Man Utd email

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Alex Ferguson tipped seven Man Utd kids for stardom, like Darren Fletcher to Luke Chadwick and what happened next

      by

      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is one of the greatest football managers of all time.From being one game from the sack at Old Trafford to transforming the club into a real European heavyweight, Fergie’s tenure will go down in history.
      Sir Alex Ferguson tipped big things from a few players who never quite reached that levelCredit: Reuters
      But the great man did make one or two mistakes along the way.
      From signing the likes of Bebe, Eric Djemba Djemba  and Gabriel Obertan to the infamous David Beckham boot-kicking episode, there were some colourful times during his 26 years at the club.
      After winning the Premier League in 2001, the boss was full of beans for the future.
      Fergie tipped seven youngsters from the United youth team that he predicted were destined for greatness.
      He said: “Darren Fletcher, who we hope will get over his broken leg, is good. Michael Stewart and Luke Chadwick are doing very well, and John O’Shea’s doing well too.
      “There’s a young left-back called Paul Tierney who’s doing well, as is Danny Pugh.

      “But there’s a young boy who has started now, he’s 16, called Kieran Richardson. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”
      Some lived up to his billing but sadly others failed to make the grade. We take a look at who was a hit and who missed the mark.John O’Shea
      Mr Versatile, O’Shea even played in goal during his time with United.
      Far from being a flop, O’Shea featured 256 times for the club between 1999 and 2011.
      The Irishman moved on to Sunderland where he captained the Mackems, but couldn’t stop their slide down the leagues.
      O’Shea joined Reading for one season in 2018 before retiring and joining their backroom staff, where he is currently first team coach.
      John O’Shea went on to have a decent Man Utd career without ever really bossing itCredit: Empics
      Darren Fletcher
      A capable midfielder who perhaps never got the credit he deserved for his workmanlike performances in the middle of the park.
      Incredibly the Scot managed to play at the top level while suffering from a serious bowel condition.
      He won five Premier League titles as well as the Champions League during his 342 appearances in 11 years for United.
      Fletcher went on to play for West Brom and Stoke before retiring at the age of 36. Now, he’s technical director at Old Trafford.
      Darren Fletcher did his job without too much fuss, and went on to become a Scotland internationalCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Luke Chadwick
      Once talked about as Beckham’s successor, it’s fair to say Chadwick failed to live up to even half of that billing.
      He did feature 38 times in United’s first-team, but that mostly came in cup competitions and coming off the bench.
      Chadwick went on to play for West Ham, Stoke, Norwich, MK Dons and Cambridge United before dropping into non-league to finish his career with Soham Town Rangers.
      The 40-year-old is now coaching in Cambridge’s academy but hit headlines after revealing his sadness at being mocked on the BBC quiz show They Think It’s All Over – earning an apology from presenters Nick Hancock and Gary Lineker.
      Luke Chadwick never quite filled David Beckham’s boots at Old TraffordCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Kieran Richardson
      Fergie described how Richardson would go on to become ‘a fantastic player’.
      Like O’Shea and Fletcher, Richardson can look back on a pretty successful career, even making eight England appearances and scoring twice.
      He made 81 appearances for United between 2002 and 2007, and went on to play for Sunderland, Fulham, Aston Villa and Cardiff.
      Kieran Richardson never really made it at Old Trafford, but did make eight England appearancesCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Danny Pugh
      Pugh had the honour of making his debut for United when he replaced the legend that is Ruud van Nistelrooy in a Champions League game against Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
      But he went on to feature only another six times before being shipped out to Leeds as part of the deal that took Alan Smith to Old Trafford.
      Pugh also played for Preston, Stoke, a second spell with Leeds before floating down the leagues.
      He last coached at Port Vale after finishing his playing career with the club, leaving in his position in May.
      Danny Pugh spent most of his career outside England’s top flight after leaving UnitedCredit: Action Images
      Michael Stewart
      A defensive midfielder in the time when Roy Keane was bossing the opposition as well as the dressing room, Stewart was always going to find it difficult to break through.
      The Scot made eight appearances for United between 1998 and 2005 before being moved on to Hibs permanently.
      He joined their great rivals Hearts in 2007 where he stayed for three season, before a spell with Genclerbirligi in Turkey and his career ended in 2011 after a nine-game stint at Charlton.
      Capped four times by Scotland, he later applied to be a candidate for the Scottish National Party in the 2015 general election – but failed to secure the nomination.
      Michael Stewart had the small matter of Roy Keane to try and displace from the midfield spotCredit: Eddie Keogh
      Paul Tierney
      After shining at youth levels at United, Tierney made only ONE first-team appearance – in the League Cup against West Brom in 2003.
      The right-back joined up with Scottish side Livingston in 2005 but was flogged on to Blackpool when they were relegated from the Scottish Premiership.
      After a loan spell with Stockport, he was released by the Seasiders. Tierney ended his career with a three-game stint with Altincham.
      Paul Tierney made a solitary appearance for United in the League Cup before moving to Livingston in 2005Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Van de Beek can’t catch a break as tunnel cam shows Man Utd flop bumping into coach and spilling his tea on him More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ralf Rangnick vs Mauricio Pochettino: How interim Man Utd manager’s record compares with long-term target

