe a curveball or two as well:

Carlos Queiroz - the frontrunner.
Jose Mourinho - no one seems to like this option, but he has the personality to easily succeed SAF.
Martin O'Neill - has CL experience with Celtic.
David Moyes - third longest serving PL manager.
Mark Hughes - now at City. Makes it unlikely.
Roy Keane - former captain of the club. Still highly revered.
Juande Ramos - a sneaky one? He would see United as a step up. Unless he transforms Spurs into contenders.
Laurent Blanc - a complete outsider.
Roberto Mancini - done a good job at Inter. Or has he? Very underwhelming in Europe.
Sven Goran Eriksson - has the track record. In hindsight, actually did a good job with England and City.

That is a list of 9 managers from the top of my head. Blanc is probably the name that will raise eyebrows but he has enjoyed a succesful start to his managerial career in Ligue 1 and he of course has links to the club. He would bring a wealth of experience with him and a calming influence.

The rest of the names are well established. Of course, Mark Hughes could be a bit more tricky now that he is at City. Roy Keane could be just ripe in three years time. Certainly his start in management has been excellent.

My choice would be Mourinho. The reservation being his penchant for functional football. Surely he could adapt?

a_devil_inside · 30th June 2008, 20:42

Keane has a very long way to be considered good enough to manage United

Elliott · 30th June 2008, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feed Me

Juande Ramos - a sneaky one? He would see United as a step up. Unless he transforms Spurs into contenders.

He'd be my second choice after Queiroz. O'Neill 3rd.

Lot 49 · 30th June 2008, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feed Me

My choice would be Mourinho.

I concur.

R*v*N · 30th June 2008, 20:46

You forgot Brucey and Robbo

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_devil_inside

Keane has a very long way to be considered good enough to manage United

Yeah, but there needs to be a bit of foresight and forward planning. You have to look at a person's qualities. Keane has the presence and mentality. He knows the club and would command instant respect from fans, players and staff.

His CV reads:

Sunderland: 1st season: takes over an ailing team in the Championship and steers them to the top flight.
2nd season: established them in the PL quite convincingly in the end.

He has also shown he possesses more than a mere blood and thunder approach as well.

In three years, if he carries on his current trajectory, he will be a front runner.

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by R*v*N

You forgot Brucey and Robbo

No chance. Robson has all but finished now he has taken this ambassadorial role. Bruce has a very mixed record, though did well with Wigan last season. Neither is anywhere near the level of a former player like Hughes.

Elliott · 30th June 2008, 20:50

I wonder what SAF thought when Aragones won the EC. Hopefully something along the lines of 'if that unfit cunt can do it just weeks shy of 70, I'll go on for another decade.'

esmufc07 · 30th June 2008, 20:50

I'd go for CQ, he knows how the club runs, knows all the players and would help soften the blow of SAF leaving.

Juande Ramos I would love, I think he is an outstanding manager with a proven track record, and would keep up the attacking philosphy at the club.

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elliott

I wonder what SAF thought when Aragones won the EC. Hopefully something along the lines of 'if that unfit cunt can do it just weeks shy of 70, I'll go on for another decade.'

The rigours of day-to-day club management are a lot more draining than international management though. SAF has always said he will continue for as long as he is fit. He seems okay at the moment (touch wood) so who knows, it could be longer than 3 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by esmufc07

I'd go for CQ, he knows how the club runs, knows all the players and would help soften the blow of SAF leaving.

Juande Ramos I would love, I think he is an outstanding manager with a proven track record, and would keep up the attacking philosphy at the club.

Ramos has a winning record with attacking philosophies. His fitness regime at Spurs has been welcome and his transfers look very tidy indeed.

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:53

I agree with those backing CQ. But does he want to hang around for another 2 or 3 years as a no. 2?

Sonny1972 · 30th June 2008, 20:58

No Wenger ??

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny1972

No Wenger ??

You think that is viable?

Dr. Dwayne · 30th June 2008, 21:02

I think that in the time it takes SAF to retire, someone will come from out of the blue to be a serious contender for the job. Someone we can't even consider at this point in time.

kristinson · 30th June 2008, 21:03

Feck I dont have a clue its just sohard to imagine anyone else at the helm, SAF is all Iv ever known. I think we will go for someone with strong united ties. I always fancied Mark Hughes as a possibility.

