Will SAF use this moment to speak up?

[Chesterlestreet]

He has been more detrimental to the club in retirement than a positive.

That would be pretty much par for the course (in terms of how things usually go) - but out of curiosity, what exactly has he done (that has been detrimental)?

According to you, I mean?

(Keep in mind that I prefer things he's actually, undoubtedly done - but I will also accept things he may have possibly had a hand in. I will not accept unfounded bollocks that only idiotic conspiracy theorists believe in.)

 

[Mickeza]

This isn’t his fight. He’ll know them personally as opposed to the dehumanised glazer scum versions we know and they stayed out of his way when he was manager. Heck, he probably thinks if he’d stayed and was given 1.3bn to sign whoever the feck he wants the club would be doing a fair bit better than it is. He was one of the first to speak out against the ESL though and should the club actually be for sale I think he’ll throw his support around one of the bidders.

 

[stw2022]

Absolutely no chance. He's the reason they took over in the first place and never said a bad word about them. They basically let him run the club exactly how he wanted to, unlimited power.

Such bollocks. The idea anyone can believe you would buy the worlds most expensive football club because two strangers have a row over a horse is one of the most bizarre conspiracy theories ever to existed

Ferguson hasn't died and has the temerity to still want to watch the club he helped build every week. What a cnut, eh?

 

[united_99]

Well he didn’t speak out against them when they let his successors break club transfer record after club transfer record, or when they started listening more to greedy agents and paying players ridiculous money the moment he retired, then why should he speak out now?
People are out of their mind expecting SAF to do something.

He probably holds other people including his successors responsible as well and not just the Glazers.
Shortly after take over we had a highly successful period on the pitch. Nothing to do with the Glazers, but he was grateful that they let him do his stuff and didn’t interfere. This is not his fight, neither will it achieve anything.

 

[Someone]

We need to stop trying to find ways to blame the man for things he had nothing to do with. Most club owners were pretty much the same, and even before the Glazers we weren't big spenders. He didn't own the club, and as you can see clearly now, without him we turned into a mess. Sir Alex chose to keep doing what's best for the club considering the circumstances, and he managed to keep us successful. Speaking against the glazers back them would've cost him his job and cost us one of the most successful eras for the club.

Be grateful, he gave us everything. We don't get to demand anything from the man now. They treated him with respect and he won't go against them. Move on.

 

[stw2022]

Ferguson's actual involvement in anything post 2013 lacks any kind of substantiation whatsoever. He seems to have an honorary non-executive place on the board and was giving advice to one of his ex players when he was manager. Advice he'd have sought if Ferguson moved away to live on an island somewhere a decade ago.

Van Gaal, Mourinho, Rangnik or now ETH don't seem particularly close to him.

Still doesn't stop fans who clearly hate the man blaming him for everything. Inventing this almost evil empire boss characterture with absolutely nothing to back it up whatsoever besides them needing to justify their hatred of the man for once saying 'no value in the market' in midst of delivering the most successful periods of our history

Genuinely don't get it or what he's done to attract such bunny boilers

 

[united_99]

Ferguson's actual involvement in anything post 2013 lacks any kind of substantiation whatsoever. He seems to have an honorary non-executive place on the board and was giving advice to one of his ex players when he was manager. Advice he'd have sought if Ferguson moved away to live on an island somewhere a decade ago.

Still doesn't stop fans who clearly hate the man blaming him for everything.

Genuinely don't get it or what he's done to attract such bunny boilers

Hey, don’t you know because of him McT (no transfer cost, low wages) or Fletcher are still at the club.
However I am extremely surprised and shocked how with such huge influence he couldn’t stop the club from bringing back Pogba, let alone for such a stupid fee. Or when he couldn’t stop the club from hiring Jose when he and Sir Bobby were against it. Or when he couldn’t stop Moyes and the club from giving a past it Rooney a bloody 6 year contract.
But hey, he has huge influence I tell you, huge!

 

[Crapper John]

He was manager and had to work with them. What good would it have been to slag them off? Do you slag off the bosses of who you work for?

The guy nearly died and we should be thankful he is still with us. Doubtless at board level he offers advice, and would offer advice to anyone if asked, but he should be allowed to enjoy his horses and his comfortable retirement without being asked to criticise either management or players.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

The brief quote he gave on the hiring of ten Hag tells you everything you need to know.

"Well, I hope he does well because the club needs someone to get in control."

 

[dinostar77]

I love big man but he will not go openly against Glazers. No chance.

Not when they are paying him a £1mil a year in his retirement as a non-executive board member.

 

[FriedClams]

That would be pretty much par for the course (in terms of how things usually go) - but out of curiosity, what exactly has he done (that has been detrimental)?

According to you, I mean?

(Keep in mind that I prefer things he's actually, undoubtedly done - but I will also accept things he may have possibly had a hand in. I will not accept unfounded bollocks that only idiotic conspiracy theorists believe in.)

I think his push for Moyes to be the new manager was wrong. I think his reluctance to talk about the glazers is undoubtedly detrimental to the situation. Supposedly he was instrumental in ronaldo returning to the club (I think this is confirmed) which in hindsight was awful.

 

[Van Piorsing]

What's this thing he's doing with Gill and Robbo? Is that just an ambassadorial gig or something else?

Advisory at best, most likely lunch meetings. SAF is definitely not coming back in any shape or form to structure.

I presume after Woodward's mess some temporary guidance is needed and actually I don't blame Arnold or Murtough for this. Better talk with Gill and Fergie than some detached financieres.

 

[Who's Kissing Cameras?]

No value

Well said.

 

[matt10000]

Will SAF use this moment to speak up?

The answer is……………...no!

 

[Moriarty]

Advisory at best, most likely lunch meetings. SAF is definitely not coming back in any shape or form to structure.

I presume after Woodward's mess some temporary guidance is needed and actually I don't blame Arnold or Murtough for this. Better talk with Gill and Fergie than some detached financieres.

I'm sure you're right. We can't expect Fergie to involve himself given his age and his health issues.

 

[Van Piorsing]

I'm sure you're right. We can't expect Fergie to involve himself given his age and his health issues.

Actually I hope I'm dead wrong on this and SAF is boosting Ten Hag's chances with all his knowledge and on top of that he's influencing solid players to join.

This season leadership is needed like nothing else. In full strength SAF would storm the dressing room after Brighton to make some examples.

 

[Kinsella]

As much as I love the man, one of the biggest gripes I had with him was how much he was shilling for the parasites. He was full of nothing but praise for them during his tenure.

That’s because without the whole Rock of Gibraltar debacle it’s probably likely the Glazers would never have come to own the club.

* Oops…just read the rest of the thread and others have already mentioned it.

 

[Bilbo]

Let the man have his retirement. There is a dignity in silence - see Bobby Charlton for example.

 

[Forevergiggs1]

Let the man have his retirement. There is a dignity in silence - see Bobby Charlton for example.

Yeah, dignity is the real reason for their silence.

 

[calodo2003]

And say what exactly?

 

[GMoore23]

Absolutely no chance. He's the reason they took over in the first place and never said a bad word about them. They basically let him run the club exactly how he wanted to, unlimited power.

You really believe he wanted to replace Ronaldo and Tevez with Valencia and Owen, not a chance.
The "no value in the market" statement was a complete cover up for the Glazers.

The man spent 30 million on Ferdinand in 2002 which was outrageous money at the time, breaking the transfer record. In todays inflated market that'd be like spending between 120m - 150m.

Fergie wanted Magnier and Co out of United so badly after the whole Rock of Gibraltar fiasco and would have backed anyone to take over. He almost quit over it.

He backed the Glazers purchase for his own personal reasons and that's why he never speaks out against them.

I love the great man but he's not without his flaws or mistakes, just like anyone else. He's only human after all.

 

[Tiber]

isnt he on the board?

 

[Salwan]

As much as I love the man, one of the biggest gripes I had with him was how much he was shilling for the parasites. He was full of nothing but praise for them during his tenure.

but but but...Glasgow docks, worker rights, character, socialism

 

[Nevilles.Wear.Prada]

Not his style.

 

[NicolaSacco]

Actually I hope I'm dead wrong on this and SAF is boosting Ten Hag's chances with all his knowledge and on top of that he's influencing solid players to join.

This season leadership is needed like nothing else. In full strength SAF would storm the dressing room after Brighton to make some examples.

Do you honestly believe a player of today would be influenced by SAF? Genuine question. My feeling is no way, if you were even 26 today you’d have been 17 when he retired. Maybe different for players like Ronaldo etc

 

[Red the Bear]

He shouldn't involve himself in these kind of things.

 

[Bastian]

I wasn't making this thread to have a go, just honestly wondering how much of an impact it could have if he were to speak up. Some takes in here quite sanctimonious. He's involved himself in all this and it's not like he can sit this one out, he's on the board, he's endorsed them a number of times but he could say that it would be good for the club to start competing at the highest level again which it could were it in a healthier financial situation or whatever. Think it would really focus the whole energy towards a transition.