      by

      RALF RANGNICK boasts an almost identical win percentage with Mauricio Pochettino as Manchester United look to bring the pair to Old Trafford.The Red Devils are on the lookout for an interim boss until the end of the season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, before bringing in a permanent manager next year.
      This is how Manchester United-linked managers Ralf Rangnick and Mauricio Pochettino compare
      German gaffer Ralf Rangnick, who is currently Lokomotiv Moscow’s Head of Sports and Development, has reached an agreement with United to take charge until the end of the season.
      And United have now reached a deal with the Russian club to bring the 63-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams.
      United also had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino, 49, knocked back by Paris Siant-Germain, but are believed to go back in for him next summer.
      The ex-Tottenham boss is said to be keen on returning to the Premier League as he is unhappy living in the French capital.
      Here SunSport takes a look at how the two compare from their managerial career so far.
      Despite being 14 years older than Pochettino and starting off his managerial career in the 20th century, Rangnick has managed just 84 more games.

      BLACK FRIDAY BETTING OFFERS: BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS
      Rangnick has overseen 622 games during his career from his spells at RB Leipzig, Schalke, Hoffenheim, Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and German minnows Ulm 1846 and Reutlingen 05.
      From those matches, he won on 317 occasions, while losing 186 times.
      Meanwhile Pochettino has taken charge of 568 fixtures from his time at Espanyol, Southampton, Spurs and now PSG.
      He has won 272 of his games, while losing on 171 occasions – with 72 of those defeats coming during his time in North London.
      Rangnick’s teams have scored 1,148 goals, while they have conceded 820 times.
      Pochettino’s sides have found the back of the net 936 times, while they have let in 655 goals.
      Incredibly, there isn’t even ONE percent between the win percentages of the two men.

      Rangnick boasts a 48.61 win percentage from his managerial career, with Pochettino coming just under at 47.89.
      In terms of trophies, neither man has won an abundance, with Rangnick winning the German Cup, League Cup and Super Cup during his time at Scahlke.
      Meanwhile Poch’s only silverware has come with Les Parieins, where he has won won the French Cup and Super Cup.
      Man Utd ‘reach agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become interim manager for six months More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd sweating over Ralf Rangnick deal with Lokomotiv Moscow yet to give German permission to leave club

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are sweating over the appointment of Ralf Rangnick with Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow yet to grant him permission to leave.The 63-year-old joined the side in the summer on a three-year deal as their Head of Sports and Development.
      Ralf Rangnick has agreed a deal to become Manchester United’s interim manager until the end of the termCredit: Getty
      But the former RB Leipzig gaffer has since reached an agreement with the Red Devils to take charge on an interim basis until the end of the season.
      United have been keen to bring in a new manager after they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the 4-1 away defeat at Watford.
      However Lokomotiv are yet to release Rangnick from his contract in order to allow him to make the move to England.
      United are now waiting for that to happen before swiftly bringing him to the Theatre of Dreams.
      SunSport also understands that Rangnick is in talks with United about his long-term future at the club after his interim spell.
      Former Lokomotiv president Nikolai Naumov has labelled Rangnick as a ‘merchant’ who only cares about money, as the German looks to link up with United.

