Manchester United are reaping in the rewards of hiring Jose Mourinho as their manager, and could well be on their way back to the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at the club. That’s according to Martin Edwards, a man who was United chairman for 22 years and was responsible for recruiting Sir Alex Ferguson as manager back in 1986.
Not only did Edwards hire the Scot, but he also stuck by his man after three rather dismal opening seasons – something that would certainly not occur these days. However, the club’s patience clearly paid off, as Sir Alex went on to win 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups and 2 Champions Leagues – as well as 18 other trophies.
Since Ferguson’s departure things have not been so colourful. His replacement David Moyes was given the sack after just 10 months in charge, and failed to see out a full season. Louis van Gaal managed two season’s at the club, winning an FA Cup, but failing to land any respectable league position.
Now, as Mourinho takes charge of his second season at the club, there is a real buzz around Old Trafford that we may have the next ‘Sir Alex Ferguson’ as our boss – at least where success is concerned.
Edwards, who recently published a memoir of his time at the club, told Sky Sports that the buzz is back at Old Trafford, and says he sees similarities in Mourinho to that of Ferguson.
He said: “I think he is [the right man] having watched him last year. The home games were not particularly entertaining, but he was building a side.”
“I thought he did exceptionally well to win two trophies last year. He gambled on winning the Europa League to get back in the Champions League and it paid off.”
“United supporters were delighted, and what he’s done since by the players he’s bought in the summer, I think he’s improved the squad.”
“I’m excited this year, and for the first time in a while I feel as though we’re back in exciting times.”
Asked if he could see similarities with Ferguson he said: “Yes, I think so. Alex set such a fantastic record and example it was always going to be difficult for anybody, but with Jose’s experience and the amount of trophies he’s won over time I’ve got great hopes.”
Ferguson’s legacy at Manchester United might never have been, had the club not lifted the FA Cup in 1990. Although Edwards denies that the sacking of Sir Alex Ferguson was as close as it seemed, he did say that if the club did fail to win the FA Cup then a decision would have had to be made.
“It was never as close as the press made out,” Edwards said. “Had we gone to the end of the season without improvement maybe we’d have had to make a decision, but the fact he did turn it around saved the day.”
Edwards insists that Ferguson’s appointment as manager was “the best transfer” of his time as chairman, although the signing of Eric Cantona stands out for him as the best signing.
Cantona’s arrival at Old Trafford was believed to be the catalyst for the club’s first league title in 26 years, and only once during his five years at United they failed to land the title, in 1995. They lost out by a single point to Blackburn Rovers, and Cantona was banned for months due to attacking a Crystal Palace supporter.
“I think we’d have done three doubles if Eric hadn’t been suspended,” Edwards said.
[Quotes via Sky Sports]