So many of Sir Alex Ferguson’s former Manchester United players have turned their hand to management – and one of them is having another crack.
Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the absolute greatest of all time and Manchester United’s fate since his retirement sums up his brilliance.
Ferguson’s former players will have learned so much from him but translating that into their own managerial success hasn’t been easy.
Paul Ince and Mark Hughes had their highs but have fizzled out whilst Roy Keane has been out of management for more than a decade now.
Wayne Rooney’s record is mixed, Laurent Blanc now finds himself in Saudi Arabia and Mark Robins is doing an outstanding job at Coventry City.
There is no exact science here; emulating Ferguson is almost impossible both in terms of longevity and success but few of his players have enjoyed lasting managerial success.
Manchester United legend Steve Bruce back in management
One man who has enjoyed a lengthy career in the game is Steve Bruce.
A United legend in his playing days, Bruce racked up more than 400 appearances as a centre back for United and won three Premier League titles.
Bruce turned his hand to management in 1998 and has managed more than 1000 games in his coaching career across spells with the likes of Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland, Hull City and Aston Villa.
Bruce even wanted to coach United in 2021, believing that he could have been a great interim boss at Old Trafford.
Out of work since leaving West Bromwich Albion in 2022, Bruce has been out of the game for almost two years now.
Some would have wondered if Bruce was finished in management but the 63-year-old is back in the game.
League One side Blackpool have confirmed Bruce as their new manager following the rather abrupt sacking of Neil Critchley in August.
Bruce has penned a two-year deal with the Tangerines and will be looking to bring them back to the Championship.
“I’m confident that Steve’s experience and leadership qualities will be a tremendous asset for Blackpool Football Club. His organised approach coupled with his desire to build a hardworking and entertaining side is a large part of what attracted us to him,” said Blackpool owner Simon Sadler on the club’s official website.
Bruce inherits former United striker talent
A quick look at the Blackpool squad will bring up one name that United fans may remember.
Striker Ashley Fletcher is on the books at Bloomfield Road having joined from Watford over the summer.
Fletcher spent seven years on the books at United having been plucked from Bolton Wanderers as a kid.
First-team chances weren’t forthcoming for Fletcher and he rejected a new deal to stay with United in 2016, instead signing for West Ham United.
Fletcher has turned out for Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Watford, New York Red Bulls, Wigan Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and now Blackpool.
Now 28, Fletcher will be looking to hit the ground running under Bruce and get Blackpool’s season back on track.
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