Sir Bobby Robson: Fergie`s best everFergie's best ever - the master manager on his top sideIt was ironic that on the day Manchester United paid a moving silent tribute to a sensational side blitzed by tragedy, its modern equivalent — one I believe is already, or certainly could become, the best in the club's illustrious history — demonstrated its vulnerability. Make no mistake, on the day United's neighbours Manchester City deserved their derby victory at Old Trafford.
In fact, you could draw comparisons from the performance of the United side last Sunday with those of the one Sir Matt Busby carefully nurtured — Busby Babes then, Fergie Fledglings now. They were capable of hitting the heights and, on occasions, just as likely to flounder and frustrate ... like the occasion when, as a player with West Bromwich Albion, I was in the side that beat them 4-3 in what was one of the biggest matches of the season.
Who knows what greatness that team could have achieved? During the years which followed, apart from that wonderful post-Munich side created by Busby — the Best, Law, Charlton era — United often struggled to rediscover that winning identity until the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.
His success is a condemnation of short-sighted chairmen who lack the patience to allow their manager to stick it out through difficult times. After an initial struggle to find a winning formula, Sir Alex has, over the past 20 years or so, fashioned a succession of brilliant teams to maintain United's position as the most successful club in English football history.
But I believe the one he has assembled now is his best. The difference between this one and that of 1999, when United recorded the phenomenal Treble of European Cup, League title and FA Cup, is that that the current vintage have to prove me right.
Unquestionably, Sir Alex was fortunate when the United youth system produced players like Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, the two Nevilles, Gary and Phil, and Nicky Butt, who became the foundation of that 1999 side. But look at those bought in to augment such talent — Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, Peter Schmeichel, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and so on.
Similarly, the accent is on youth again, although this time mostly from shrewd investments in the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson, to supplement the experience of more established players.
Sir Alex's policy is to entertain, to score goals, to defend and not concede but mainly to score one more than the opposition. He once told me: 'I love buying strikers, I'd like five in my squad.' But he also believes in a big midfield engine room, the powerhouse of any side.
He has employed uncanny vision and a meticulous eye for genuine talent to put together a team that will continue to progress and develop over at least the next decade, but he will also be liable to spend big when big players become available. It is a devastating combination that will set the standard for any manager who believes he can do better.
This week the real battle for the European Cup begins with the last-16 stage and Lyon will be far from pushovers on their own territory. They lead the French title chase and United must finish level at least to face the second leg with confidence.
It would be the perfect celebration of the memory of Munich if United go on to win in Europe this season — and what then? I've noted speculation in some quarters that Sir Alex is only waiting for that second European Cup triumph before he retires. Whoever believes that doesn't know the fella. Why should he? He still has the urge, he knows the game inside out.
A few years ago he entertained the idea that he might be getting too old for the management game — and then he saw sense. Take it from me, you're never too old.
I'm 75 tomorrow and I still love it. Given better health and different circumstances I would still love to be involved.
I'd advise Sir Alex to keep going as long as possible. He enjoys good health, the respect of his players and staff and the support of his wife Cathy and the rest of his family. And he has assembled a team that could reach great heights, so why should he walk away and let others reap the benefits of his labours?
He has other interests to stimulate him — such as his involvement in horse racing which provides him with necessary diversions.
Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United and football ... now there's a winning treble if ever I've seen one!
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Manchester United Supporters Association, The RED World ...
