This morning has indeed come as somewhat of a shock to Manchester United fans. After all who would have expected the news of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement as manager just a fortnight after the club claimed a record-breaking 20th league championship?

Whilst the news is sad and disappointing and was never going to be ideal, the timing could have been a lot worse. This announcement wouldn’t have been made had the league not already been won and it wouldn’t have been announced mid-season that is if the thought of retiring has been on Sir Alex’s mind for some time.

After all the club and Sir Alex would have learnt form the lesson of the 2001/02 season, a campaign that always had the cloud of the Scot’s departure looming over it, dragging it down, adding more pressure to a squad who suffered a stuttering start to the season. Of course sense was seen and Sir Alex reversed his decision to retire, paving the way for even more success at the club.

The loss of Sir Alex as manager will hurt the club and its supporters. Any club who loss a successful manager who has had been at a club for as long as Sir Alex has will be hurt as a result. However there is a structure and playing-squad strong enough for a new manager to come in and take over the reigns and be primed for success.

The leading contender for the job according to every tom, dick and harry in the media is Everton’s David Moyes. Critics may argue that he hasn’t won anything during his time at Goodison Park and those critics are right. However Moyes couldn’t have gone closer to winning silverware. He has reached one FA Cup final and has gone close to winning the competition and the Carling Cup on a number of occasions.

If he is to get the job, he has to be given time by the board and the fans. The board will give him time, as will most fans who have to believe in him. He is an experienced and big enough manager to cope with the demands of managing Manchester United, the most famous team in the world. Yes there will be challenges that will test him, but he has proven with thin resources at Everton what he can do.

He knows his stuff and has built a great reputation in the game. Let’s hope if he is to replace Sir Alex that given time he can build a great legacy at Old Trafford, one which the club, the fans and his predecessor would be proud of.

By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87