Sir Alex Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp is the right man for England job - 7M sport

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Harry Redknapp is the right man for England job



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Posted Sunday, March 04, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to say goodbye as a Premier League colleague to Harry Redknapp, as he firmly believes the Tottenham manager will become the next England boss, meaning Sunday will be the last time they share a touchline together.

Sir Alex sees Redknapp as the only choice for England, telling The Observer: “I think this will be the last time we meet in the league. I think it's inevitable that Harry will get the England job, I really do. I don't see anyone else in the frame. I know the FA are supposed to be drawing up a list and all the rest of it, but everybody knows who the press and the public want.

“The FA don't want the press against them, they would be panicking then. The drive and energy is all behind Harry, and I think he would be the right choice."

The Scot believes it will not be an easy decision for Redknapp to make, having to choose between potential title success with Spurs or the Three Lions job, which is regarded as the pinnacle of an English manager’s career.

The United boss explained: “You are talking about a manager who has changed the whole club around in a fairly short time, put together a team full of talent.

"He will leave a strong, young squad and a lot of good players, there is no doubt about that, but over time his personality and experience will be missed.

“Because the squad is a good age I could see Spurs keeping their momentum initially, but with a new manager they might have to start all over again."

Sir Alex believes Redknapp has the right mix of personality and a great understanding of the English game, which he says is essential at the very top.

“Footballers have changed a lot in our lifetimes, and so has the job of managing them," he added. "Everyone does things differently, and Harry's way of dealing with players has obviously been successful, but I don't think there's a secret to longevity as a manager.

"The key thing is to make sure your personality is the most important one at the club. The minute you allow players to dominate you or demonstrate a stronger personality then you are struggling. I have never had any issues on that score and I think Harry is probably the same."

United’s game at White Hart Lane could have a major bearing on where the Premier League crown ends up this season. If the Red Devils can close the gap back down to two points they will feel they can catch bitter rival Manchester City, which has the tougher run-in.

“On paper it might be tougher but it's best not to take anything for granted," Sir Alex said. "I don't think any game is particularly easy if it is in the run-in, because pressure begins to have an effect and the other team might have something to play for too.

“I don't see either City or ourselves dropping too many points between now and the end of the season, but I am sure points will be dropped. They always are. You never know, maybe progress in the Europa League will prove to be a deciding factor.

"From our point of view, the Spurs game is our most important so far. If we can survive at White Hart Lane it will be a question of trying to keep our momentum going until we reach the City game.

“If we are still in striking distance by then it will be a best-man-wins type of situation at the Etihad, and that is not the worst scenario for us. I'd settle for that."



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