Succeeding Sir Alex

As Ferguson left the youth team training ground, his steps felt unexpectedly light. A bold idea had taken root in his mind—one that sent a rare thrill through him.

"Barcelona has Guardiola… so why can't Manchester United have a Tiger King?"

Guardiola had risen through the ranks of Barcelona's system, captaining the team as a player before seamlessly transitioning into management. In just two years, he had led Barcelona to an unprecedented six trophies in a single season.

And Tiger King? He was just as much a product of Manchester United. He had grown up within the club, captained the youth team at 18, and at 22, began his coaching career within the academy. He was a true Red Devil, through and through. Even more importantly—he was English. That alone would earn him the trust and support of both the players and the fans, something foreign managers often struggled with at Old Trafford.

And his tactical understanding? Ferguson had just witnessed it firsthand. Tiger King's analysis of United's current squad wasn't just accurate—it was sharp, insightful, and unflinching. He had the makings of a top manager.

For the first time, Ferguson seriously considered a future in which Tiger King took his place. And to his surprise… it didn't seem like such a bad idea after all.

People know well that Ferguson has a deep affection for the Class of '92, especially Giggs and Scholes. Even Beckham, who left in the aftermath of the infamous "Flying Boot Incident," remained one of his cherished disciples. But what few truly understood was that Ferguson's most favored protégé was not one of those famous names—it was Tiger King, the captain of the Class of '92.

Ferguson often wondered what could have been. If not for that injury, Tiger King would have been my most trusted general on the pitch. He imagined a Manchester United with Tiger King in his prime—perhaps even more trophies, more dominance, more glory.

But today, as he listened to Tiger King speak, a different realization dawned on him. For 16 years, Tiger King had poured his intelligence and passion into coaching the youth team, shaping the next generation of Manchester United. His impact on the club wasn't measured in personal accolades but in the players he had helped mold—Jesse Lingard, Danny Welbeck, Danny Simpson, Jonny Evans, and many others. Each of them had carried a piece of his influence onto the pitch.

And now, standing at the edge of a decision that could shape the future of Manchester United, Ferguson couldn't help but wonder—had Tiger King's true destiny been on the touchline all along?

Therefore, no matter from the development of the club, or from a personal point of view, Tiger King is the only candidate to take over his coaching position.

Ferguson considered this matter for another three days, and finally decided to talk to the club.

On a sunny afternoon with no training sessions of the first team, the team's assistant coach took the players to watch the video of the game indoors for tactical analysis, and Sir Alex Ferguson exited the room, bypassed the training ground and came to the chairman's office. The office's door was half open, and Ferguson knocked gently on the door. After getting a response, he walked into the room. 

David Gill looked up as Ferguson entered, setting the papers aside with a tired smile.

"My old friend, it seems you've been busy lately."

Gill quickly got up from his seat. "Sir, have a seat. What would you like to drink?"

"Black tea, thank you."

A moment later, his secretary, Elisa, brought the tea before quietly closing the door behind her. Ferguson took a sip, then glanced at the papers on Gill's desk.

"You look troubled, David. What's on your mind?"

Gill sighed and handed Ferguson a document. "Our negotiations with Mourinho have failed."

Ferguson raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I thought he was eager to return to the Premier League."

"He is," Gill replied, shaking his head. "But not with us. He's heading back to Chelsea."

At that, Ferguson let out a chuckle. "That troublemaker returning to Stamford Bridge? The Premier League just got a whole lot more interesting."

Gill studied Ferguson's face. "Sir, you don't seem the least bit disappointed that we lost Mourinho."

Ferguson smirked, leaning back in his chair. "That's because I never wanted him in the first place."

Gill thought about it "Oh? Are you more optimistic about Moyes? Signing him is not difficult at all, but Moyes has no experience coaching a top team and you mentioned that he was an alternative if we couldn't get Mourinho"

"You're right, Moyes is really not the best candidate for Manchester United right now" speaking of this, Ferguson took a sip from the black tea, looking leisurely.

Gill was in doubt. 'Here I am looking for a successor after you and look at you so leisurely. What's wrong? Do you want the club you've built to fall apart? No. Wait. That can't be right. Something's wrong. Why is he so relaxed?' Having spent so much time with Ferguson, he saw something and realized that things were different.

"Jazz, seeing you being so calm, let me guess, do you have another suitable candidate" Gill's eyes widened slightly at his own words as if waiting for Ferguson to confirm his suspicion

Ferguson chuckled, taking another slow sip of his black tea. "Of course you were right. You've worked alongside me for too many years not to know how my mind works."

At that moment, Elisa, standing just outside the door, pretended to be occupied with some files but was fully tuned in. If she had any doubts before, she was now convinced—this was the kind of inside scoop that would be whispered about in the halls for weeks!

"I was actually right!?!" Gill was startled. "Who is it? Malcolm has said this to me long ago that the person who Jazz recommends must be dug out with all my strength!"

Malcolm is the current owner of Manchester United, Malcolm Glazer, the current leader of the Glazer family.

Ferguson smirked, setting his teacup down gently. "Malcolm said that, did he?"

Gill nodded. "He knows your word carries weight. Whoever you fancy for the job, the Glazers will listen."

Ferguson exhaled, leaning back in his chair. Ferguson set down his teacup and met Gill's gaze. "Then let me say it clearly, David. The man I want is Tiger King."

Gill blinked. "Tiger King? The youth team coach? Sir, April 1 has passed, please don't fool me."

Ferguson nodded. "Do you think I'm joking? Think about it, David. He's been at United for years, coaching our next generation. He knows our philosophy inside and out, and he has the passion and tactical mind to take us forward. Barcelona had Guardiola. Why can't Manchester United have Tiger King?"

Gill fell silent, absorbing the weight of Ferguson's words. This was not a name he had expected, but coming from Ferguson, it carried undeniable weight.

Ferguson knew he had Gill where he wanted him, so he continued, "Let me tell you, a few months ago, I thought Mourinho was the support needed to save Manchester United, but I Now I feel that Tiger King is the hope for Manchester United in the future."

Gill couldn't understand what made Ferguson so serious about Tiger. So, he asked in a straightforward manner, "Why?"

Gill watched Ferguson in silence for a moment. He had seen this look before—the same unwavering conviction when Ferguson fought to sign Eric Cantona, when he insisted on nurturing the Class of '92, when he personally vouched for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Finally, Gill sighed and smiled. "Alright, Sir. I trust you. If you say Tiger King is the man, then I'll do everything I can to push for him."

Ferguson's clenched fist relaxed slightly, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "Good. Because Manchester United doesn't need another outsider trying to impose their philosophy. We need someone who bleeds for this club, who understands its DNA. Tiger King is that man."

Gill nodded, but his face still carried traces of concern. "It won't be easy. The media will question it. The board will hesitate. And the fans… well, they'll need convincing."

Ferguson chuckled. "The fans had doubts when I took over, too. But winning shuts everyone up."

Gill smirked. "True. So what's next?"

Ferguson stood up, adjusting his jacket. "I'll speak to Tiger King myself. If he's ready to take this challenge, then we move forward. And David—" He looked back with a knowing smile. "Prepare for a new era."

With that, Ferguson walked out of the office, leaving Gill deep in thought. The wheels had been set in motion. Whether the board agreed or not, Sir Alex had made his choice.

After a long pause, Gill exhaled. "Wait! If you're serious about this, we have a lot to discuss."

Ferguson simply smiled and returned back to his seat. "Then let's get started."