Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
Marriage!!!
MARRIAGE
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6
Diary of an unwanted Baby
This is a Story...Please read this!
Hi, Mommy.
... ...I'm your baby. You don't know me yet, I'm only a few
weeks old. You're going to find out about me soon, though, I promise.
Let me tell you some things about me. My name is John, and I've got
beautiful brown eyes and black hair. Well, I don't have it yet, but I
will when I'm born. I'm going to be your only child, and you'll call me
your one and only. I'm going to grow up without a daddy mostly, but we
have each other. We'll help each other, and love each other. I want to
be a doctor when I grow up.
You found out about me today, Mommy! You were so excited, you couldn't
wait to tell everyone. All you could do all day was smile, and life was
perfect. You have a beautiful smile, Mommy. It will be the first face I
will see in my life, and it will be the best thing I see in my life. I
know it already.
Today was the day you told Daddy. You were so excited to tell him about
me! ...He wasn't happy, Mommy. He kind of got angry. I don't think that
you noticed, but he did. He started to talk about something called
wedlock, and money, and bills, and stuff I don't think I understand
yet. You were still happy, though, so it was okay. Then he did
something scary, Mommy. He hit you. I could feel you fall backward, and
your hands flying up to protect me. I was okay... but I was very sad
for you. You were crying then, Mommy. That's a sound I don't like. It
doesn't make me feel good. It made me cry, too. He said sorry after,
and he hugged you again. You forgave him, Mommy, but I'm not sure if I
do. It wasn't right. You say he loves you... why would he hurt you? I
don't like it, Mommy.
Finally, you can see me! Your stomach is a little bit bigger, and
you're so proud of me! You went out with your mommy to buy new clothes,
and you were so so so happy. You sing to me, too. You have the most
beautiful voice in the whole wide world. When you sing is when I'm
happiest. And you talk to me, and I feel safe. So safe. You just wait
and see, Mommy. When I am born I will be perfect just for you. I will
make you proud, and I will love you with all of my heart.
I can move my hands and feet now, Mommy. I do it because you put your
hands on your belly to feel me, and I giggle. You giggle, too. I love
you, Mommy.
Daddy came to see you today, Mommy. I got really scared. He was acting
funny and he wasn't talking right. He said he didn't want you. I don't
know why, but that's what he said. And he hit you again. I got angry,
Mommy. When I grow up I promise I won't let you get hurt! I promise to
protect you. Daddy is bad. I don't care if you think that he is a good
person, I think he's bad. But he hit you, and he said he didn't want
us. He doesn't like me. Why doesn't he like me, Mommy?
You didn't talk to me tonight, Mommy. Is everything okay?
It's been three days since you saw Daddy. You haven't talked to me or
touched me or anything since that. Don't you still love me, Mommy? I
still love you. I think you feel sad. The only time I feel you is when
you sleep. You sleep funny, kind of curled up on your side. And you hug
me with your arms, and I feel safe and warm again. Why don't you do
that when you're awake, any more?
I'm 21 weeks old today, Mommy. Aren't you proud of me? We're going
somewhere today, and it's somewhere new. I'm excited. It looks like a
hospital, too. I want to be a doctor when I grow up, Mommy. Did I tell
you that? I hope you're as excited as I am. I can't wait.
...Mommy, I'm getting scared. Your heart is still beating, but I don't
know what you are thinking. The doctor is talking to you. I think
something's going to happen soon. I'm really, really, really scared,
Mommy. Please tell me you love me. Then I will feel safe again. I love
you!
Mommy, what are they doing to me!? It hurts! Please make them stop! It
feels bad! Please, Mommy, please please help me! Make them stop!
Don't worry Mommy, I'm safe. I'm in heaven with the angels now. They
told me what you did, and they said it's called an abortion.
