© EuroFootball.com
Legendary Sir Alex Ferguson will celebrate an impressive anniversary on Sunday - he has been at the helm of the English team for 25 years.
The 70-year-old specialist has won 12 English championship titles, five FA Cups, four league titles, triumphed twice in the Champions League, once won the Europa League, but has no plans to retire for now.
And nobody wants him to - after all, Ferguson has enriched football not only with tactical maneuvers, or proven impeccable eye for new talents. In addition to that - sometimes biting, sometimes funny, but always unforgettable remarks. And of course, the chewing gum and the constant joy of the team scoring a goal...
A legend who does not let go of humility
"The fact that I have been working for so long is a fairy tale," said the Scotsman, who arrived from his native "Aberdeen". "This period was amazing. I really couldn't believe it, so I appreciate everything that has happened."
Indeed, Ferguson has never been inclined to praise himself or his achievements. The same goes for this time - when asked to share his thoughts, he replied, "I don't want to get into that."
Yet he admitted: "Looking back, I can't help but emphasize how lucky I was to work with incredibly talented footballers. At the very beginning, there were Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Brian McClair, Mark Hughes, Paul Ince, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona. What wonderful players...
It's hard to believe that I trained them for so long. Now the players' personalities are different, they come from different cultures."
And added: "I will continue working as long as my health allows. I can only say that I look optimistically at the next 25 years."
Who will replace Ferguson?
"The Guardian" noted in its article that, despite Ferguson's retirement approaching inexorably. Then the main question arises - who will be the successor of the legendary coach, taking on a huge responsibility?
"We will need an experienced strategist. The next coach will certainly not be young," said Ferguson himself.
The Scot planned to end his career in 2002, and at that time he was supposed to be replaced by Sven Goran Eriksson. Ferguson eventually changed his mind, and the "Man Utd" fans, watching Eriksson's results at other clubs, should be very happy with that veteran's decision.
Many consider charismatic Portuguese Jose Mourinho as the main favorite, who does not hide his desire to return to work in England. Alongside him are Barcelona's manager Pep Guardiola and David Moyes, who leads Liverpool's Everton.
Of course, names like Fabio Capello, Mark Hughes, Harry Redknapp, Laurent Blanc, Steve Bruce, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot be forgotten.
However, whoever he may be, he will not be able to repeat Ferguson's achievements. Admired by many, hated by others, he will be written into football history in golden letters.
Ferguson's career in Manchester:
