Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has caused a stir by insisting that Harry Redknapp was the ideal candidate to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, rather than David Moyes.
The Premier League giants have struggled to regain the dominance they enjoyed under Ferguson, with only five trophies won in the 12-and-a-half years since his retirement.
A Turbulent Era at Old Trafford
Since Ferguson stepped down after the 2013 Premier League triumph, Manchester United have cycled through managers at an alarming rate.
Moyes was the first permanent appointment, followed by Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and now Ruben Amorim.
In Sandro’s eyes, Moyes was never the right choice to fill Ferguson’s massive shoes.
Redknapp’s Unique Management Style
Speaking to BOYLE SPORTS, Sandro praised Redknapp’s approach, calling him a manager who “could do everything.”
According to Sandro, Redknapp commanded respect in the dressing room while maintaining a sense of humor, combined with tactical acumen and the ability to adapt during matches.
“Everybody respected Harry but you could also have a joke with him and he would make everybody laugh too.
Harry could talk well to the media but also his tactics were good,” Sandro said.
Memories from Spurs and QPR
Sandro first experienced Redknapp’s methods when he joined Tottenham in 2010.
Later, when he moved to QPR in 2014, Redknapp was in charge.
The Brazilian recalled an instance that highlighted the English manager’s decisive approach.
“In Brazil, taking a player off at halftime is deeply disrespectful.
But Harry was not afraid. He told the team, ‘We are not having a good game, sorry but I’m changing the team.’ We won that game. I liked it.”
Sandro also highlighted Redknapp’s ability to communicate individually with players, instilling trust and motivation, a trait he believed would have been perfect for Manchester United.
A Manager for Balanced Football
Sandro emphasised that Redknapp’s tactical approach – a balanced style combining attack and defense – would have suited the expectations of Manchester United fans.
“Their fans want to play and attack. Harry would play that way with good tactics in a back four.
We were always balanced at Tottenham.
Teams need to have that balance. Attack and defend. We were a team. Not two teams.”
Redknapp’s Later Career
After leaving QPR in February 2015, Redknapp managed Jordan for two matches in March 2016, and had a 13-game spell at Birmingham City the following year.
He has not returned to professional management since.
Despite this, Sandro’s remarks suggest that the former Spurs and QPR boss could have revitalized United after Ferguson’s departure.
Reflections on Leadership
For Sandro, Redknapp’s leadership style – blending authority, personal connection, and tactical intelligence – sets him apart as one of the few managers capable of succeeding Ferguson at Manchester United.
The debate over who could have restored Old Trafford’s dominance is far from over, but Sandro’s endorsement adds a compelling voice to the conversation.
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