Why, Mommy? Why did you do it? Don't you love me any more? Why did you
get rid of me? I'm really, really, really sorry if I did something
wrong, Mommy. I love you, Mommy! I love you with all of my heart. Why
don't you love me? What did I do to deserve what they did to me? I want
to live, Mommy! Please! It really, really hurts to see you not care
about me, and not talk to me. Didn't I love you enough? Please say
you'll keep me, Mommy! I want to live smile and watch the clouds and
see your face and grow up and be a doctor. I don't want to be here, I
want you to love me again! I'm really really really sorry if I did
something wrong. I love you!
I love you, Mommy.
Every abortion is just…
One more heart that was stopped.
Two more eyes that will never see.
Two more hands that will never touch.
Two more legs that will never run.
One more mouth that will never speak.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Monday, August 09, 2010
Manchester United Readying Bid For €16m-Rated Werder Bremen Star Mesut Oezil
Manchester United are ready to make a concrete offer for Werder Bremen playmaker Mesut Oezil, provided manager Sir Alex Ferguson can convince the club's hierarchy that the Germany star represents good value, according to a report from The Guardian.
Oezil could be available for £13.5 million, as he is in the last year of his contract in Bremen and could leave for nothing next summer.
The German outfit are apparently considering retaining the player until after their Champions League qualifier with Sampdoria, because of the huge sums of money on offer should they reach the group stages of the competition.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have apparently made contact with Werder, with the player understood to be not to impressed with what the Spanish clubs had to offer.
Chelsea are also rumoured to be hovering with intent, and may use their financial muscle to attempt to snare the player.
Ferguson has been highly ambiguous in his replies when asked about the player and, somewhat unusually, watched Oezil in action himself in a pre-season friendly at Fulham at the weekend.
Oezil could be available for £13.5 million, as he is in the last year of his contract in Bremen and could leave for nothing next summer.
The German outfit are apparently considering retaining the player until after their Champions League qualifier with Sampdoria, because of the huge sums of money on offer should they reach the group stages of the competition.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have apparently made contact with Werder, with the player understood to be not to impressed with what the Spanish clubs had to offer.
Chelsea are also rumoured to be hovering with intent, and may use their financial muscle to attempt to snare the player.
Ferguson has been highly ambiguous in his replies when asked about the player and, somewhat unusually, watched Oezil in action himself in a pre-season friendly at Fulham at the weekend.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Manchester United's Anderson Rescued From Car Crash
Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Anderson has been rescued from the burning wreckage of a car following a crash in Portugal.
The 22-year-old reportedly spent several hours in hospital on Saturday morning after the accident just outside Braga, but is believed to have sustained only minor injuries.
According to reports, Anderson had spent the night at Sardinha Biba nightclub before the car left the road and flew into a field at around 7am local time.
Two companions who were also in the car at the time were admitted to St. Mark’s hospital along with the Brazilian, with all three being released before lunchtime after treatment for concussion, whiplash, and shock.
Portugese press have quoted the Gestifute agency, which represents Anderson, as saying the midfielder had suffered an “almighty scare” but would be returning to Manchester to continue his recovery.
The former Porto man is currently out of action after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in February and is expected to return to first-team action in late September.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Paul Scholes Regrets His Decision To Snub England
Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed his regret at not accepting England coach Fabio Capello's offer to feature in the 2010 World Cup finals for the Three Lions.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement from international football in 2004 and although there have been talks on certain occasions of the veteran midfielder coming out of retirement, Scholes has refused to play for England.
However, the Salford-born player has now admitted that he shouldn't have turned down Capello's proposal to play in South Africa. Although Scholes says that he might not have made much of a difference, he concedes that he made the wrong decision.
"A couple of weeks into it, I thought I maybe should have gone," Scholes said, according to the AFP. "I am not saying I would have made a difference. I am saying I might have made the wrong decision."
Scholes made 66 international appearances for England and scored 14 goals before calling it a day weeks after the European Championships in 2004.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement from international football in 2004 and although there have been talks on certain occasions of the veteran midfielder coming out of retirement, Scholes has refused to play for England.
However, the Salford-born player has now admitted that he shouldn't have turned down Capello's proposal to play in South Africa. Although Scholes says that he might not have made much of a difference, he concedes that he made the wrong decision.