R*v*N · 30th June 2008, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feed Me

No chance. Robson has all but finished now he has taken this ambassadorial role. Bruce has a very mixed record, though did well with Wigan last season. Neither is anywhere near the level of a former player like Hughes.

You said it all but I just meant that they worth to be mentioned on the list

crappycraperson · 30th June 2008, 21:09

My hunch is that it would be Ramos.

kietotheworld · 30th June 2008, 21:09

I don't particularly like the idea of appointing CQ. He was an excellent assistant but he's largely unproven as a manager, I'm not going to use his spell at Madrid as a stick to beat him with, he was asked to perform under ludicrous conditions, but he's never performed anywhere else either. McClaren was a great assistant but a shit manager, for example.

My first choice would be Mourinho or Ramos, depending on how things go for them over the next couple of years. Appointing former players or assistants very rarely works, those two are proven trophy winning managers.

Red Devil 26 · 30th June 2008, 21:13

No denying he's a great manager, but I'd hate to see Mourinho at Utd.

esmufc07 · 30th June 2008, 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Devil 26

No denying he's a great manager, but I'd hate to see Mourinho at Utd.

Plus we would turn into one of the most boring teams on the plant from one of the most exciting.

No thanks.

Fergies Formula · 30th June 2008, 21:16

outside bet on cantona, although he has no experience, im sure he would be a great manager

MiamiSpartan · 30th June 2008, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Devil 26

No denying he's a great manager, but I'd hate to see Mourinho at Utd.

Setting aside my personal dislike of Mourinho, my first question of him and any other candidate would be what's his track record at spotting and developing young talent? That, and attacking football, are the most crucial elements to carrying on the tradition of Manchester United.

With the expectations in this day and age, it may be unrealistic to have the patience (and give the opportunity) to develop many stars through the youth team. The next best thing would be to spot the young and/or unheralded talent and turning them into stars (i.e., Ronaldo, Nani, Anderson, as well as guys like Vidic and Evra who have far outplayed their transfer "value").

Lizard King · 30th June 2008, 22:00

Hiddink

esmufc07 · 30th June 2008, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizard King

Hiddink

Too old!

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 22:03

People say that CQ is vital to retaining the likes of Anderson, Nani and Ronaldo long term, but his presence is obviously not working that well at keeping Ronaldo happy at the moment.

If you get a manager in with real presence - such as a Mourinho, or someone of that ilk - then these players would be delighted to play for them.

The key to replacing SAF is to have a big character (obviously allied with managerial ability) so that there is no hangover when SAF retires and so there is no element of the new boss not being afforded the same respect. In this sense, a Mourinho would instantly command the respect of the dressing room.

Capello anyone? It seems his England contract coming to and end could be at the sort of time that SAF retires. Winning record in various top leagues.

Feed Me · 30th June 2008, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizard King

Hiddink

Also in Roman's top pocket.

Scholesy · 30th June 2008, 22:06

Im looking for someone like Fergie. Who can absolute go aff his nut, but also has a charming side.

Moyes for me, seems to not have much of the charming side, whereas Queiroz seems too nice and not angry enough.

Ramos would be my choice.

VoetbalWizard · 30th June 2008, 22:21

JM, ramos for now.

however if blanc proves himself in the next 2-3 years, i'd take the plunge with him. Another outsider is laudrup (though even moreso than blanc since blanc atleast played for us).

December_16 · 30th June 2008, 22:42

Whoever in charge next should make it clear that they don't want Fergie lingering around in the back, because that shouldn't be helpful to them taking the helm. History proved that by Sir Busby case.

Brwned · 30th June 2008, 22:51

Jose Mourinho being my first choice now but only in the hope that he can adapt his style of football a bit, because he ticks all of the other boxes.

Keane and Blanc as two future frontrunners. Keane has everything except the eye for a good signing and great tactical knowledge, but SAF took a while to learn this traits while he was at United so it isn't that much of a big deal yet. Blanc always had the tactical nous and although he wouldn't command respect like Keane or SAF do, he would be respected in a more subtle manner I would think.

