Premier League 
/ Frank Gregan / 27 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Manager, problem-solver, father figure and all-round legend. We give you Sir Alex...
"We now have University lecturers that earn their living answering questions like that. They'll tell you about global brand awareness, historical trends, the importance of momentum and the balance between ambition and expectation. Nonsense - there's a one word answer to the question- Fergie!"
If you're sick of seeing Manchester United somehow managing to overcome every obstacle put in their way year after year to keep up an incredible level of consistency, there's only one man to blame for it all, says Frank Gregan.
A little over a year ago this column predicted that Manchester United would end the 2009/10 season without a trophy. It didn't come to fruition because United picked up the Carling Cup but that did little to sate the thirst that the United faithful have for trophies.
An eventful year has since past. Manchester City have continued to flex their financial muscle, Tottenham have proved that last season was no flash in the pan and Liverpool under new ownership and management have shown with the purchases of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez that they are back in business. Chelsea were crowned champions but are enduring a painful run at present. In an attempt to get back on track they secured the most-sought after signature in English football when Fernando Torres put pen to paper, a clear signal that they have no intention of downsizing.
Manchester United's investment in the summer was modest. Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe were all bought with an eye on the future. It could be argued that once again Man Utd's financial plight hampered them in the transfer market with their rivals spending larger amounts on better players.
Since the season kicked off Sir Alex hasn't enjoyed a hassle-free season. Wayne Rooney started the campaign as Public Enemy Number One after England's World Cup debacle and revelations about his private life coupled with persistent injury problems fuelled his petulance. It looked as if it would all end in tears when Rooney's desire to leave Old Trafford became public, particularly when he was linked with a move across the city to Eastlands.
Another massive blow to the Reds was the injury sustained by Antonio Valencia against Rangers in the middle of September. The Ecuadorian is the real deal, a class act who has blossomed since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and has become one of United's most influential players. His injury added to Rio Ferdinand and Rooney's ongoing problems, an ageing squad and a bitter resentment towards their American owners meant it was all doom and gloom at the Theatre of Dreams.
Six months down the track and all is rosy in the red part of Manchester. They're top of the Premier League, into the quarter finals of the FA Cup and in great nick after their first leg in the round of 16 in the Champions League. They'll be looking forward to a massive end of season party with a possible treble in the offing. Unbelievable! How do they do it?
We now have University lecturers that earn their living answering questions like that. They'll tell you about global brand awareness, historical trends, the importance of momentum and the balance between ambition and expectation. Nonsense - there's a one word answer to the question- Fergie!
It seems no matter what problem is put before him, the great man rises above it. He is the Kenny Rogers of football, he "knows when to hold 'em, knows when to fold 'em!" In the past he has seen David Beckham walk away, lost the services of the best player in the Premier League when Cristiano Ronaldo headed for warmer climates and it looked certain that he would lose Rooney.
He survived the losses of Beckham and Ronaldo, partly because he was able to bring in very decent replacements (let's not forget Ronaldo came in as Beckham went out) but the loss of the former Everton man during such tough financial times for the club would have been a disaster. There were a lot of United supporters at the time who were saying "let him go", such was Rooney's attitude, form and conduct but the master man-manager somehow sorted the situation out.
It was fitting that the problematic England striker then came up with a wonder goal to win the Manchester derby after his side had been outplayed for most of the game. Once again it left the footballing world asking the same question - 'how do they do it?' Odds of [23.0] are available on them to win all three competitions that they are challenging for and the way they keep somehow getting results suggests it's not beyond them.
It was another case of Glory Glory Man Utd yesterday against Wigan but they have two massive challenges this week with away games against Chelsea on Tuesday and Liverpool on Sunday.Those two games could well decide if, at least as far as the Premier League is concerned, the Reds go marching on on on!
If you're sick of seeing Manchester United somehow managing to overcome every obstacle put in their way year after year to keep up an incredible level of consistency, there's only one man to blame for it all, says Frank Gregan....
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