"A couple of weeks into it, I thought I maybe should have gone," Scholes said, according to the AFP. "I am not saying I would have made a difference. I am saying I might have made the wrong decision."
Scholes made 66 international appearances for England and scored 14 goals before calling it a day weeks after the European Championships in 2004.
Manchester United Striker Javier Hernandez Is Motivated To Succeed In The Premier League
Manchester United attacker Javier Hernandez believes that he can be different than his Mexican predecessors and become a Premier League success.
The Mexico international could make his first appearance with his new club since making the move from Chivas Guadalajara in the summer, as United will take on the MLS All-Stars at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Thursday.
The 22-year-old insists that he can make a bigger impact in England than countrymen Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela did while with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal respectively.
"I have spoken to them and they are definitely happy for me and they know that this is the most powerful league in the world,” Hernandez told Press Association Sport.
"They tell me to take advantage of the situation and I should thank God for the opportunity.
"I always try to see pressure in a different way - more like motivation. There are millions of people in the world who would do anything to be in my position and have this opportunity.
"It's an honour because I want to achieve big things. It's a very nice challenge and hopefully I will be able to contribute.
"I will always try to enjoy it because sometimes we focus so much on the achievements and our dreams, and maybe we forget to enjoy it."
United acquired Hernandez after a season in which he scored 21 goals in 21 league appearances for Chivas, and continued his successful season with a good World Cup, as the young hitman scored twice in South Africa.
Hernandez is in awe of playing on the same side as all of the stars that United have on their squad, and considers competing with his new team-mates as a dream come true.
"These are people I would watch on the television, that I would even play with them on PlayStation.
"I dreamed of one day being able to play with all of them and I'm going to try to learn from them the most I can.
"Besides wanting to do the best job I can, grow and learn plenty, I also want to add my little grain of sand because this is a team sport. I want to win a title. I want us to be a great team."
United conclude their North American tour on Friday when they line up against Chivas, a match in which Hernandez will play a half for his new club and a half for his old club.
The Mexico international could make his first appearance with his new club since making the move from Chivas Guadalajara in the summer, as United will take on the MLS All-Stars at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Thursday.
The 22-year-old insists that he can make a bigger impact in England than countrymen Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela did while with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal respectively.
"I have spoken to them and they are definitely happy for me and they know that this is the most powerful league in the world,” Hernandez told Press Association Sport.
"They tell me to take advantage of the situation and I should thank God for the opportunity.
"I always try to see pressure in a different way - more like motivation. There are millions of people in the world who would do anything to be in my position and have this opportunity.
"It's an honour because I want to achieve big things. It's a very nice challenge and hopefully I will be able to contribute.
"I will always try to enjoy it because sometimes we focus so much on the achievements and our dreams, and maybe we forget to enjoy it."
United acquired Hernandez after a season in which he scored 21 goals in 21 league appearances for Chivas, and continued his successful season with a good World Cup, as the young hitman scored twice in South Africa.
Hernandez is in awe of playing on the same side as all of the stars that United have on their squad, and considers competing with his new team-mates as a dream come true.
"These are people I would watch on the television, that I would even play with them on PlayStation.
"I dreamed of one day being able to play with all of them and I'm going to try to learn from them the most I can.
"Besides wanting to do the best job I can, grow and learn plenty, I also want to add my little grain of sand because this is a team sport. I want to win a title. I want us to be a great team."
United conclude their North American tour on Friday when they line up against Chivas, a match in which Hernandez will play a half for his new club and a half for his old club.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Who Will Eventually Replace Sir Alex Ferguson At Manchester United?
One day in the future there will be somebody other than Sir Alex Ferguson commanding Manchester United from the Old Trafford dug-out. Unthinkable as it sounds for many fans, who have grown up with only Fergie and Red Devils success, the 68-year-old can't go on forever.
Rest assured Man Utd fans, as Sir Alex shows no signs of slowing down and has said he will continue as long as his health allows. He was originally due to step down in 2002, with Sven-Goran Eriksson lined up to replace him, only to do a u-turn after being convinced by his wife Cathy to keep working.
