NO WAY TO MANAGE

Last updated : 25 January 2006 By Editor

Is Fergie’s priority himself, or the club? Oliver Holt in the Mirror:

I went to Gigg Lane on Saturday to watch FC United for the first time. There were more than 3,500 people there for the 2-1 win over Ashton Town, the atmosphere was brilliant and the football was good.

Josh Howard looked a cut above the rest which is hardly surprising given that a few years ago he was Manchester United's youth team captain. He seemed to have a bright career ahead of him until he snubbed an offer from Jason Ferguson - the son of United boss Sir Alex - to join his Elite agency. Maybe it was just coincidence, but his United career then went into freefall.

When United chief executive David Gill said everything at Old Trafford was sweetness and light, he must have also forgotten the fact that the European scout at Old Trafford is Martin Ferguson. Some would say that giving the manager's brother a cushy job like that leaves the organisation open to accusations of nepotism.

Particularly when United's incoming talent from the continent the past few years hasn't exactly set the Premiership alight. That's one of the reasons why so many people are flocking to watch FC United. Because it feels clean. Because it feels uncomplicated. Because it feels like the way things used to be.