I don't know. Saying nothing is a statement too.

If people feel this needs to be caveated with: so happy with everything he's done for the club, then fine: so happy with everything he's done for the club, of course.

 

[R'hllor]

and say what exactly

 

[Van Piorsing]

Do you honestly believe a player of today would be influenced by SAF? Genuine question. My feeling is no way, if you were even 26 today you’d have been 17 when he retired. Maybe different for players like Ronaldo etc

Genuine yes to your question. Talking about influence, parents of most talented youngsters in Europe would be having United in higher regard if SAF would be DoF and not some joker financier who's only interest is news from Wall Street.

 

[Tigersam]

That would be pretty much par for the course (in terms of how things usually go) - but out of curiosity, what exactly has he done (that has been detrimental)?

According to you, I mean?

(Keep in mind that I prefer things he's actually, undoubtedly done - but I will also accept things he may have possibly had a hand in. I will not accept unfounded bollocks that only idiotic conspiracy theorists believe in.)

Even as I type this the club is in turmoil, much of it caused by Christiano Ronaldo. In pre-season the team impressed, fluent football and reports of harmony and positive team building behind the scenes. Then Ronaldo joined up and it has all gone pear shaped. You say you "will accept things he may have possibly had a hand in...." and Sir Alex Ferguson did have a hand in Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford last August, there is no 'possibly' about it. It is not a secret and it has been detrimental to the club: to Ole, to Rangnick and now to Erik Ten Hag.

Still doesn't stop fans who clearly hate the man blaming him for everything. Inventing this almost evil empire boss character with absolutely nothing to back it up whatsoever besides them needing to justify their hatred of the man for once saying 'no value in the market' in midst of delivering the most successful periods of our history

Genuinely don't get it or what he's done to attract such bunny boilers*

I'm, guessing here, obviously - but on this thread and another one that was active recently about mistakes Sir Alex made, I bet all the people like @stw2022 who will not hear a bad word against Sir Alex will most likely be 50+ in age. Conversely, the people who are wondering why he wont speak out against the Glazers or why he wont stop getting involved in things like Ronaldo’s return, well I bet they are mainly under 50. As time moves on the numbers for and the numbers against will only diminish and grow respectively and that is rather sad. Perhaps deep down Sir Alex might envy Arsene Wenger who retired after a similarly lengthy tenure at my club. He retired and has stayed out of things, no ‘think tank’ role for him with Tony Adams and David Dein and that is probably how Arteta likes it.

Actually I hope I'm dead wrong on this and SAF is boosting Ten Hag's chances with all his knowledge and on top of that he's influencing solid players to join.

This season leadership is needed like nothing else. In full strength SAF would storm the dressing room after Brighton to make some examples.

I’m sorry, but that just wouldn’t work any more - those days are gone. Similarly I don’t even think Sir Alex’s knowledge would boost Ten Hag’s chances, the game is very different today. Did SAF ever play a sweeper/keeper? I suppose Peter Schmeical had a good throw out. It is a real puzzle, help the guy or leave him to do his own thing… I suppose Ole did lean on Sir Alex for help, but I would assume ETH would prefer to stand or fall alone.

*Some bunny boilers will be rival fans on your site for a bit of ‘fun’ and that is not me by-the-way, I respect Sir Alex Ferguson, but I am just trying to give a dispassionate view from the outside, looking in. It is obviously a very contentious issue the 3 pages in just a few hours on this thread, is proof of that.

 

[marktan]

Will the real SAF please stand up?

Seriously the man's like 90, let the man live his years in peace.

 

[Van Piorsing]

I’m sorry, but that just wouldn’t work any more - those days are gone. Similarly I don’t even think Sir Alex’s knowledge would boost Ten Hag’s chances, the game is very different today. Did SAF ever play a sweeper/keeper? I suppose Peter Schmeical had a good throw out. It is a real puzzle, help the guy or leave him to do his own thing… I suppose Ole did lean on Sir Alex for help, but I would assume ETH would prefer to stand or fall alone.

*Some bunny boilers will be rival fans on your site for a bit of ‘fun’ and that is not me by-the-way, I respect Sir Alex Ferguson, but I am just trying to give a dispassionate view from the outside, looking in. It is obviously a very contentious issue the 3 pages in just a few hours on this thread, is proof of that.

You would understand more if SAF was Arsenal's manager. He's not just about fancy new tactics. He created whole culture of psychological winners, reigning for decades and from what I see new breed of United players are in significant part devoided of right mindset. He'd help Ten Hag immensely if he was in full health also because he knew how to deal with Glazers more than anyone else.

 

[Get In Scholesy]

I don’t know… I feel it’s time we stop relying on him for anything really or even listen to any recommendations he has for our current state.

Let him be, in whatever capacity he has as long as it doesn’t directly affect the football on the pitch or its operations.


I truly feel nasty after saying that.. but it just feels like the right thing to do.

 

[Sir Erik ten Hag]

That really would be huge. He could be super diplomatic and say they've done OK by him during his managerial reign and whatnot but that it is in the club's best interest that they sell now. He can't really be silent and on the payroll while we potentially watch this opportunity fade and continue our journey into humiliating obscurity.

"Your job now is to stand by the new manager."

Something along that line would be all he can say.

 

[Tigersam]

You would understand more if SAF was Arsenal's manager. He's not just about fancy new tactics. He created whole culture of psychological winners, reigning for decades and from what I see new breed of United players are in significant part devoided of right mindset. He'd help Ten Hag immensely if he was in full health also because he knew how to deal with Glazers more than anyone else.

You are arguing against yourself! So 4-4-2 is the way forward in 2022 ? Really? Is that what the Gill/Robson and Ferguson think tank will be advising ETH - forget about the formation just get them into a willing mentality.... I would like to be a fly on the wall when that happens. Oh whilst I'm on the subject, to the numerous people who are saying "... he is 80, let him enjoy his retirement" if that is the case, how come he has taken on even more responsibility this year than he had as an Associate Director/Ambassador?

Advisory at best, most likely lunch meetings. SAF is definitely not coming back in any shape or form to structure.

I presume after Woodward's mess some temporary guidance is needed and actually I don't blame Arnold or Murtough for this. Better talk with Gill and Fergie than some detached financieres.

I think its essentially the RR consultancy role, but because it is 3 people they are calling it a ‘think tank’. It's a bit more than just 'lunch meetings', but the important question that nobody has even tried to answer is this: what does ETH think about it? Ole was appreciative of having his old Boss as a mentor (right up until he called Ronaldo which cocked everything up) but I assume Mr Ten Hag would rather not have Man United's greatest ever Manager looking out for him as it undermines his own authority. Was this yet another 'surprise' that the higher-ups have sprung onto the new manager, along with all the other broken promises?

 

[Van Piorsing]

You are arguing against yourself! So 4-4-2 is the way forward in 2022 ? Really ?

When did I said he should be our manager ? I was talking about DoF role, read previous posts and stop wasting my time.

 

[Rhyme Animal]

He shouldn't involve himself in these kind of things.

I dunno… I kinda agree, but then would Utd even have these ridiculous ‘owners’ if it wasn’t for Fergie?

If he spoke out, politely, but in favour of the club moving on, it would be incredibly powerful.

He doesn’t need the Glazers’ money, I’m sure he could do it.

 

[Tom Van Persie]

You are arguing against yourself! So 4-4-2 is the way forward in 2022 ? Really? Is that what the Gill/Robson and Ferguson think tank will be advising ETH - forget about the formation just get them into a willing mentality.... I would like to be a fly on the wall when that happens. Oh whilst I'm on the subject, to the numerous people who are saying "... he is 80, let him enjoy his retirement" if that is the case, how come he has taken on even more responsibility this year than he had as an Associate Director/Ambassador?




I think its essentially the RR consultancy role, but because it is 3 people they are calling it a ‘think tank’. It's a bit more than just 'lunch meetings', but the important question that nobody has even tried to answer is this: what does ETH think about it? Ole was appreciative of having his old Boss as a mentor (right up until he called Ronaldo which cocked everything up) but I assume Mr Ten Hag would rather not have Man United's greatest ever Manager looking out for him as it undermines his own authority. Was this yet another 'surprise' that the higher-ups have sprung onto the new manager, along with all the other broken promises?

He's back already. @mods

This guy is the new Oleboii/Madwinger.

 

[phelans shorts]

I dunno… I kinda agree, but then would Utd even have these ridiculous ‘owners’ if it wasn’t for Fergie?

If he spoke out, politely, but in favour of the club moving on, it would be incredibly powerful.

He doesn’t need the Glazers’ money, I’m sure he could do it.

Note that today Alex Ferguson was a character witness for a pretty awful character to be kind.

We shouldn’t really be taking notice of what he says most of the time at this point.

 

[McGrathsipan]

Note that today Alex Ferguson was a character witness for a pretty awful character to be kind.

We shouldn’t really be taking notice of what he says most of the time at this point.

Have to agree.
Not very happy to hear that