Who will that man be? Bookies have been taking bets on this market for almost a decade as we rank the top 10 latest contenders to step into the Old Trafford hot seat.
Jose Mourinho
Odds: 3.75
Real Madrid's new coach has always maintained his desire to one day return to his favourite league. The 'Special One' enjoys a good relationship with Ferguson and has the trophy-winning nous to back it up. While many would wilt at the prospect of filling Sir Alex's shoes, Mourinho would relish the task. Questions may be asked of his football style but you can't deny the man is a winner. Has a get-out clause in his contract with Los Blancos so he can walk for free at the end of each season during his four-year contract.
Why it will happen: Mourinho is the favourite and delivers success wherever he goes. Maintaining Ferguson's incredible record of delivering trophies will be United's main priority when naming his successor. At least it should be.
Why it won't happen: Sir Bobby Charlton will have a huge say along with Fergie in naming the new manager and isn't a fan of Mourinho's football style. The Portuguese tactician is unlikely to be a long term bet either as he tends to deliver success and then make tracks.
David Moyes
Odds: 6.50
Cut from the same cloth as Sir Alex, he has done a stellar job at Everton in turning them from relegation candidates to challengers for a Champions League spot each season. Moyes nearly became Fergie's assistant over a decade ago before the club opted for Steve McClaren. Enjoys a great reputation for his work in Merseyside and is understood to be Ferguson's preferred choice to succeed him.
Why it will happen: If Fergie wants his compatriot to get the gig, as has been suggested, United will surely listen to the great man.
Why it won't happen: Lack of true front line managerial experience and has a patchy record in Europe. How would he feel about linking up with Wayne Rooney again, who he took to court for libel?
Martin O'Neill
Odds: 7.50
Has been frequently linked with United over the years after working wonders at Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic before moving to Aston Villa. Tends to improve every team he has gone to, which is simply not going to happen at Manchester United after more than 20 years with the same manager. A strong man-manager who usually gets the best out of his players, although his star has waned slightly at Villa Park.
Why it will happen: O'Neill is a no-nonsense individual who would jump at the chance to manage the Red Devils. Remains upset at being passed over for the England job in favour of Steve McClaren and has a point to prove at the highest level.
Why it won't happen: Villa fans will tell you they are unhappy at O'Neill's reluctance to spend Randy Lerner's money on some big names. Has yet to break the Villans into the elusive top four after threatening to do so in recent seasons.
Steve Bruce
Odds: 17.0
Many of Ferguson's first great side of 1993-94 have gone into management with varying degrees of success. Changed clubs quicker than Tiger Woods early in his managerial career before carving a solid reputation at Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and now Sunderland. Wore the captain's armband during United's early period of dominance and famously scored two late goals against Sheffield Wednesday in 1992-93, helping the Red Devils to their first league title in 26 years.
Why it will happen: Like O'Neill he has generally done a better job at his new club than the man he's replaced. A manager on the rise but the move back to Old Trafford would be a massive step.
Why it won't happen: A nice story but unlikely to come true. Bruce is a long shot and he knows it so he'll need to create some miracles with Sunderland to replace his mentor Sir Alex.
Laurent Blanc
Odds: 17.0
Adored by Ferguson, who chased Le President for years during his career, the Frenchman wound down his career in the Premier League, where he was christened Larry White by the United supporters. Did a superb job with Bordeaux in winning the double in 2008-09 playing attractive football before departing to take the French national job after a disappointing last season with Les Girondins as they could only finish sixth in Ligue 1 and were eliminated by Lyon in the Champions League. Has a major job on his hands with Les Bleus.
Why it will happen: Ferguson remains a fan and Blanc certainly plays the type of football Old Trafford expects.
Why it won't happen: Managing his country is the ultimate honour for the patriotic Blanc so it's hard to see him jumping ship and crossing the channel, even for Manchester United.
Eric Cantona
Odds: 17.0
Always crops up in discussions and would definitely be a hit with the fans despite his lack of managerial experience. Cantona has hinted he would be interested in the job if it came along and would definitely guarantee entertainment on and off the pitch.
