Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May of 2013, but today he’s just as relevant as he’s ever been. Fergie is always huge, headline news whenever the former Manchester United boss chooses to speak his mind on a hot topic in the football world. Jose Mourinho is the hot topic in the football world today, as Tuesday saw his first press conference as United Manager.
Mourinho covered a lot of ground: articulating the potential roles of Wayne Rooney, throwing shade at Arsene Wenger, explaining why it’s him, and not Ryan Giggs in that seat, and much much more.
Ferguson, in a very different setting, had a great soundbite too, and it was about Mourinho.
At a charity event that was broadcast by Sky Sports, Sir Alex said his friend Mourinho will succeed with his new club but also said Mourinho made the wrong move in going back to Chelsea. Yes, even despite the fact that the special one won a title at Stamford Bridge in 2014-15. (Mourinho managed the Blues from 2003-07 and 2013-15)
“I thought Jose was wrong to go back to Chelsea, I really do,” Sir Alex Ferguson said. “I think it’s always difficult going back to somewhere for a second time.”
“The ability, charisma and personality, his success is high, won a European Cup twice with different clubs, won a Europa [League] with Porto, winning titles with all the teams he’s managed. His record — you can’t ignore that.
“I think Manchester United is the right kind of club for him, I really do. I think we’ll do well.”
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
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