“I believe it is now time to put aside all differences (also put aside a very badly treated leader) and ill feelings (dont feel bad – even if your fellow board members knife you in the back) and work towards building the church (built on shaming your leaders) that would bring glory and honour to His name (gotta pray very hard).”

Sir Alex Ferguson will go “upstairs” after 19 May 2013. David Moyes is said to be ready to be named as his successor. Some websites and news clips have brought up lists of names, including Solskjaer and Giggs, as candidates. I’m sure that’s not going to happen. It would be like naming McGuinness after Sir Matt Busby.

I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping we wouldn’t be seeing another stream of managers coming in seeking to be accepted.

I remember following United when “The Doc” – Tommy Docherty – was the manager. Then he was sacked for inappropriate behaviour and Dave Sexton came in and then it was the larger than life Ron Atkinson, who despite bringing in Bryan Robson, brought the FA Cup but still shy of the league champion status the club sought and desperately needed.

Would Moyes or Mourinho continue to steer United along the paths of competing, fighting, striving and achieving? Whatever they achieve, it would likely still only be a pale shadow when looked against the beam cast by the living legend that is Sir Alex. Thank you Sir Alex, and au revoir.

Related articles

• Report: Moyes to replace Ferguson in next few days (prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com)
• Alex Ferguson retires: For Manchester United supporters, changing managers has always been something other teams do (dailymail.co.uk)
• Alex Ferguson retires as Man Utd manager – live! (guardian.co.uk)
• Latest Sports News: Moyes on the brink (journallive.co.uk)
• David Moyes will replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager on Thursday (telegraph.co.uk)