Why it will happen: Dreams sometimes come true just like seagulls following trawlers...
Why it won't happen: Likely to remain a tabloid pipe dream. Cantona has zero managerial experience, unless you count beach football, and would be risking his reputation with the United fans if he wasn't a success.
Fabio Capello
Odds: 19.0
Don Fabio has won titles wherever he has gone and was considered for the post when Ferguson was originally meant to step aside in 2002. England's debacle in the World Cup proved that Capello's strength is in club football and the Italian understands the pressure of managing big teams in Europe.
Why it will happen: Delivers trophies if not necessarily style and is firmly ensconced in England should Old Trafford come calling.
Why it won't happen: Too old. At 64 Capello is just four years younger than Ferguson and has said England will be his last job.
Carlos Queiroz
Odds: 21.0
Worked as Ferguson's assistant in two previous stints and still has the Scotsman's ear. Rated as one of the best coaches in Europe the jury remains out on his abilities as a number one after failing to impress with Real Madrid in his solitary season in charge. Currently in charge of Portugal and continues to be linked with vacancies in the Premier League.
Why it will happen: Familiar with the club and knows how it operates. Ferguson rates Queiroz highly but whether he thinks he's up to the job of replacing him is another story.
Why it won't happen: A poor campaign with Real Madrid at 2003-04 when Los Blancos looked on course for the treble only to end up potless. Queiroz blames the board for not backing him who unsurprisingly say it was his fault. That won't cut it at Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola
Odds: 21.0
Won everything in sight with Barcelona in an astonishing debut season in 2008-09 and followed up with another league title last time out. Guardiola's delay to sign a new contract until recently with the Blaugrana alerted United who are understood to be keen on the young manager who has yet to turn 40. His football philosophy is in tune with the Manchester United DNA as they discovered to their peril in the 2009 Champions League final.
Why it will happen: Only under contract at the Camp Nou until 2011 when Sir Alex may just may be prepared to walk away into the sunset. Speaks good English and United fans would hope he'd bring Leo Messi with him!
Why it won't happen: Why on earth would Barcelona let a young Catalan manager who has won everything go?
Guus Hiddink
Odds: 26.0
Dutch master remains one of Europe's most sought after coaches despite inking a deal to coach Turkey for the next two years. Linked with any half decent job which crops up Hiddink did a good job when he was parachuted in to rescue Chelsea's season in 2008/09. At 63 his stock is high and may fancy one last crack at club management if he's given the nod.
Why it will happen: Proved at Chelsea he's a safe pair of hands. Experienced and would command the respect of his players. A decent outside bet.
Why it won't happen: Time isn't on his side as he's just five years younger than Ferguson. It's likely United will opt for a younger candidate.
Selected Others
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 26.0
Gary Neville 26.0
Roy Keane 34.0
Mark Hughes 34.0
Ryan Giggs 34.0
Martin Jol 34.0
Steve McClaren 34.0
Gordon Strachan 41.0
Roy Hodgson 41.0
Louis Van Gaal 67.0
Arsene Wenger 67.0
Marcello Lippi 81.0
Harry Redknapp 81.0
Sven Goran Eriksson 101.0
Luis Felipe Scolari 151.0
Rest assured Man Utd fans, as Sir Alex shows no signs of slowing down and has said he will continue as long as his health allows. He was originally due to step down in 2002, with Sven-Goran Eriksson lined up to replace him, only to do a u-turn after being convinced by his wife Cathy to keep working.
Who will that man be? Bookies have been taking bets on this market for almost a decade as we rank the top 10 latest contenders to step into the Old Trafford hot seat.
Jose Mourinho
Odds: 3.75
Real Madrid's new coach has always maintained his desire to one day return to his favourite league. The 'Special One' enjoys a good relationship with Ferguson and has the trophy-winning nous to back it up. While many would wilt at the prospect of filling Sir Alex's shoes, Mourinho would relish the task. Questions may be asked of his football style but you can't deny the man is a winner. Has a get-out clause in his contract with Los Blancos so he can walk for free at the end of each season during his four-year contract.
