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      Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick blocked from gaining automatic visa as recent manager work falls below required level

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      NEW Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick will have to face an FA-appointed independent panel to get a work permit for his new job.Because he has not had enough managerial jobs over the last five years, he does not meet the criteria from the Home Office by default.
      Ralf Rangnick will not be in the dugout for the game against ArsenalCredit: Getty
      So, according to The Telegraph, the 63-year-old’s case will be heard by a panel who will have to fast-track the application.
      Rangnick has held various director-type roles in the past five years, his latest with Russian side Locomotiv Moscow.
      He was announced as the man to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was sacked after the dismal 4-1 defeat at Watford.
      The German, hailed for his tactical nous, has agreed a six month ‘interim’ role, with him taking a two-year consultancy position after this.
      But Michael Carrick is continuing to lead training and matches until Rangnick can officially start his new job.
      And Carrick will be in the dugout for United’s mouthwatering clash against Arsenal on Thursday.

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      However, fans were convinced that Rangnick was in contact with Darren Fletcher over the phone during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
      But United claimed the Scot was merely talking to video analysts.
      Rangnick’s work permit delay has been worsened by stricter Covid regulations introduced yesterday.
      A club source told the Mail last night: “We are working calmly and carefully to secure a visa for Ralf in line with all relevant regulations and protocols.
      “These are processes which have to be followed and we are doing so as swiftly as possible.”
      NO RANGNICK COMPENSATION
      Carrick, as well as Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan, WILL remain on United’s staff.
      Rangnick will be able to add a few staff members of his own – although video analyst Lars Kornetka will remain at Lokomotiv Moscow.

      United are thankful towards the Russian club, after they didn’t receive a penny in compensation for Rangnick.
      That doesn’t mean that the Red Devils haven’t forked out at all on the appointment, however, with Rangnick’s £8m-a-year more than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was earning.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Man Utd CONFIRM Ralf Rangnick appointment as interim manager on six-month contract until end of the season More

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

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      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

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      Solskjaer watched Man Utd’s win over Villarreal and was ‘absolutely buzzing’ at fans for chanting his name

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      OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER was ‘absolutely buzzing’ as Manchester United fans chanted his name during Tuesday’s win over Villarreal.Despite being sacked just two days earlier, the Norwegian sat down to watch his former players take on the Europa League champions.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s name was chanted during Manchester United’s win over VillarrealCredit: Getty
      Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target in the 2-0 win in SpainCredit: Rex
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho got the all-important goals as United booked their place in the last 16.
      And even though Michael Carrick took temporary charge, the supporters in Spain still made a conscious effort to give the dismissed gaffer a respectful send-off.
      According to journalist Andy Mitten, this had a deep impact on Solskjaer as he took in the action.
      And the classy former striker sent public and private messages of support to the Red Devils players and Carrick before the crunch tie.
      Solskjaer said: “As I’ve said to them this morning as well, trust yourselves, you know we’re better than this.
      “We’ve not been able to show it but go out, chest out, enjoy being a Manchester United player, in the Champions League, on the biggest stage.

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      “If and when you win the game, you’re through to the next round, Michael is going to be in charge.
      “Michael, I have the utmost respect [for], I love Michael to bits. I’m becoming emotional now because he’s top.
      “They’ll be fine. I’ll watch them and support them.”
      In response, Carrick dedicated the victory to his ex-boss.
      He said: “I enjoyed it. It’s not been an easy couple of days for everyone at the club and I can enjoy it so much.
      “But it feels like that result is for Ole and I can’t get away from that.
      “We had a job to do and thankfully it all went to plan.”
      Carrick looks set to stay in charge for Sunday’s trip to Chelsea before Ralf Rangnick takes over as interim boss until the end of the season.
      After that, the Red Devils will appoint a permanent successor to Solskjer, with Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers among the favourites.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Solskjaer fights back tears in emotional first interview since Man Utd axe More

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

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      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

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

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      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.

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      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

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      Cristiano Ronaldo is first player EVER to net three late winners in a Champions League season after Villarreal heroics

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO became the first player in Champions League history to score three late winners in one season.The Portuguese superstar bailed Manchester United out once more with his classy finish away at Villarreal on Tuesday night.
      Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late Champions League winner for a record third time this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Portugal hero brilliantly lobbed Villarreal goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli on 78 minutesCredit: Getty
      He broke the deadlock on 78 minutes after Fred’s interception, lofting the ball over goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
      Jadon Sancho blasted in his first Red Devils goal in the 90th minute to make it 2-0.
      But it was Ronaldo who grabbed the winner.
      United have won three of their five Champions League group stage matches so far – enough to book their place in the knockout stages.
      And in all three, Ronaldo has settled it inside the last 15 minutes.
      Against Villarreal at home on September 29, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored a dramatic 95th-minute goal to seal all three points.

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      And then in the home tie with Atalanta on October 20, it was that man again who delivered the goods, that time with an 81st-minute header.
      Opta confirmed: “Ronaldo’s strike against Villarreal was the third time he has scored a match-winning goal in the final 15 minutes of a Champions League match this season – the most by a player in a single season in the competition (excluding extra-time).”
      On top of that, Ronaldo also scored in the matches away at Young Boys and Atalanta.
      In the first match of the campaign, the ex-Real Madrid and Juventus forward opened the scoring in Switzerland after 13 minutes.
      But after being subbed off during the second half, he had to watch on as United conceded a 95th-minute winner.
      In Italy, Ronaldo was the hero again with equalisers in first-half and second-half stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw.
      Cristiano has that cold, calculated mentality to stay calmMichael Carrick
      Those goals – six in five appearances – mean he also became the first player to score in each of an English club’s first five matches of a single European Cup or Champions League campaign, excluding qualifiers.
      Ronaldo – the tournament’s record goalscorer on 140 – said: “Always great to play in Spain, amazing to win in Spain, satisfying to score in Spain, a country where I always felt special.
      “Congrats to the lads for a great victory that puts us where we belong! We are Manchester United and we will never stop fighting for this club! Let’s go, Devils!”
      Interim boss Michael Carrick added: “It’s what he does.
      “In the big games, the big moments, when you need a goal or that something, he’s there to deliver.
      “He has that cold, calculated mentality to stay calm. He doesn’t snatch at chances.
      “I’m delighted to have him and not surprised at all he managed to come up with a goal for us.”
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      The six pack was out after Ronaldo’s last-gasp winner against Villarreal at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      He was mobbed by his team-mate after completing the turnaround against AtalantaCredit: Getty
      Michael Carrick speaks after Man Utd win their first game with him in charge More

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

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      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

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      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.
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