      BLACK FRIDAY BETTING OFFERS: BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS
      In an incredible rant to Match TV, Naumov claimed: “It’s not about Manchester. For Rangnick, this is no escape, betrayal, or disgrace. Rangnick is a merchant.
      “He absolutely does not care about football, because he only does business around him.
      “And the more countries, leagues and football clubs he covers, the more he will earn.
      He’s absolutely indifferent to Lokomotiv. He did not come here to raise football, but to earn money.
      “Now he was offered money elsewhere, and he and his company will go to United.
      “When he’s offered to work in Africa, he will go to earn money there, leaving his deputy at Manchester United. Clean business.”
      Though Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has lauded his compatriot, as he described Rangnick as an ‘organised and experienced coach’.
      When asked about his possible arrival, he said: “Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, to Manchester United!

      “He’s a really experienced manager, built two clubs from nowhere.
      “Man United will be organised on the pitch. That’s obviously not good news for other teams.”
      Should he take the reins at United, the likes of Jesse Lingard, Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho could benefit from a run of games in the starting XI.
      Arsenal legend Henry reveals why Zidane is ‘not interested’ in Man Utd More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Ralf Rangnick? Interim Man Utd manager whose football tactics inspired Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel

      by

      MANCHESTER UNTED have agreed a deal to appoint Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager.The German, 63, will sign a six-month contract with the Red Devils, after the club sacked beleaguered Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Ralf Rangnick is the new interim manager at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
      Rangnick has been a big influence on the career of Jurgen KloppCredit: Rex
      Rangnick is recognised as a true-visionary of the game and comes with a hefty reputation in his homeland, which United will hope to cash in on.
      He is said to have inspired Premier League bosses Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Bayern Munich supremo Julian Nagelsman with his tactics.
      Nicknamed ‘The Professor’, he was one of the pioneers of Gegenpressing, a style of play where teams immediately press the opposition after losing possession of the ball.
      His influence has been felt in the modern game, with many teams adopting his philosophy.
      STARTING YOUNG
      Incredibly, Rangnick began his coaching career when he was just 25 in 1983, following a mediocre semi-pro career.
      But his theories were against trend – with the national team adopting a rigid 3-5-2 system and man-marking.

