Phil Neville,the ex-Manchester United defender and current captain of Everton,said something significant.
He opined that Ryan Giggs,or his brother Gary,is the best choice to replace Alex Ferguson whenever he decides to retire.The likes of Pep Guardiola,David Moyes and especially Jose Mourinho have been touted as possible successors.But Phil thinks a successor who knows the club tradition and how it is run,like Barcelona's Guardiola,remains the best for the club.Any outsider,he feels,would be under immense pressure straight-away to impress,in what would be the most difficult job on the planet once Fergie leaves it.Rather,if a club legend takes over,he would not be hassled by the fans,even if he would be expected to produce results.In this case,he would be with less pressure.
I totally agree with Phil.Ryan Giggs,who has been studying for his coaching badges on Fergie's advise,would be a commonsensical consideration.But,it would be much more reasonable,in my opinion,to consider Gary Neville.He,with Paul Scholes,also has been studying for his badges.
Gary is just a younger version of Fergie - cool-headed when expected to,very volatile when the hairdryer is needed,an expert at mind games and also very tactful with journalists.Nothing suggests Giggs and Scholes do not possess these and more,but nobody epitomises Fergie than Gary.Hey,he also hates Manchester City and Liverpool the same way Fergie does.Who would stoke up pressure in these games the way Fergie does,like Gary?Nobody,I dare say.
But then,let's not think about who replaces Fergie yet.If he,one day,pits against Wayne Rooney on the dug-out,who would it surprise?Not me!