'If Carrick get's it right hierarchy in Manchester could change'
[BBC] [Getty Images] So is this how it feels, huh? On 8 May 2013, the football world rejoiced when the news came through that Sir Alex Ferguson was walking away from Manchester United and into retirement. After 38 trophies in 27 years - including 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League crowns and the first Treble by an English side - you could understand the relief.
Now, with Manchester City confirming Pep Guardiola is on his way out of Etihad Stadium, the feeling is mutual. Praise for anything related to City understandably comes with hesitation while 115 charges for alleged financial rule breaches linger , but Guardiola's Ferguson-like thirst for lifting silverware, and his undoubted influence on the English game, cannot be ignored. A total of 20 trophies across 10 years - including six league titles, City's inaugural European Cup and the second Treble by an English side - should make it no surprise that we are glad to see the back of him.
It's not quite Ferguson, and calls for Guardiola to be recognised as the Premier League's greatest manager are purely reactionary. That said, as with all great football rivalries, there is admittedly a layer of respect that seldom leaks out. Guardiola has watched four United managers come and go during his time in Manchester, yet he has always shown this great club the respect it demands.
In another life, he was the chosen one, not David Moyes. Where would that have taken us? It is fitting how, 15 minutes before the confirmation of Guardiola's departure, United announced Michael Carrick's appointment as permanent head coach.
I'd be lying if I said there wasn't hope of City suffering the same hangover as we did after Ferguson's departure. If United and Carrick get it right this summer, there is a serious opportunity for the hierarchy of power in Manchester to change. Find more from Alex Turk at Turk Talks FC