Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Santo has been compared to Manchester United’s legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson this week after the Portuguese chief masterminded a comeback against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
What’s he said?
The west Midlanders fell behind early doors after Todd Cantwell fired home from inside the area after making the most of a loose ball.
Wolves had to wait until the second half to get back in the match as Romain Saiss buried a header into the net on the hour mark before Raul Jimenez slotted home from a goalmouth scramble with nine minutes to go.
It was substitute Pedro Neto’s cross into the box that caused the Canaries all sorts of issues, leading to the Mexican stabbing in a rebounded effort.
Following the match, The Athletic’s Tim Spiers waxed lyrical about the Portuguese chief’s methods before making a bold comparison. He said:
“Everyone at Compton, from Fosun down to the tea lady, knows Nuno is the boss. Even his closest staff who have worked with him for years know when to tread lightly, and when not to disturb him at all.
“The players’ respect and admiration for him is obvious but given his capability of suddenly switching from arm-around-the-shoulder jokiness to Malcolm Tucker-level bollocking mode, they never quite know where they stand with him. They live on their toes.
“Sir Alex Ferguson was the master of fear and intimidation — yet had an intelligence, and occasionally warmth, that commanded admiration. Nuno works in much the same way.”
Nuno is the key
Spiers’ comparison is an interesting one to make given the contrasting tactics and systems used by the two managers. One thing that is certain is just how crucial they are, or were, to their respective team’s success.
Nuno has fully transformed the club from a straddling midtable side in the Championship to competing in Europe as well as combatting the top six in the Premier League. His influence just cannot be denied.
Take a look at United’s plight since the departure of Fergie at the end of the 2013 season, it’s not been great. An FA Cup and a Europa League triumph, no league titles. The man won 13 himself.
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The Red Devils are no longer a side you expect to be competing in the top four – under Ferguson, you’d know they were the title favourites each season.
As far-fetched as the comparison is, there are some similarities between the two, which is only a good sign that Wolves are in excellent hands right now.
Get that man a new contract.
Meanwhile, one of our writers believes Nuno can seal his Wolves legacy by making this mega money January addition…