Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro has made a surprising claim about Manchester United's managerial history, stating that Harry Redknapp should have been the man to replace the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
A Turbulent Decade for the Red Devils
Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, following United's Premier League title win in 2013, marked the beginning of a prolonged period of instability for the club. In the subsequent 12-and-a-half years, the club has secured just five major trophies: two FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Europa League. The recent appointment of Ruben Amorim is the sixth permanent managerial appointment in the post-Ferguson era, excluding caretaker and interim bosses.
While David Moyes was initially chosen as the 'Chosen One' to fill the enormous void, Sandro believes this was a critical error. Speaking to BOYLE SPORTS, the Brazilian said, 'Yes, 100 per cent (Redknapp could have fixed Man United's problems after Ferguson)'.
Redknapp's Management Style: The Perfect Fit?
Sandro, who played under Redknapp at both Tottenham and QPR, passionately defended his former boss's credentials. He highlighted the similarities in stature and man-management between Redknapp and Ferguson.
'They managed in the same kind of way,' Sandro explained. 'A big image, a big impact in the dressing room, and you need to have that. When you speak, players listen. Everybody respected Harry but you could also have a joke with him.'
He praised Redknapp's tactical acumen and communication skills, stating, 'Harry could talk well to the media but also his tactics were good and he could change things during a match... He was a manager that could do everything.'
A Bold Decision-Maker with a Human Touch
Sandro recalled a specific example of Redknapp's decisive and effective management. 'I remember, when I arrived in England, I was on the bench and at half time Harry took a player off. In Brazil, this is deeply disrespectful... but Harry was not afraid,' he said.
'He told the guys "we are not having a good game, sorry but I'm changing the team... I am doing this for the team." He was a coach who would make the big decisions. And we won that game.'
This direct approach was balanced by personal communication. 'He would come and talk to you as a player... If you give a player something like that, the player will let you do something else,' Sandro added, emphasising the mutual respect Redknapp fostered.
Sandro concluded that Redknapp's attacking philosophy would have suited Old Trafford. 'Their fans want to play and attack. Harry would play that way with good tactics... We were always balanced at Tottenham. Teams need to have that balance. Attack and defend. We were a team.'
At the time of Ferguson's retirement, Redknapp was managing Queens Park Rangers. He was unable to prevent their relegation that season, though he did secure promotion the following year before leaving with the club struggling again in the Premier League. He has not managed professionally since a brief stint at Birmingham City in 2017.
