Before Sir Alex Ferguson’s updated autobiography is released on October 23rd it’s perhaps important to ponder the enduring class of the lad.
So many public figures get lonely when they retire or are sacked. After a few months out of the constant glare of the media spotlight they feel marginalised and start making periodic and ever more sensationalist public comments as they yearn for the media attention and general relevance which they once took for granted.
Not so Sir Alex. There have been many times since he retired that his management of Manchester United has been questioned. Did he leave a rotten legacy after taking his eye of the ball in his final few years? Was he too supportive of the owners, who many believe have invested far too little in playing staff during their tenure?
These sorts of comments would clearly hurt the great man and many would have felt the need to respond to such negative allegations relating to their passion and life work.
But Fergie has kept his counsel and remained quiet in the face of any criticism. For one so outspoken during his time as Manchester United manager his silence has been a test of integrity – and he has passed it with flying colours.
As his next script nears publication the more sensationalistic media men will posit that Fergie is going to lift the lid on some huge controversy, or offer up hitherto well-kept secrets, in order to boost sales.
But you can be almost certain of one thing. This true lover of Manchester United will never say anything that can hurt the club. He remains one of the most loyal servants that Manchester United has ever had the luxury to be associated with and he’s not about to start venting spleen now in some personal attempt to vindicate himself from any of the regular allegations of mis-management.
Anyone who truly thinks that Fergie was bad for Manchester United doesn’t deserve or merit a response. And the old legend knows it only too well.