In all honesty though I think it is very likely that CQ will be our next manager. It seems SAF thinks he can do it and he has the tactical knowledge, familiarity with the team and apparently very good training and fitness methods. If SAF chooses him I can't see many people disagreeing with him.

I'm surprised you even considered Mancini. His achievements with Inter weren't overly good in the Serie A, they were awful in the Champions League and he never really had control over the dressing room, ever.

30th June 2008, 20:40	#1 (permalink)
Feed Me bobbobray - hits women. Big man Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Berbatov has Cantona’s knack of being the man amid a stampede towards the door who stops to notice a side exit that nobody else has seen. Posts: 9,291	Ferguson's Successor Following the Champions League Final we heard all the talk about SAF having another 2-3 years in the hot seat before riding off into the sun set. It has been widely accepted that Carlos Queiroz would step into the breach, but he has since been linked with the Portuguese job. Surely that would change his prospects. I am going to throw the usual names around, but maybe a curveball or two as well: Carlos Queiroz - the frontrunner. Jose Mourinho - no one seems to like this option, but he has the personality to easily succeed SAF. Martin O'Neill - has CL experience with Celtic. David Moyes - third longest serving PL manager. Mark Hughes - now at City. Makes it unlikely. Roy Keane - former captain of the club. Still highly revered. Juande Ramos - a sneaky one? He would see United as a step up. Unless he transforms Spurs into contenders. Laurent Blanc - a complete outsider. Roberto Mancini - done a good job at Inter. Or has he? Very underwhelming in Europe. Sven Goran Eriksson - has the track record. In hindsight, actually did a good job with England and City. That is a list of 9 managers from the top of my head. Blanc is probably the name that will raise eyebrows but he has enjoyed a succesful start to his managerial career in Ligue 1 and he of course has links to the club. He would bring a wealth of experience with him and a calming influence. The rest of the names are well established. Of course, Mark Hughes could be a bit more tricky now that he is at City. Roy Keane could be just ripe in three years time. Certainly his start in management has been excellent. My choice would be Mourinho. The reservation being his penchant for functional football. Surely he could adapt?

30th June 2008, 20:42	#2 (permalink)
a_devil_inside Big footed hermaphrodite Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Little Britain Posts: 25,798	Keane has a very long way to be considered good enough to manage United

30th June 2008, 20:46	#5 (permalink)
RvN Ruud's agent, United's biggest shareholder, loves United with passion... Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: CH Posts: 3,847	You forgot Brucey and Robbo

30th June 2008, 20:50	#8 (permalink)
Elliott Likes Loan Stickies Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 4,846	I wonder what SAF thought when Aragones won the EC. Hopefully something along the lines of 'if that unfit cunt can do it just weeks shy of 70, I'll go on for another decade.'

30th June 2008, 20:50	#9 (permalink)
esmufc07 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cobra on my left; Leopard on my right! Posts: 145	I'd go for CQ, he knows how the club runs, knows all the players and would help soften the blow of SAF leaving. Juande Ramos I would love, I think he is an outstanding manager with a proven track record, and would keep up the attacking philosphy at the club.

30th June 2008, 20:53	#11 (permalink)
Feed Me bobbobray - hits women. Big man Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Berbatov has Cantona’s knack of being the man amid a stampede towards the door who stops to notice a side exit that nobody else has seen. Posts: 9,291	I agree with those backing CQ. But does he want to hang around for another 2 or 3 years as a no. 2?

30th June 2008, 20:58	#12 (permalink)
Sonny1972 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: i knew i was nuts when the squirrels started staring at me Posts: 1,156	No Wenger ??

30th June 2008, 21:02	#14 (permalink)
Dr. Dwayne self confessed womens pantie wearer Join Date: May 2006 Location: form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Posts: 14,371	I think that in the time it takes SAF to retire, someone will come from out of the blue to be a serious contender for the job. Someone we can't even consider at this point in time.

30th June 2008, 21:03	#15 (permalink)
kristinson Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dubai Posts: 947	Feck I dont have a clue its just sohard to imagine anyone else at the helm, SAF is all Iv ever known. I think we will go for someone with strong united ties. I always fancied Mark Hughes as a possibility.

