Manchester United: Fans Turn Against Sir Alex Ferguson But Are They Justified?

Succumbing to new lows with every passing fixture, Manchester United saw its fans turn against Sir Alex Ferguson after the club lost the Manchester derby 3-0 at Old Trafford.

While David Moyes lost the Old Trafford faithful quite early in the campaign, he has done what Sir Alex never did in his two decades in charge of the Red Devils-turn the fans against Ferguson himself. Following another stinging defeat in a derby, Manchester United fans voiced their frustration against Sir Alex Ferguson who occupied the Directorai??i??s box at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Manchester United lost 3-0 to city rivals at Old Trafford on Tuesday, just days after Liverpool thrashed them by the same margin at the same venue. Reports emerged that a section of fans blamed Sir Alex Ferguson for appointing David Moyes as the manager and turned against him as he sat in the Directorai??i??s box.

Fans blame Ferguson for United's current slump — Fans blame Ferguson for United’s current slump

There were reports also suggesting that David Moyesai??i?? banner at the Old Trafford was under threat of being pulled down by those who had Ai??run out of patience. In fact, stewards had to be deployed to the stands to make sure that the poster stood put after Unitedai??i??s loss on Tuesday. Though it is no secret that the fans are calling for David Moyesai??i?? sacking, a public demonstration of such a magnitude was diverted with the help of security personnel.

There has been an increasing amount of frustration with the way David Moyes has been managing things at Manchester United and many believe that the man is just not cut out for the job-something which Sir Alex should have recognised, being such a good judge of character himself. If the excuses he was making for the teamai??i??s performances werenai??i??t enough, Moyesai??i?? comments have hardly reflected the ethics of United. Speaking to the Press before Liverpoolai??i??s visit at Old Trafford, the manager deemed that Brendan Rodgersai??i?? men were the favourites to win the important derby. And now following his loss to City, the manager exclaimed that United must ai???striveai??i?? to reach Cityai??i??s standards. For the fans, it is these small comments that matter more than the defeats itself. And hence they turn to the man who appointed the manager in the first place-Sir Alex Ferguson.

So is Fergie really to be blamed?

The biggest criticism levelled against Sir Alex Ferguson was that he left an ageing and incompetent squad for David Moyes to manage. Yes they did win the league and did so comfortably, critics argue that it was Fergusonai??i??s charisma and man-management that pulled the squad through. Hence fingers have been raised at the former manager for the ageing defensive line up comprising Rio Ferdinand, Vidic and Patrice Evra. Questions have been asked about Unitedai??i??s lack of quality midfielders, one that plagued Ferguson himself to the extent that Paul Scholes had to return from retirement last season. Still the manager did not bring in quality players. Doubts were also raised in the manner which Kagawa was used at United along with the lack of quality of wingers present in the squad.

Sir-Alex-Ferguson(c)footballsoccerfocus.com — Ferguson won because he was a winner.

Surely the critics have a point? Maybe it is Sir Alex Ferguson who is really responsible for Unitedai??i??s current situation. But those that question the man surely need to understand how Ferguson managed to win at Old Trafford despite all the circumstances and opposition. Sir Alex Ferguson won and did so for more than a decade because he was a winner. He won with great squads (The Class of 92) and with an ai???ageingai??i?? squad. He knew how to extract every bit that a player had to offer and then went on to get out some more. That was his legacy, his secret. He expected utmost dedication and nothing short of everything was enough for the man. And that is why he succeeded.

And that is why when David Moyes was appointed, he expected the highest standards from the manager. Like every player he managed, he brought people in the club when they were unpolished stones and turned them into diamonds with his own steely resolve and fire. And while he produced the Ryan Giggs, the Paul Scholes and the Wayne Rooneys, there were those that could not match-up and left. And similarly, it is not Sir Alex Fergusonai??i??s fault that his successor is not able to cope with the circumstances. When he appointed David Moyes as the manager at Old Trafford, it is not that he was not aware that the squad was ageing and needed reinforcements. He simply expected David Moyes to be up to the task. He expected his successor to win, despite all the odds. Like he did. For that is the Manchester United way.

And that is why he made his successor’s announcement well in advance, made sure he was offered a stable contract and backed him and continues to do so with all his might. He truly believed in Moyes and appointed him in charge keeping in mind the long term future of United at heart. A Jose Mourinho would have resulted in a much more rewarding season, but as Sir Bobby Charlton pointed out, the Special One was not cut out for a club like United.

And that is why when David Moyes fails today, the blame must lie completely with him. Because he was expected to win, despite the injuries, the fixtures and the opposition.

Manchester United: Fans Turn Against Sir Alex Ferguson But Are They Justified?

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