The past and future for Manchester United

With Man Utd securing their 19th premiership title and in their 3rd Champions league final in the last 4 years the contribution of Fergie to Man Utd and English football is clear to see, however the man often regarded to be the greatest leader of all time is not getting any younger and speculation is bound to crop up over who will eventually take over the job.

Many like to throw Jose Mourinho’s name into the hat but does the Real Madrid manager really fit into a club like Manchester United? Let’s approach the problem from a different angle. Who do we know who has an understanding of the club? Who has witnessed Sir Alex work and been a crucial part of the Manchester United success story for the approaching two decades? Who is widely regarded by his fellow professionals as having the best footballing brain in the world? Who has instant respect from any youngster? The answer to all these questions is Paul Scholes.

Nobody will argue that Scholes see’s the field from a perspective that others can only dream of but not only does he lead on the pitch he also sets the example off it. Time and time again when questioned who they are most in awe of when they join the club young United players give the same answer, Paul Scholes. At an age where most footballers are thinking about putting their feet up Scholes is still one of the hardest workers at the Manchester United training facilities. When he finally does hang his boots up it is almost certain that he will assume a coaching spot with Manchester United.
Assuming Sir AlexFergie has another 4 or so seasons in the job would that be enough time for Scholes to learn the intrecacies of managing the worlds biggest football team?

When Javier Hernandez joined up with the Manchester team on their tour of America Alex Ferguson believed he had made a signing for the future and has said he expected Javier to take a year to adapt, most of the world wouldn't argue some even believed it was a desperation signing and they certainly could not predict what was to come, however Scholes did see Hernandez' contribution coming saying to the the boss before the season began that the Mexican would achieve twenty five goals from the bench. Chicharito currently has 20 goals with 3 games left and has been a revelation to everybodyl, all except Paul Scholes.

As Man Utd prepare themselves for a new era the club really needs to take a long hard look at itself and asks where they want to go. United could bring in a manager like Jose with a proven track record and it’s pretty much assured he would carry on United’s success but what then? What if he decides after 3 years in the job he then needs another challenge and dissapears to manage Portugal? Do United start running through a list of top managers providinggiving the team instant gratification but no long term structure choosing to disregard the academy in favour of old expensive players? The other option is to take a risk. Yes the clubs trophy haul might decline in the short term but personally I’d rather be less successful and keep the spirit of Manchester United than win every year and end up like Chelsea or Real Madrid.