      And to be fair, West Germany tasted success playing that way – winning the 1990 World Cup, after finishing runners-up four years earlier.
      But Ralf had his own ideas how the beautiful game should be played.
      In 1997, he scored his first job at lowly Ulm 1846, who would become fourth division champions with him at the helm.
      In 1998, Rangnick appeared on German TV to explain his football ideologyCredit: Getty
      A year later, he appeared on German TV donning a black suit and shirt revealing his footballing thesis.
      The German media nicknamed him the ‘German Professor’, probably unfairly and with derision.
      He was ridiculed for his geeky look and rimless glasses, while his methods weren’t embraced with teams favouring German legend Franz Beckenbauer’s sweeper approach.
      “The reaction from the media as well as others in football was extraordinary,” Rangnick told ESPN.
      “The main reason for this was that 30 years before, Franz Beckenbauer set the benchmark for most teams in our country when he created a libero-sweeper position for himself.
      “Franz himself even said in the mid-’90s that you cannot play with a zone-marking back four line because German players will not understand how to play it.
      “I asked myself, why should German players be any less intelligent than those in Belgium, Spain or the Netherlands? For me that was simply not logical.”
      GEGENPRESSING
      At the forefront of Rangnick’s belief was what later became coined as Gegenpressing, which itself was a spin off of iconic Ukrainian manager Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s pressing game.
      It’s a tactic that made Jurgen Klopp follow his lead with his own brand of ‘heavy-metal football’.
      Pioneer Rangnick has been credited for creating GegenpressingCredit: AFP
      The Liverpool boss also declared Rangnick as “one of the best, if not the best German coach”.
      Of Gegenpressing, Rangnick describes it as “very simple”.
      He continues: “[Gegenpressing is] a very proactive style of football, similar to the way in which Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool have been playing under Klopp.
      “We like to press high, with a very intense counter-pressure. When we have the ball, we do not like any square or back passes.
      “The goalkeeper also should not be the one with the most contact on the ball. In almost every league and every country, the goalkeeper is technically the most limited football player on the pitch and therefore we have to make sure that he has the lowest contact with the feet.
      “It is a fast, proactive, attacking, counter-attacking, counter-pressing, exciting and entertaining [style of] football.”
      SUCCESS
      From 2001-2004, Rangnick coached at Hannover, who he got promoted to the Bundesliga.
      Then, after missing out on an assistant manager role for the national team working under Joachim Low, he scored the Schalke job.
      It was a season of what could’ve been for Meister der Herzen, who finished runners-up in the Bundesliga to Bayern Munich.
      At Schalke Rangnick finished Bundesliga runners-up and lost a cup final to Bayern Munich
      Despite being championed for his footballing philosophy, major trophies have evaded him as bossCredit: Getty
      They also lost the German cup final to their rivals in 2005.
      But forever enjoying being the underdog, Rangnick took on the Hoffenheim post in 2006, once he was fired by Schalke after a string of disastrous results.
      It was where he, perhaps, achieved his greatest moment as a coach – taking a team from the third division to the Bundesliga with back-to-back promotions.
      He left the club in a healthy state in the German top flight, before returning to Schalke where he felt he had unfinished business.
      He won the German cup, led the club to the Champions League semi-finals, before exhaustion saw him resign in 2011.
      A NEW PROJECT
      Rangnick took a sabbatical from the dugout, but got involved in a new project – one that saw him oversee Red Bull teams, Leipzig, Salzburg and New York as a sporting director of the company.
      Under his leadership, the club – bankrolled by billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz – controversially went from division four to the Bundesliga in just six years.
      German fans didn’t like it, especially since it went against the 50+1 ownership business model. But Leipzig fans didn’t care.
      In his time with the unfashionable side, Leipzig became a top four team, as well as Champions League regulars.
      Rangnick did return to the dugout sporadically with the club, between 2015-16 and 2018-19, but he preferred his more advisory role.
      With his work done, he moved on again – with reports that AC Milan were desperate to have his influence on their football operations.
      Rangnick has been credited with leading the RB Leipzig revolutionCredit: AFP or licensors
      RB Leipzig were promoted from the fourth division to the Bundesliga in just six years under Rangnick’s leadershipCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After his miracle with RB Leipzig, could Rangnick (pictured with Timo Werner) be the answer to Man Utd’s prayersCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Surprisingly, Rangnick joined Russian Premier League side Lokomotiv Moscow as manager of sports and development last summer on a three-year deal.
      But the lure of fixing Manchester United is too much to ignore.
      Could Ralf’s Midas touch help restore the fallen giants to former glory?
      RB Leipzig director Ralf Rangnick runs on the pitch at half time against Bayern Munich, to dispute bad call using his phone More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd have Mauricio Pochettino approach BLOCKED by PSG but will go back for him in summer as boss search continues

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have had an approach for Mauricio Pochettino knocked back by PSG.The French club have been annoyed by reports that United could poach their manager and that he is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
      Manchester United seemingly want Mauricio Pochettino to become their new manager
      The Red Devils board have now shelved any plans to get the 49-year-old away from the French capital until at least the summer.
      United are searching for a new manager after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last Saturday following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
      Pochettino and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers are the leading candidates to replace him full-time.
      Michael Carrick has been put in temporary charge and had a good start to his caretaker reign with a 2-0 Champions League win away to Villarreal last night.
      He will remain at the helm for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge and the 4.30pm kick-off against Premier League leaders Chelsea.
      The Red Devils have said in a statement that they are looking for an interim manager to the end of the season before making a permanent appointment.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

      But they would still prefer the new boss now.
      So far they are putting out feelers to see who would come.
      SunSport reported on Monday that there had been contact with Leicester boss Rodgers.
      He has a clause in his contract allowing him to speak to certain named clubs if they come calling of which United are one.
      But there is a huge admiration for Pochettino too with former manager and club director Sir Alex Ferguson a close friend.
      Reports emerged this week that the former Spurs boss is unhappy in Paris with his family still living in London.

      It is said he would love the chance to move to Old Trafford and would do so now with Zinedine Zidane in the wings to replace him at PSG.
      Although ahead of tonight’s Champions League match against Manchester City at The Etihad he emphasised he was happy at PSG and in Paris.
      United’s victory in Spain courtesy of goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho guaranteed them progress into the knockout stages of the Champions League as Group F winners with a game to spare.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by Man Utd on Sunday
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Pep Guardiola insists Man Utd target Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t need titles to be named as top boss More

    • 275 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      13 Man Utd legends as managers who have been sacked 17 times, and the ONE ex-star who has been a major success

      by

      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER isn’t the first Man Utd legend to be given his marching orders.The Norwegian, 48, was finally sacked (for the second time in his career) by the club after a dismal 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford over the weekend, following weeks of speculation and a dismal run of form.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t the first ex-Man Utd star to be given his marching orders as a boss
      Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane have been linked with the vacant post.
      But, the Red Devils will do well to steer clear of any former players.
      Many who played under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a foray into management, most ended up flopping.
      However, there’s one who was a major success…
      GARY NEVILLE
      ASTONISHINGLY, after working mostly as a TV pundit and co-owner of Salford City, the ex-right back was handed the reigns at Valencia in 2015.
      It was an appointment that lasted a meagre 28 games.
      The biggest low including a 7-0 drubbing to rivals Barcelona.
      “I never should have said yes to the job,” Neville said in 2019. “I wasn’t qualified for the job and didn’t wake up every morning and think about coaching.
      “There was already far too much going on with the Sky stuff, writing articles for a newspaper and doing all the stuff in Manchester with Salford.”
      VERDICT: FLOP DEBUT BUT TIME TO PROVE US WRONG
      Gary Neville famously flopped as Valencia boss
      STEVE BRUCE
      A FORMER United captain, Bruce is now somewhat of a journeyman manager.
      He’s managed 10 clubs, including Wigan Athletic twice. Major honours have escaped him though, with FA Cup runner-up at Hull City in 2014 perhaps a highlight.
      Most recently, he was the brunt of Newcastle fans who lambasted his tactics.
      His first sacking came at Huddersfield in 2000. Since then, he’s been fired from jobs at Aston Villa and the Toon.
      VERDICT: FLOP – MOST OF THE TIME
      Steve Bruce was recently sacked by Newcastle

