New year, same old challenge for ageless Ferguson
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Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson takes to the touchline before their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, on Saturday, Dec 29, 2012. Ferguson's retirement age, like Manchester United's goals against column, keeps rising and the link between them is becoming clearer as the manager strives for one last indelible triumph. -- PHOTO: AP
LONDON (REUTERS) - Alex Ferguson's retirement age, like Manchester United's goals against column, keeps rising and the link between them is becoming clearer as the manager strives for one last indelible triumph.
The Scot turned 71 on Monday, his competitive spirit apparently undimmed in his 27th year at Old Trafford and with his team seven points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Whether Ferguson will get to celebrate a 13th championship in May - not to mention the third European Cup victory he covets so much - is likely to rest on United's defensive strength.
Which is to say, their weakness.
