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We have had a disappointing season. Inspite of the initial rebel, everyone had accepted Moyes as the Manchester United manager.
There were points in the season where one thought ,”Yes! The comeback is on!” OR “Finally the good times are here. Things should get better now.” But just when we thought that things would get better, somehow our team let us down. For example the quarter finals of the Champions League against Bayern Munich. It was half-lost since the draw but with an outstanding performance in the home leg, it led us to believe that we could beat Bayern Munich. Hell we could win the Champions League but again, we were reminded of how bad a season we had in the 2nd leg.
Anyway, there were many reasons to Moyes’ failure. I personally believe that he deserved atleast one more transfer window to rebuild the team. What happened happened. There is no regret in firing Moyes. He did not live up to the expectations and faced the axe. He is said to be Sir Alex’s biggest mistake.
My biggest fear now is who is deserving enough to replace him and be a true successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. Let us look at the possible candidates:
(Please note: Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have already ruled themselves out of this job at the time of writing.)
Louis van Gaal: He is a Dutch football manager who is the current manager of the Dutch national team. He was formerly coach for Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich. He has won the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, Bundesliga and what not. Needless to say, experience is on his side. However, he is 62 years old. There is keen interest from Tottenham too.
Diego Simeone: He is an Argentine former Football player and current manager of La Liga club Atlético de Madrid. He has won the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League. He likes counter-attacking football and he knows how to make a team. Also, he is just 43. However, he does not have any experience in English football and nor does he know how to manage a club as big as Manchester United. Also, he has a contract till 2017.
Carlo Ancelotti: He is an Italian football manager and former player who currently manages La Liga side Real Madrid. He has managed clubs like Juventus, Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. He has won the Club World Cup, Champions League, European Super Cup, Serie A, Premier League, FA Cup, Ligue 1, Copa del Rey. He is a midway solution between Van Gaal and Simeone. He has experience in English football, has age on his side too. The only problem being, why would someone leave a thriving Real Madrid and join a struggling Manchester United?
Ryan Giggs: This man needs no introduction to United fans. He was already performing a player cum coach role at Manchester United this season. He has also been declared the interim manager of Manchester United for the rest of the season. He will be a huge favorite amongst Manchester United fans but what he lacks is managerial experience. He has played his entire career in England and knows the Premier League inside out so that’s a big plus.
I do not see anybody else as a practical candidate to manage Manchester United but rumors include Laurent Blanc (PSG), Roberto Martinez (Everton), Antonio Conte (Juventus) and Fabio Capello (Russia) etc.
VERDICT
Simeone is someone who will still requires experience. I guess he will see out atleast a couple of years at Athletico Madrid and then think of a new challenge. He has a bright career ahead of him.
Carlo Ancelotti even though the best candidate for this job won’t arrive at Old Trafford unless he is fired by Real Madrid. I think he will stay at Madrid atleast for another year. He has already won a trophy this season and is still eligible to win the other 2.
Louis van Gaal is the man for me! The amount of experience this man can bring to Old Trafford will help us regain our status. Although he isn’t someone who can last for 10-15 years, he will definitely win 1 trophy within 2 seasons and manage to qualify us for the Champions League. Something Moyes failed at. His reputation will be enough to attract big names to the club next season. He knows how to rebuild a side. Infact, Bayern is what it is today due to his efforts.
van Gaal can last atleast 5 seasons according to me and will bring temporary relief to the management as well as the fans. He is capable of winning trophies and managing a club as big as United. Handling pressure will be normal for him. The best part? He is quitting the Dutch National Team at the end of the 2014 World Cup and has expressed his interest in managing a Premier League side. You never know how van Persie and he can team up!
As for Ryan Giggs, he has been assured a coaching role next season irrespective of who the next manager is. He should train under the upcoming manager and one day I am sure he will be capable enough to manage Manchester United.
