It's always arguable whether or to what extent a manager can contribute anything when dealing with top players. Why should a manager make any difference at all? But looking at most successful managers, you would say motivation is something they can add. Spurs seem to have more energy under Sherwood; the lethargy which was evident from the outset in the 0-6 defeat at City seems to have gone. Adebayor has come back into the team, having supposedly exiled himself, speaks volumes too. Perhaps the players are responding better to Sherwood and that is reflected in a bit more commitment and effort. Moyes got Everton motivated, but seems to be struggling at Utd. This is most clearly demonstrated by the disappearance of "The Alamo". How did SAF consistently get players to give everything as if their lives depended on it at the end of games Utd were chasing? How did he instill the belief that those players could overcome any deficit by producing their best when it really mattered and was proved right time and time again with late goals? This happened with different teams and different players under his charge. They all demonstrated the same never say die attitude and will to win. Nothing to do with ability or tactics per se - everything to do with confidence and self belief instilled by the manager.
One of the reasons why most top managers would not have taken the United job is simply down to the fact that it would have been impossible to follow Fergie. And one of the reasons why it was impossible to follow Fergie is down to the fact that players would not have taken the new manager quite so seriously. That act of relaxing, even to a very small extent, has been the difference between United this season under Moyes and last season under Fergie. The margins to which Prem sides operate are so very small, that the smallest of differences make all the difference.
"How did SAF consistently get players to give everything as if their lives depended on it at the end of games Utd were chasing?" Fear. Of the man himself, or the thought that he really would end their career at the club.
I think that the main difference has been a bunch of players finally going over the hill without being replaced, plus some injuries. Ferguson got out when he did because of the state of the squad and the lack of impending investment. Not taking anything away from him, but he knew the score. He didn't have to deal with some old twat following him about and undermining him, either...
Utd fans will probaly remember some of the "dark days" under Fergie, playing Alan Smith in midfield and resorting to kicking two lumps out of the goons! but remember Fergie has employed some of the best number 2's in the game. Brian Kidd 1991 -1998 Steve McClaren (yes he was an innovative coach) 1998-2001 Carlos Queiroz 2002-03 & 2004-08 That for me was his biggest ability (aside his natural ability in management), was to bring in the right people to assist him, and also fire Kidd (for suggesting Hartson would be a good signing! )......but knowing when to move an assistant on. Having the right people around the manager helps keep players motivated and interested, especially with new ideas and while Rene Meulensteen wasn't his number 2, he was another top coach (but crap manager) who helped Utd to success.
Spot on Boss, this was SAF strength, picking the right people around him who would compliment his weaknesses. The biggest strength of any man comes from knowing his own weaknesses better than anybody else.