Why it will happen: Mourinho is the favourite and delivers success wherever he goes. Maintaining Ferguson's incredible record of delivering trophies will be United's main priority when naming his successor. At least it should be.
Why it won't happen: Sir Bobby Charlton will have a huge say along with Fergie in naming the new manager and isn't a fan of Mourinho's football style. The Portuguese tactician is unlikely to be a long term bet either as he tends to deliver success and then make tracks.
David Moyes
Odds: 6.50
Cut from the same cloth as Sir Alex, he has done a stellar job at Everton in turning them from relegation candidates to challengers for a Champions League spot each season. Moyes nearly became Fergie's assistant over a decade ago before the club opted for Steve McClaren. Enjoys a great reputation for his work in Merseyside and is understood to be Ferguson's preferred choice to succeed him.
Why it will happen: If Fergie wants his compatriot to get the gig, as has been suggested, United will surely listen to the great man.
Why it won't happen: Lack of true front line managerial experience and has a patchy record in Europe. How would he feel about linking up with Wayne Rooney again, who he took to court for libel?
Martin O'Neill
Odds: 7.50
Has been frequently linked with United over the years after working wonders at Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic before moving to Aston Villa. Tends to improve every team he has gone to, which is simply not going to happen at Manchester United after more than 20 years with the same manager. A strong man-manager who usually gets the best out of his players, although his star has waned slightly at Villa Park.
Why it will happen: O'Neill is a no-nonsense individual who would jump at the chance to manage the Red Devils. Remains upset at being passed over for the England job in favour of Steve McClaren and has a point to prove at the highest level.
Why it won't happen: Villa fans will tell you they are unhappy at O'Neill's reluctance to spend Randy Lerner's money on some big names. Has yet to break the Villans into the elusive top four after threatening to do so in recent seasons.
Steve Bruce
Odds: 17.0
Many of Ferguson's first great side of 1993-94 have gone into management with varying degrees of success. Changed clubs quicker than Tiger Woods early in his managerial career before carving a solid reputation at Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and now Sunderland. Wore the captain's armband during United's early period of dominance and famously scored two late goals against Sheffield Wednesday in 1992-93, helping the Red Devils to their first league title in 26 years.
Why it will happen: Like O'Neill he has generally done a better job at his new club than the man he's replaced. A manager on the rise but the move back to Old Trafford would be a massive step.
Why it won't happen: A nice story but unlikely to come true. Bruce is a long shot and he knows it so he'll need to create some miracles with Sunderland to replace his mentor Sir Alex.
Laurent Blanc
Odds: 17.0
Adored by Ferguson, who chased Le President for years during his career, the Frenchman wound down his career in the Premier League, where he was christened Larry White by the United supporters. Did a superb job with Bordeaux in winning the double in 2008-09 playing attractive football before departing to take the French national job after a disappointing last season with Les Girondins as they could only finish sixth in Ligue 1 and were eliminated by Lyon in the Champions League. Has a major job on his hands with Les Bleus.
Why it will happen: Ferguson remains a fan and Blanc certainly plays the type of football Old Trafford expects.
Why it won't happen: Managing his country is the ultimate honour for the patriotic Blanc so it's hard to see him jumping ship and crossing the channel, even for Manchester United.
Eric Cantona
Odds: 17.0
Always crops up in discussions and would definitely be a hit with the fans despite his lack of managerial experience. Cantona has hinted he would be interested in the job if it came along and would definitely guarantee entertainment on and off the pitch.
Why it will happen: Dreams sometimes come true just like seagulls following trawlers...
Why it won't happen: Likely to remain a tabloid pipe dream. Cantona has zero managerial experience, unless you count beach football, and would be risking his reputation with the United fans if he wasn't a success.
Fabio Capello
Odds: 19.0
Don Fabio has won titles wherever he has gone and was considered for the post when Ferguson was originally meant to step aside in 2002. England's debacle in the World Cup proved that Capello's strength is in club football and the Italian understands the pressure of managing big teams in Europe.
