Manchester United legend Andy Cole responded in clinical fashion after he was asked if Sir Alex Ferguson would still be an elite manager in the Premier League right now.
The Red Devils have not lifted the Premier League title since United icon Ferguson called it time on his legendary managerial career in 2013.
Ferguson lifted a whopping 38 trophies during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford, which included 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and five FA Cups.
Since the 81-year-old Scotsman’s retirement, ex-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has dominated the Premier League with United’s crosstown rivals Manchester City.
Cole, who was brought to Old Trafford by Ferguson in 1995, captured five Premier League trophies, a Champions League and two FA Cups under the United legend.
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Cole on hypothetical Ferguson scenario
Speaking on The Late Late Show, Cole was asked by presenter Patrick Kielty how former United manager Ferguson would cope in the Premier League right now.
The 52-year-old ex-United striker insisted that the current Red Devils side wouldn’t be in their current predicament if a younger version of Ferguson was in charge.
When asked if Ferguson could “get the same job done in the modern game,” Cole responded: “100 per cent. 100 per cent.
“You know, for instance, if he was 20 years younger and had the opportunity to manage this team, they wouldn’t find themselves in the position they find themselves in. But that’s football.”
Ferguson encouraged Cole on one path
Cole went on to play for the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, City, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest before he retired from football in 2008.
During his appearance on The Late Late Show, the former England international opened up on his health struggles and relationship with one ex-United teammate.
Speaking on Ferguson, however, Cole admitted that the former United boss and ex-Red Devils assistant manager Mike Phelan had encouraged him to become a coach.
When asked if he could ever become a coach, he responded: “Who, me? No. No, I made my mind [up] when I just retired.
“I remember Sir Alex Ferguson and Mikie [Mike] Phelan used to say, ‘Right, Coley, come on, get your coaching badges done.’
“I used to say, ‘Boss, not for me, Mikie, it’s not for me.’ He’s like, ‘No, come on, Coley, let’s get it done.’ And I’ve never really looked back at it.”
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