30th June 2008, 21:09	#17 (permalink)
crappycraperson "Resident cricket authority" Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: <Insert something funny here> Posts: 11,487	My hunch is that it would be Ramos.

30th June 2008, 21:09	#18 (permalink)
kietotheworld Reserve Team Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Airstrip One..... Useful Posts: 4 Posts: 4,065	I don't particularly like the idea of appointing CQ. He was an excellent assistant but he's largely unproven as a manager, I'm not going to use his spell at Madrid as a stick to beat him with, he was asked to perform under ludicrous conditions, but he's never performed anywhere else either. McClaren was a great assistant but a shit manager, for example. My first choice would be Mourinho or Ramos, depending on how things go for them over the next couple of years. Appointing former players or assistants very rarely works, those two are proven trophy winning managers.

30th June 2008, 21:13	#19 (permalink)
Red Devil 26 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: <Insert witty remark> Posts: 1,186	No denying he's a great manager, but I'd hate to see Mourinho at Utd.

30th June 2008, 21:16	#21 (permalink)
Fergies Formula Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Brighton/ London Posts: 1,862	outside bet on cantona, although he has no experience, im sure he would be a great manager

30th June 2008, 22:00	#23 (permalink)
Lizard King Join Date: May 2007 Location: Manchester Posts: 13,134	Hiddink

30th June 2008, 22:03	#25 (permalink)
Feed Me bobbobray - hits women. Big man Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Berbatov has Cantona’s knack of being the man amid a stampede towards the door who stops to notice a side exit that nobody else has seen. Posts: 9,291	People say that CQ is vital to retaining the likes of Anderson, Nani and Ronaldo long term, but his presence is obviously not working that well at keeping Ronaldo happy at the moment. If you get a manager in with real presence - such as a Mourinho, or someone of that ilk - then these players would be delighted to play for them. The key to replacing SAF is to have a big character (obviously allied with managerial ability) so that there is no hangover when SAF retires and so there is no element of the new boss not being afforded the same respect. In this sense, a Mourinho would instantly command the respect of the dressing room. Capello anyone? It seems his England contract coming to and end could be at the sort of time that SAF retires. Winning record in various top leagues.

30th June 2008, 22:06	#27 (permalink)
Scholesy biggest idiotic gay in the village Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The Village Posts: 4,004	Im looking for someone like Fergie. Who can absolute go aff his nut, but also has a charming side. Moyes for me, seems to not have much of the charming side, whereas Queiroz seems too nice and not angry enough. Ramos would be my choice.

30th June 2008, 22:21	#28 (permalink)
VoetbalWizard Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 4,345	JM, ramos for now. however if blanc proves himself in the next 2-3 years, i'd take the plunge with him. Another outsider is laudrup (though even moreso than blanc since blanc atleast played for us).

30th June 2008, 22:42	#29 (permalink)
December_16 Arse wiper and cock washer Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Football that just makes you purrrrrr Posts: 3,358	Whoever in charge next should make it clear that they don't want Fergie lingering around in the back, because that shouldn't be helpful to them taking the helm. History proved that by Sir Busby case.

30th June 2008, 22:51	#30 (permalink)
Brwned First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belfast - Antrim Road/Royal Lodge. http://cbrown564.bebo.com Posts: 8,033	Jose Mourinho being my first choice now but only in the hope that he can adapt his style of football a bit, because he ticks all of the other boxes. Keane and Blanc as two future frontrunners. Keane has everything except the eye for a good signing and great tactical knowledge, but SAF took a while to learn this traits while he was at United so it isn't that much of a big deal yet. Blanc always had the tactical nous and although he wouldn't command respect like Keane or SAF do, he would be respected in a more subtle manner I would think. In all honesty though I think it is very likely that CQ will be our next manager. It seems SAF thinks he can do it and he has the tactical knowledge, familiarity with the team and apparently very good training and fitness methods. If SAF chooses him I can't see many people disagreeing with him. I'm surprised you even considered Mancini. His achievements with Inter weren't overly good in the Serie A, they were awful in the Champions League and he never really had control over the dressing room, ever.