Oliver Kay from the Times Online reflects on what separates Sir Alex Ferguson from the rest of his peers - his man-management skills have adapted over generations, and he knows how to deal with each of his stars, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Wayne Rooney.
If there is one aspect of Sir Alex Ferguson's career that puts him head and shoulders above what might otherwise be considered his peers, it is the way that he has adapted his management style across generations, ensuring that nothing can surprise him, be it a tactical innovation or the latest manifestation of player power.
That is why he is unlikely to have been quite as shocked as the rest of us by Cristiano Ronaldo's pathetic behaviour on Sunday, when he threw a tantrum in protest at being substituted during Manchester United's 2-0 derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford. That is why, despite the constant headaches he brings, Ronaldo's willingness to stay with United next season will be welcomed by Ferguson.
A key to successful man-management is knowing that each player is different, and understanding how to communicate with each member of your team. Ferguson has a strong handle on how to deal with his players differently, but fairly.
Ferguson cannot take Ronaldo to task in the same way that he would Wayne Rooney if the England forward were to behave as his team-mate did last summer, flirting brazenly with Real Madrid, or as he did on Sunday, with a show of petulance that challenged his manager's authority and told the world that he was more important than Manchester United. Rooney would not act like that, of course - he is a genuine team player - but it is about Ferguson's distinction between the carrot and the stick. Shout at Rooney and he might even shout back, but you will at least get a response. Shout at Ronaldo and he will be on the phone to his agent to say that the Spanish dream is back on.
There have been times this season when United's supporters, still irked by last summer's transfer saga, have grown frustrated with Ronaldo – the desperation to shoot when team-mates are better placed, the refusal to track back, the frequent displays of petulance when opponents dare to come near him. His name has never been sung with anything like the same gusto as it was last season, even if his two goals away to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final, second leg last week took his adulation to a 12-month high.
United's supporters know what Ferguson knows, which is that their star player has some pretty unappealing traits. But if Ferguson can tolerate him, so will they. Because if it ever reached the point where the Ronaldo burden outweighed his usefulness, Ferguson would sell him like a shot.
No comments:
Post a Comment