The only time I've been to a game at Old Trafford was in 1976. The supporters were not happy because the team was not doing very well. They were understandably irate because, "this is the greatest club in the world and we expect success". That is precisely the view of Sir Alex Ferguson. And with his record of achievement it is difficult not to admire him. So I treated myself to this acclaimed book. It's (ghost) written in a relaxed, informal style, with no foul language and little football-speak. He handles the technical side of management, and of the game, in a clear, understandable way. It is perhaps a little anodyne. He states that as a manager he was not in the business of openly criticising his players (though he was a strict disciplinarian) and he continues with this approach. His reservations about Mark Bosnich are unlikely to be challenged and the Van Nistelrooy saga is well known. And when it comes to Roy Keane, Sir Alex had little option but to outline the difficulties. (I have now bought Mr Keane's book The Second Half and am looking forward to reading it).
There are some interesting insights. Whilst the media and many in the football world are keen to encourage more home grown talent, Sir Alex argues for more freedom for top clubs to get work permits for non-EU players. And on another issue, I was interested that the Manchester United management takes a very dim view of players diving.
Off the pitch I don't think I'd realised what an interesting man he is. I'm thinking of his political views and contacts with politicians; his reading; his interests in wine and racing; and an admirably settled family life.
Incidentally the end of the book, I think the final twenty per cent, is full of statistics. That's the sort of thing I enjoy browsing, but that is not easy in the Kindle format.
All in all, this is a portrait of an admirable man. He is not without flaws (eg his disciplinary record), but he has a has achieved more than virtually anyone else in football; he is cultured and well read; a family man; and well able to hold his own at Harvard. Most impressive.
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