Robins and Bruce salute ‘best manager in history’

Widely regarded as saving Sir Alex Ferguson’s job at Manchester United way back on January 7, 1990 – and kick-starting over two decades of domination of English football – Mark Robins is in no doubt about the Scot’s place in the pantheon of managerial greatness.

Right at the very top. Although without the Huddersfield Town manager’s crucial input on the pitch in United’s famous FA Cup third-round success at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, it is fair to say Ferguson would have become a footnote in Old Trafford history along with the likes of Dave Sexton, Ron Atkinson and Tommy Docherty.

No trophy-laden trail – a remarkable 38 in all. No 13 league titles, two Champions League crowns, five FA Cups and four League Cups. And a few others besides...

It is a haul that will probably never be eclipsed by any of Ferguson’s contemporaries across the globe, with the football world still taking stock following the 71-year-old’s shock decision to retire at the end of the season after an imperious 26-and-a-half-year spell at United.

Robins, who also scored the goal that saw United beat Oldham Athletic in the Cup semi-final replay in April, 1990 – with Wembley glory beckoning the next month – told the Yorkshire Post: “He is the best manager to have ever graced the job, without a shadow of a doubt.

“He was the complete manager. He had everything.

“It’s sad he’s going, I suppose retirement comes to everybody. But he is the institution within the institution.

“Not only has he built teams over the years, but a club. The way United look now is totally different to when he took over.

“Over a quarter-of-a-century has gone by and from what he inherited and what he has now is testament to him and the board. You just can’t speak highly enough of him as a man and manager.

“He has won absolutely everything you can imagine. He also leaves an unbelievable legacy and strong squad, club and organisation for the future.

“Prior to him coming in, there was hardly anybody given an opportunity in the youth team (at United), Norman Whiteside was one of the only ones.