SAF: I’ll Go On
Sun: ALEX FERGUSON says the thrill of watching his bright new team is keeping him young.
So he has warned those with designs on his job at Manchester United to forget about it for some time.
Mark Hughes is the latest to be heralded as a possible successor after taking his Blackburn side to Old Trafford on Sunday.
But Fergie — who will be 66 on New Year’s Eve — said: “Every time we play a team who is managed by one of my old players, talk of them taking over from me crops up.
“But I’m fit, healthy and as long as I’m that way, then I’ll carry on. I enjoy watching this team. They play with great enthusiasm, imagination and we have individuals who can win games.”
Ferguson has just celebrated 21 years as United boss by claiming he has the strongest squad since he arrived at Old Trafford way back in 1986.
That is some boast given the collective power of United’s Treble winners in 1999.
But he insisted: “I believe this is the strongest squad I’ve ever had — so much so that I would be pushed to name my overall best team.
“This is what I have been working towards. I don’t like the short-term fix — I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special which, believe me, is what is happening this season.
“The signs are good, although we have to keep winning to show how good we are.”
United beat Blackburn 2-0 with two goals in two minutes by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ferguson said: “It was entertaining, particularly in the first half.
“It was settled by two decisive moments — a good header from Ronaldo and a quick goal after that. We gave a professional performance, keeping the ball well.
“We didn’t take a great deal of risks and could have scored a couple more.”
Ferguson also proved he could switch his line-up without affecting the quality.
There were six changes from the team that beat Dynamo Kiev 4-0 in the Champions League in midweek.
But Fergie is not just thrilled by the youthful vigour in his side. Ryan Giggs, 33, was on song once again on Sunday, while 32-year-old Paul Scholes had been outstanding until his knee injury last month.
Ferguson added: “In my view, Scholes and Giggs can carry on playing until they are 36, such has been their lifestyles.
“There is many a pitfall for celebrity players but those two have avoided all the traps and set fine examples for those coming up behind them.”
Ferguson will plot his way through the campaign to avoid any late slip-ups like last season when fatigue and fitness problems set in with another Treble in their sights. The addition of Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez will ensure there is no repeat.
But Hargreaves admits every one of United’s players have had to accept they will not play all the time.
The England star said: “The boss has so many options.
“That means sometimes you won’t be on the pitch — but you need to look at the bigger picture. This club isn’t about individuals.
“The camaraderie is very special and everyone’s pulling together for the team.”