Why it will happen: Delivers trophies if not necessarily style and is firmly ensconced in England should Old Trafford come calling.
Why it won't happen: Too old. At 64 Capello is just four years younger than Ferguson and has said England will be his last job.
Carlos Queiroz
Odds: 21.0
Worked as Ferguson's assistant in two previous stints and still has the Scotsman's ear. Rated as one of the best coaches in Europe the jury remains out on his abilities as a number one after failing to impress with Real Madrid in his solitary season in charge. Currently in charge of Portugal and continues to be linked with vacancies in the Premier League.
Why it will happen: Familiar with the club and knows how it operates. Ferguson rates Queiroz highly but whether he thinks he's up to the job of replacing him is another story.
Why it won't happen: A poor campaign with Real Madrid at 2003-04 when Los Blancos looked on course for the treble only to end up potless. Queiroz blames the board for not backing him who unsurprisingly say it was his fault. That won't cut it at Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola
Odds: 21.0
Won everything in sight with Barcelona in an astonishing debut season in 2008-09 and followed up with another league title last time out. Guardiola's delay to sign a new contract until recently with the Blaugrana alerted United who are understood to be keen on the young manager who has yet to turn 40. His football philosophy is in tune with the Manchester United DNA as they discovered to their peril in the 2009 Champions League final.
Why it will happen: Only under contract at the Camp Nou until 2011 when Sir Alex may just may be prepared to walk away into the sunset. Speaks good English and United fans would hope he'd bring Leo Messi with him!
Why it won't happen: Why on earth would Barcelona let a young Catalan manager who has won everything go?
Guus Hiddink
Odds: 26.0
Dutch master remains one of Europe's most sought after coaches despite inking a deal to coach Turkey for the next two years. Linked with any half decent job which crops up Hiddink did a good job when he was parachuted in to rescue Chelsea's season in 2008/09. At 63 his stock is high and may fancy one last crack at club management if he's given the nod.
Why it will happen: Proved at Chelsea he's a safe pair of hands. Experienced and would command the respect of his players. A decent outside bet.
Why it won't happen: Time isn't on his side as he's just five years younger than Ferguson. It's likely United will opt for a younger candidate.
Selected Others
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 26.0
Gary Neville 26.0
Roy Keane 34.0
Mark Hughes 34.0
Ryan Giggs 34.0
Martin Jol 34.0
Steve McClaren 34.0
Gordon Strachan 41.0
Roy Hodgson 41.0
Louis Van Gaal 67.0
Arsene Wenger 67.0
Marcello Lippi 81.0
Harry Redknapp 81.0
Sven Goran Eriksson 101.0
Luis Felipe Scolari 151.0
Manchester United Retain Number One Spot In Forbes Rich List Despite £741m Debt
Manchester United have retained top spot in the Forbes rich list as the most valuable club in world sport, despite their mouting debt of £741 million.
The respected business publication has valued the Premier Legue runners up at £1.2 billion to beat off competition from second placed NFL franchise the Dallas Cowboys. Arsenal and Real Madrid were the only other football sides in the top 10, with the Gunners in sixth place with a valuation of £860 million and the Galacticos handed eighth place with a worth of £770 million.
The results lends credence to the resistant of the Glazers to sell the Old Trafford to the 'Red Knights' investor group throghout last season. This stance led to mass protests at the American family's ownership and the infamous 'Green and Gold' campaign.
The respected business publication has valued the Premier Legue runners up at £1.2 billion to beat off competition from second placed NFL franchise the Dallas Cowboys. Arsenal and Real Madrid were the only other football sides in the top 10, with the Gunners in sixth place with a valuation of £860 million and the Galacticos handed eighth place with a worth of £770 million.
The results lends credence to the resistant of the Glazers to sell the Old Trafford to the 'Red Knights' investor group throghout last season. This stance led to mass protests at the American family's ownership and the infamous 'Green and Gold' campaign.
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