Ferguson: Wary of sharks in the water

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SAF no fan of football agents

Sir Alex Ferguson longs for the days of no players’ agents, but at the same time feels privileged to still wield a fair amount of control at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United manager has highlighted the increasing influence of representatives in player negotiations as detrimental to the game of football.

Ferguson believes that as players became more empowered so, too, did those who they employed to advise them and look out for their best interests.

“When I first started out in management 37 years ago there were no agents,” the Scot told The Times.

“Imagine that. There was no freedom of contract either, so players were totally tied to their clubs.

“A change in that sense was inevitable, though I think that now the scales have topped completely in the other direction and I’m not sure it’s good for the game.”

Celebrating his 25th year in charge of the Red Devils, Ferguson admits that he always felt secure enough in his job despite the tenuous nature of top-flight management.

Only on Monday, Wolves counterpart Mick McCarthy was shown the door at Molineux following a string of poor results after five-and-a-half years at the helm.

“This is a results industry, if a manager loses four or five games in a row, then his job is under threat,” Ferguson added.

“At United that scenario simply isn’t possible. I’m in charge of all footballing matters, including our scouting network and youth teams.

“In that sense I’m very fortunate, because I can make quick decisions on who to bring in next to strengthen the squad and where to get them from.”