      PHIL NEVILLE
      NEVILLE’S first taste of being boss came with England’s lionesses.
      In 2018, he led the women’s team to glory in the SheBelievesCup.
      However, a year later finishing fourth in the World Cup seemed to be a bit of a disappointment.
      After stepping down from his role with the Three Lions, he was appointed as boss of David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
      However, they finished fourth from bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference and failed to make the play offs.
      VERDICT: FLOP SO FAR
      Phil Neville is proving to be a dismal appointment for Inter Miami
      RYAN GIGGS
      IN 2014, after David Moyes was fired, Welsh legend Giggs was hired as United’s interim manager – winning two of his four games in charge.
      Following a stint as Louis Van Gaal’s assistant, he took on the Wales national job in 2018 – leading his country to qualify for Euro 2020.
      But in 2020, he was forced to take gardening leave.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Jury’s out on Ryan Giggs’ career as a manager
      ROY KEANE
      AS a leader on the pitch, Keane appeared to be management material.
      And things seemed to get off to a good start with Sunderland, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League.
      However, he stepped down in 2008 amidst a player mutiny and a dismal run of form.
      Worse was to follow at Ipswich Town, where Keane was sacked when The Tractor Boys dropped to 21st in the Championship in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Roy Keane was sacked by Ipswich Town in 2011
      JAAP STAM
      STAM played in the same sides as Keane, and himself was a tough competitor.
      Most recently, he was dismissed as boss of MLS team FC Cincinnati having won four of just 25 games.
      Before that, he handed in his resignation with Feyenoord bosses after 4-0 thrashing to rivals Ajax.
      On our shores, Stam is remembered for his time at Reading. He enjoyed a successful first season, leading the Royals to the play offs.
      However, it went downhill the following year. One win in 18 league matches was enough for Stam to be given his marching orders.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      At Reading Jaap Stam was given the bullet following a dismal run
      BRYAN ROBSON
      CAPTAIN Marvel has had a 17-year career as a manager, taking in jobs with the likes of Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Brom, Sheffield United, Thailand, and then Thailand’s U23s.
      His most successful period came at Boro, who he helped gain promotion. Between 1994-2001, Robson also led the club to three Wembley cup final appearances, although they lost each one.
      A stint at Bradford City saw Robson officially sacked for the first time after just 28 games in charge and a winning percentage of just 25 per cent.
      At West Brom he pulled off the great escape, with his side bottom of the Premier League at Christmas.
      The following year, though, they were relegated and Robson left by mutual consent.
      He also sacked by Sheffield United in 2008. He hasn’t managed anyone since the Thailand job ended in 2011.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Captain Marvel Bryan Robson endured 17 years in management but hasn’t been in a job since 2011
      MARK HUGHES
      LIKE Robson, Hughes appeared to be tailor-made to be boss – doing decent jobs with Wales and Blackburn.
      That scored him a big job at Manchester City in 2008, who were then taken over by Sheikh Mansour two months after he arrived.
      However, after spending a fortune, including signing the disastrous Robinho for £32million, he was sacked after 18 months with nothing to show but a 10th place finish.
      After a bust-up with Mohamed Al-Fayed, he resigned as Fulham boss 11 months after his appointment – with Al-Fayed labelling the Welshman a “strange man”.
      Sackings at QPR, Stoke and Southampton then followed.
      Officially, he’s the most sacked out of the United legends.
      VERDICT: BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AFTER WALES AND BLACKBURN JOBS
      Mark Hughes has been sacked four times – more than any other ex-Man Utd star
      PAUL INCE
      ‘THE GUVNOR’ has been out of a job since 2014, since leaving Blackpool, where he was once handed a five game ban for berating an official in the tunnel.
      In the lower leagues, Ince did a stellar jobs at Macclesfield Town in a player-manager role, before then getting Milton Keynes Dons promoted to League Two and winning the FA Trophy.
      In 2008, however, when Blackburn Rovers asked him to make the step up to the Premier League, Ince proved to be out of his depth.
      After three wins in 17 games, he was given the bullet.
      VERDICT: FLOP
      Paul Ince couldn’t hack it in the Premier League as a boss
      PAUL SCHOLES
      WITH one of the greatest football brains in the modern era, Scholes was surely going to make a decent coach?
      Maybe too soon to tell. He spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham between February and March 2019, until walking away following a disagreement with the owners.
      “In the last week there was a couple of issues with a couple of players,” Scholes revealed in a chat with BT Sport in 2019.
      “Experienced pros that I felt didn’t deserve to be treated the way the club wanted to treat them.
      “I didn’t need the hassle of that. I really like the players, really respected them and would have done anything for them. But once I get told ‘don’t play him’, that’s when it is time for me to go…
      “That only happened once, but that was the end of it. There were subtle hints along the way, but that was the end of it.”
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO CALL
      Paul Scholes spent just 31 days at crisis club Oldham
      GORDON STRACHAN
      THE Scot spent five years at Coventry City, mostly doing his best to avoid relegation.
      Eventually, his luck would run out in 2001 when the club were demoted from the Premier League.
      He was sacked the following season after a poor start in the First Division.
      Within weeks, Strachan was back – this time in the Southampton hot seat. He resigned as Saints boss in 2004, after wanting to take a break from football
      At Celtic he was victorious – winning three league titles in a row. But in his fourth season, the Hoops lost out Rangers and he handed in his resignation in 2009.
      His time at Middlesbrough was forgettable. With the club languishing in 20th position, he commendably tore up his contract and refused compensation.
      For his last act, Strachan walked away from the Scotland job after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
      VERDICT: MIXED BAG
      On our shores, Gordon Strachan struggled at Coventry City and Middlesbrough
      WAYNE ROONEY
      Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, Rooney is the most recent former Red Devil star to try his hand at managing after being hired in 2020 by Derby County.
      But it’s been a tumultuous time for the club, who are in dire financial trouble.
      They narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but it looks highly unlikely they will be able to repeat that feat – after they were docked 21 points for financial irregularities and sit rock bottom of the Championship with zero points and 18 games played.
      Hard to judge Rooney on this though, given his hands are tied.
      VERDICT: TOO EARLY TO TELL
      Wayne Rooney’s first foray into management at cash-strapped Derby can’t be judged
      LAURENT BLANC
      The exception to the rule, Laurent Blanc is one of the world’s leading managers and has been linked with the Old Trafford job.
      Currently in Qatar with Al-Rayyan, the France World Cup winner has won all his trophies in his homeland.
      He landed the title with Bordeaux in 2009, then won three successive championships with PSG, as well as two French Cups and three French league cups with the latter in just three years.
      The only blot on his copybook, perhaps, was his time as France boss, who he could only lead to a quarter-final of Euro 2020 before standing down.
      But, he’s never been sacked.
      VERDICT: HIT
      Laurent Blanc is the exception to the rule, enjoying success as a boss
      Who will be the next manager of Man Utd after Solskjaer is sacked More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      How Sir Alex Ferguson’s friendship with Mauricio Pochettino could decide who will be the next manager of Man Utd

