The End of an Era?

Ladies and gentleman, I am quite sure that at this point you are all sick of my metaphorical analysis and gentle opinions. Soccer Boss is not known for getting down and dirty with the tough stuff so I have brought in Victor Green, a very dear friend of mine who is a die-hard Manchester United supporter (yes, amazingly we are still friends as long as United and Basel aren't battling it out on the European stage) to voice his opinions on the current situation at Manchester United. The topic of Sir Alex Ferguson and his inevitable expiration date at the Red Devils is a bit touchy, it's one that football writers (mostly critics) either want to dig their claws into and tear to shreds or one that many of us, like myself, prefer to dance around out of respect for the man and all that he has done. Hearing these words coming from a United supporter mean so much more than when they come from a spectator, analyst or journalist. Here's Vic's take on Sir Alex's decision making and what it means for the club he loves.

"To me, the greatest Club in the world is Manchester United.  I grew up supporting The Red Devils.  In elementary school my friends had Brett Farve and Mark McGwire jerseys, I wore David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.  It has been the greatest love affair I have ever had- so when the final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge today, I quietly turned off the TV and sat back.  It hit me- This was a very disappointing season.  Almost worst than last year to me.  For one very valuable reason- we had the talent.  We had the squad that could have carried us to another Treble. It is in my silence that I have figured out what is wrong...

It is time for Sir Alex Ferguson to retire.  This has been a season highlighted by HORRIBLE coaching decisions.  Benching Wayne Rooney at home against Real Madrid was a error of epic consequence.  Nani took the field and although he shouldn't have been sent for an early shower, we didn't have our talisman to dig in like he has for us so much- year after year:  Nani- the same player who cost us the Capital One Cup- even though we played two VERY young and inexperienced players against Chelsea again.  ANOTHER poor coaching decision.  

Then, there was this weekend.  We played away to Sunderland.  With a 15 point lead Manchester United started Robin Van Persie, Shinji Kagawa, and Nemanja Vidic to The Stadium of Light. We played our strongest hand against the team that is 16th in the Table.  Smalling, Nani, Welbeck, and Hernandez should have been in that game.  Nick Powell, who was on the bench, should have played in Michael Carrick's place.  Instead we had Michael Carrick play two games in 48 hours?

Our FA cups were finished today after Sir Alex decided to play, in my opinion, one of his worst set ups of the season.  He had 4 defenders, 2 wingers, 2 midfielders, and 2 strikers... makes sense- now let’s analyze his decisions for positions.

De Gea

Valencia, Smalling, Ferdinand, Evra

Nani, Jones, Carrick, Cleverley

Welbeck, Hernandez

Sir Alex decided to split his best midfield and put his right footed central midfielder on the left wing.  Instead of Nani being in that position he put him on the right and moved Valencia back behind him.  Instead of Jones- fresh from injury- playing right back, he put him in the middle of the pitch where Cleverley should have been.  Everyone looked confused and out of place.  Confused and out of place against a team who is currently 4th in the league.  

Next, is the Wayne Rooney saga.  You have one of the most talented and versatile players in the world- who is very much happy- and you are constantly talking trash about him in press conferences?  How was he during those World Cup qualifiers this last week?  Sir Alex may be able to get us one or two more trophies before he retires, but Rooney can lead us to AT LEAST two more Champions League titles.  

No one is bigger than the club.  Sir Alex Ferguson has done his duty better than anyone, but it is time to retire at the end of this season.  101 points is not enough for a squad like this and much like our roster, it is time for a shake up in the coaching staff."