5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all time
Football is played with the head. Our legs are just the tools. In this short yet meaningful quote, Andre Pirlo brilliantly outlines the importance of managers in the game of football.

The beautiful game has witnessed an endless list of great footballing minds who have had the privilege of exploring the beauty of the sport even from the touchlines. The game we enjoy and savour today is a result of their priceless contributions, thanks to the revolutions it has undergone in the past.

One name that stands out from the rest is that of Sir Alex Ferguson – the great grandad of Manchester United. The Scottish gaffer’s reign is set to be unparalleled for a long amount of time.
However, does he really have a rightful claim to be called as the GOAT when it comes to experts at the whiteboard?

Well, reading these reasons ought to give you the gist of it.

5. Sir Alex was an excellent decision-maker
5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all timeThroughout his trophy-laden career at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson built a reputation for his innate decision-making skills. Be it about team selections, transfers, substitutions or matters related to questioning his authority, the Scot rarely got his decisions wrong.

The gaffer’s decision to bring on Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Champions League final of 1999 paid huge dividends as both strikers made it to the scoresheet, helping United complete a historic treble.

Then again, he sold the likes of David Beckham and Rudd van Nistlerooy to maintain the harmony in the squad, despite the duo being immense fan favourites at Old Trafford.

4. Astute man-management
5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all timeMan-management was one of Sir Alex’s god gifts. The United gaffer was a master at striking beautiful relationships with everyone at the club.

Over the years, Sir Alex managed different personalities like a shy guy like Paul Scholes and charismatic, strong-headed characters like Roy Keane and Eric Cantona. His management of the latter deserves a special mention.

Ferguson’s handling of Cantona saw him becoming a pivotal player and a legend at the club from one who was constantly sutrounded by controversies off the pitch. As a result of his man-management, players were literally ready to die for him on the pitch. He was, after all, a master motivator.

Most important of all, he built a friendly atmosphere where everyone at the club ranging from the kit washer to the club captain felt equally important and responsible for the well-being of the club. His psychological understanding of the human mind and emotions is a reason why he was able to mould Manchester United into more than just a football club – into a big family.

3. The master tactician
5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all timeWhen it came to the whiteboard, Sir Alex could churn out victories at will, no matter the kind of resources available to his aid. And, there are so many examples to prove this point.

Remember the 2-0 victory against Arsenal where Sir Alex played seven defenders? Then again, when you look at the UEFA Champions League final starting XI of Manchester United in 2011, you ought to know that none other than Ferguson could have guided such a mediocre team to a final. He also masterminded Aberdeen’s victory over the mighty Real Madrid back in 1983.

Managers these days are frequently seen whining over not having the complete squad. Sir Alex Ferguson was a godly figure when it came to churning out results with limited results. As Rio Ferdinand puts it, Manchester United fans actually didn’t realize how good their gaffer was until he left.

2. Longevity
5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all timeLongevity is often underrated when it comes to football. Players who have won trophies at multiple clubs are considered to be better than those who have won accolades at the same club for a span of 15 to 20 years.

However, longevity also comes with a number of challenges wherein the person in question has to adapt to yhe changing situations and eras. That’s precisely what Sir Alex was so good at.

During his times, the Scot oversaw challenges from Balckburn, Newcastle, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in his closing stages, all the while making sure he knocked Liverpool off their perch when it came to league titles.

In 26 long years, Sir Alex built four different title-winning teams where the youth was fused cleverly with experience. That’s yet another important reason why The Boss occupies the highest seat in the echelons of the greatest managers in history.

1. He made Manchester United a powerhouse in European football
5 reasons why alex ferguson is the greatest manager of all timeIf it wasn’t for Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United would never be what and where they are today. Old Trafford would never be called as the Theatre of Dreams in his absence.

In his 27 years at Old Trafford, the scot literally created a dynasty of the club all by himself. He nurtured the values of the club, the morals on the basis of which the club stands today.

Of the many sets of attributes Sir Alex nurtured and instilled in the club, United has earned a fine reputation for their never-give-up attitude both on and off the pitch. Their endless desire to fight to the end has earned them loads of thrilling last-minute comebacks and titles eventually.

Deserves the title of the GOAT, doesn’t he?

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here