      by

      PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino appears to be the favourite to land the Manchester United job… at least in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson.According to reports, Fergie is leading the charge for the Red Devils to appoint the ex-Spurs coach as their next manager.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of Mauricio Pochettino and wants him to get the Man Utd jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      When the Argentine, 49, first landed on our shores with Southampton in 2013, he caught the eye of the legendary Scot.
      His philosophy of attacking play combined with an ability to nurture and empathise with players resonated with Sir Alex.
      In 2016, they began a friendship off the pitch – with Poch mesmerised by the most successful British manager of all time over lunch at a posh Mayfair restaurant.
      And last season they met up at the Lowry hotel, when Paris Saint-Germain played Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final.
      FIRST IMPRESSION
      Pochettino was appointed by the Saints in January 2013.
      Just 12 days later he would face off against Sir Alex’s Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams – the only time the two met as managers.
      Before the game the bosses warmly embraced. Despite playing against the Premier League leaders, Southampton took the game to their opponents.
      A 2-1 defeat and a spirited performance showed that Poch’s methods on the training ground were already working. Fergie was impressed.
      “I have to say, Southampton in the second-half were the best team that’s played here this season,” he said after the game.
      Fergie and Poch first encountered each other when Southampton visited Man Utd in 2013Credit: Rex
      Fergie was impressed with how the Saints played under PochettinoCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      “They played exceptionally well and I think we were a bit fortunate to win the game.”
      Fergie retired at the end of the season, with his team champions.
      Poch, however, was the rising star – overseeing impressive wins against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, as Southampton recorded their highest Premier League points tally ever and finished in eighth place.
      GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
      Fergie and Poch’s paths wouldn’t cross again until three years after their first encounter. By this time, the latter was impressing as boss of Tottenham, turning the North Londoners into a title-challenging side.
      In 2016, Mauricio attended the LMA League Managers Association’s president’s dinner with his trusted assistant, Jesus Perez.
      Naturally, Sir Alex was there and the three became engrossed in conversation.
      It was decided that they would meet for lunch, when time permitted.
      “We had a short chat at the LMA dinner and we both said, and Jesús, that it would be good to meet one day,” Pochettino revealed.
      “Both of us were interested to know each other.”

