It’s the end of an era in more ways than one and a rather poignant one. Wenger’s decline obviously coincided with the advent of the Abramovich era when the big money came in and took over, and it put the final death nail into what was left of any loyalty in the game. The new stadium obviously hampered his spending, though even when more funds became available he remained cautious. He never adapted to the new era, his principles I don’t think let him. Many of the fans were always going to turn on him because of that, but in many ways I sympathise with his reluctance to embrace this new era of spending. It has effectively led to the end of the long term manager due to the now complete control the players now yield. So why then was Ferguson able to maintain his control and status right up until the end? No manager is like for like, and no doubt Ferguson was a very strong manager, but I would point to the base of players he maintained in the team – i.e. academy players and British players. Look how much Man Utd have spent since he left, and still it ain’t enough. Managers keep missing the trick here of using such players, but then, would they have the support and patience of owners in this climate of share price? Or do they panic and go out and spend the big bucks to ease their fears? So the circle of player power continues. That is not something to be embraced.