Sir Alex Ferguson takes charge of his 1500th and final game as Manchester United manager on Sunday v Steve Clarke's baggies. The managerial myth leads out his red troops for the last time before he hands over one of the most difficult jobs in the World to David Moyes. It will be the greatest swansong of all time as the Legendary Scot says 'au revoir' to a sport he has associated with for the better part of 50 years. Then again, there must be an end to everything, good or bad.
West Brom were hammered 4-0 at Carrow Road last weekend, so any idea of a grand sendoff for Sir Alex should be dispensed by the red army and its Field Marshal. It has been a long time since the baggies turned in a great performance at home. Therefore, Sunday's match is a must win for them, especially as there is a higher reward for every position you end up with in the Premier League. If they win, they stay 8th irrespective of what the Swansea result is.
Steve Clarke will field Romelu Lukaku for the final time as a West Brom player (at least for now). The Belgian youngster on loan from Chelsea, has scored 14 league goals this season and is one of the revelations of this fascinating campaign. Billy Jones has also be very impressive and Gareth McAuley has been rock solid. The latter just put pen to paper on a three year extension on his current deal. Good news ahead of the visit of the Champions.
SAF confirmed in his presser earlier that Phil Jones, who hasn't missed a game since the loss to Manchester City on April 8, will start in the centre of defence alongside Jonny Evans. Who to replace Rafa at right back is still kept close to the Old Dinosaur's chest. Mind games even when he is about to draw the curtains. Anders Lindegaard will play in goal as he also affirmed.
Probable Lineups-
WEST BROMWICH ALBION (WBA)-
Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt, Morrison, Lukaku, Long
Markus Rosenberg has been praised by the gaffer every time he has played for the baggies. However, when Chris Brunt is fit, it is difficult to keep him out of the side. Ben Foster has performed well this season, bar his incredulous mistake which allowed Grant Holt to score the easiest goal of his career to date-amateur and professional level. Despite the howler, he will continue in goal. The pair of Yacob and Mulumbu have been exceptional all through. West Brom will do everything to retain them for future engagements.
MANCHESTER UNITED-
Lindegaard, Valencia, Jones, Evans, Buttner, Anderson, Cleverley, Nani, Kagawa, Chicharito, RVP
As earlier written, Anders will start in goal, Evans and Jones to play central defence. Other positions are left for us to guess, although we never quite get them all. Buttner should come in for Evra and the likes of Anderson, Cleverley and Nani could sneak in. RVP has that golden boot almost wrapped up, but with the way Bale is going, nothing can be left to chance. Sunderland might just cave in, knowing fully well that they are safe.......at least for another season.
For the great Sir Alex, win no 896 out of 1500 matches contested will be a sweet end to a really majestic coaching career. The sage will want to bow out with a victory and a Fergie time goal by Wayne Rooney will be just the perfect sendoff.
The baggies will form a guard of honour (GOH) for the newly crowned Champions of England. Afterwards, both sets of players will form a GOH for SIR ALEXANDER CHAPMAN FERGUSON. A more than fitting gesture for someone who brought so much success to one club in 26+ years. ADIOS SAF..Nos Vemos!
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