      Fergie and Mauricio Pochettino leave Scott’s in Mayfair after their lunch togetherCredit: MagicMomentsUK
      MEETING OF MINDS
      Two months later, Ferguson and Pochettino were seen leaving Scott’s in Mayfair after a secret lunch.
      The purpose of the meeting, clearly, was a meeting of minds. According to Mauricio in his book Brave New World, they drew similarities with the jobs they initially had to do at their clubs.
      “[Ferguson] spoke to me about how he had to restructure everything when he arrived at United,” Pochettino said. 
      “He did so in keeping with his own philosophy, even though they finished 11th two years out of three, followed by 13th, sixth, second and only after that did he achieve league success.
      “His Manchester United side were like the Tottenham team that I inherited when I took over, and the chat reassured me about following my own path.
      “Why aren’t there more Fergusons? Because football is like an express train without any stops. 
      “It’s almost impossible to find someone in charge who is willing to be involved in taking unpopular measures. 
      “Sir Alex always says, ‘Many times you have to make decisions that screw you over emotionally, that won’t be understood and you won’t be able to explain.’ I agree.
      “Managers live in a perpetual state of solitude, even when surrounded by people at all hours.”
      Pochettino and Ferguson share a similar ethos when it comes to footballCredit: Getty
      FAN BOY
      For Pochettino, his meeting with Fergie was the ultimate fan boy moment.
      “It was a dream come true. I felt like a teenage footballer all over again, listening to a knowledgeable coach,” he revealed.
      “I sent the photos that we took of us together to everyone. John McDermott (Former head of player development at Spurs) commented that I seemed to be in a trance. He called me a ‘hero worshipper’.”
      Pochettino admitted he borrowed from Fergie’s wisdom, as Perez sat on the table next to the pair drinking a £114 bottle of Brunello di Montalcino (2011).
      “Myself and Sir Alex spoke, and Jesús drank,” Pochettino laughed.
      “I learned many things. It was two hours and it was very emotional. Every word, every sentence he told us, was a big lesson.
      “Of course, it can help me to become a better manager. You can read books but there he was in front of us, with his charisma and personality. You understand why he is Sir Alex Ferguson.
      “It was difficult for me to sleep that night, because it was fantastic to meet him. When I started my career as a manager, he was always my inspiration, my reference, and when you can share two hours with a person who, for me, was the greatest manager in the world and the history of football, you can only enjoy it. I wanted to stop time but it was impossible.”
      STILL PALS
      Since that lunch, the pair reportedly text regularly.
      Last season, ahead of PSG’s Champions League semi-final with Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson was spotted at the Lowry hotel – where the French side were staying.
      As he left, flanked by the club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, it was clear he was there to see Pochettino, and perhaps pass on some tips to overcome United’s fierce rivals.
      The latest reports suggest Manchester United are confident of appeasing Fergie and appointing his first choice candidate.
      Ferguson was spotted leaving the Lowry hotel in Manchester with PSG club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after visiting his friend, PochettinoCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke

      The Manchester Evening News also claim Pochettino wants to move to Old Trafford, and is prepared to leave PSG mid-season to fulfil his dream.
      He is also said to be unhappy living alone in a Paris hotel and misses England.
      However, it could cost up to £10million in compensation to release him from his contract.
      Although that’s a steep fee, if you ask Fergie it would certainly be money well spent.
      Darren Bent doesn’t feel Mauricio Pochettino is the right choice for the new manager at Man Utd More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Supercomputer predicts Man Utd’s next 10 games with Carrick in for horror start against Chelsea and Arsenal

      by

      A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted Manchester United will win six out of their next ten games.Though interim boss Michael Carrick will endure a horrid start in charge of the Red Devils.
      Manchester United could enjoy an upturn in form after their next three games
      The former United midfielder has taken over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, after the Norwegian gaffer was sacked on Sunday.
      United, who currently sit eighth in the table, have picked up just four points from their last seven Premier League fixtures.
      And in stats obtained by the boffins at bettingexpert, the club could have suffer for two more weeks before an upturn in form.
      A supercomputer has predicted that United will fail to win any of their upcoming three matches.
      They have been given a 42 per cent chance of beating Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday in what will be Carrick’s first game.
      And United have just a 17 per cent chance of coming out on top away at Chelsea on Sunday, with the club having just a 48 per cent chance of beating Arsenal the following week.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      But after those three matches, United could be set to rake in the victories in the home clashes against Crystal Palace and Swiss outfit Young Boys.
      United have a 58 per cent chance of claiming the three points in the trip to Norwich, while they have a 56 per cent chance of beating Brentford on the road.
      Though they haven’t been backed to beat Brighton on December 18, with the Seagulls having a 51 per cent chance of claiming a result.
      However United have been predicted to win their last two matches of 2021 against Newcastle and Burnley.
      Michael Carrick has been named as United’s manager on an interim basisCredit: Reuters
      Carrick may not be in charge for many of United’s upcoming games, with SunSport exclusively revealing how Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has been contacted.
      The Red Devils, who sit two points above the Foxes, are prepared to pay Rodgers’ £8million compensation fee.
      That is on top of the £7.5m they will have to hand over to Solskjaer as part of his severance package.
      Darren Bent says that Zidane is underrated and Man Utd should make him their manager More