As many who have spoken to me, or have ever listened to our podcast will know, I am a Manchester United supporter. Thus, as I sat down to get on with my various work assignments on Wednesday afternoon, it was in the knowledge that football was going to be somewhat different from now on. Unlike many of my colleagues, I am not old enough to remember a time pre-Ferguson. Indeed, my earliest footballing memories come from the era of Bruce and Pallister, Cantona, and, of course, the introduction of the famed “Class of ’92″—Fergie’s Fledglings. My first stadium visit was a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road in 1996, with a “Fergie Time” classic equaliser from Eric Cantona.

As my interest for football has grown, so has my interest in the history of the game. While I still have much to learn on Brazilian football, for example, it is my firm belief that it is only through reading about the likes of Pelé, Leonidas da Silva, Garrincha and Jairzinho that you can truly understand the game and its importance to society in the country. The same, of course, applies anywhere in the world. To understand modern English football, you must first understand those who helped build the game—Stanley Matthews, Bobbys Charlton and Moore, Peter Shilton and even Paul Gascoigne. These are the men who have left deep and lasting impressions on the English game. However, their influence truly pales in comparison to the great managers. And Britain, with its rich footballing history, has been remarkably blessed when it comes to iconic footballing leaders.

The likes of Bill Shankly, Matt Busby, Brian Clough, and Bob Paisley are just some of those figures. These are men who defined their eras, building great sides and leaving an indelible mark on the clubs where they plied their trade. These were “footballing men”, as we have come accustomed to calling them; men who truly understood the importance of their work, and the club, to the community in which it stood. It is impossible to believe, for instance, that either of the two Liverpool greats listed above would have agreed with the club’s recent policy of buying up houses around the ground, which has seen Anfield degenerate into an area of social decline. It is this understanding of the importance of a football club to its locality that placed Sir Alex Ferguson among the all-time greats. The countless trophies and longevity of his reign would not have been possible without a fierce understanding of everything that Manchester United stands for and, indeed, Ferguson himself has always been keen stress that the club is bigger than any one individual. His impending departure may be the biggest test of that mantra for some time.

And, so it is that Ferguson will depart the Manchester United helm. However, he will do so in the knowledge that he leaves the club at the top of the English game once more, with a young squad that can still call upon a core of experienced heads, and in the hands of a manager he holds in high regard—David Moyes. It is being reported that Ferguson nominated Moyes as his successor upon announcing his intention to retire to trusted director of football David Gill in February. It was a decision that is said to have met with universal approval among the club’s owners—the Glazers, Gill and, of course, influential director Sir Bobby Charlton. It is to a similar ambassadorial role as Charlton to which Ferguson will now retire. Should the incoming manager require any guidance, at any stage, he could not hope for two better guides as to what is best for Manchester United.

Personally, I had always suspected, and indeed hoped, that it would be Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho who would take over whenever Ferguson decided to take a backseat. Mourinho is a winner, he has a clear desire to manage the club, and he is fiercely protective of his trusted players. In hiring Mourinho, though, you sign up to the whole package in which Jose is the centre of attention. However, in following Ferguson, a strong character is needed, and it cannot be said that the Scot himself has always been a paragon of virtue in the way he has conducted himself. Moyes, though, is the chosen man.

It was a decision that initially left me feeling indifferent. As it began to emerge that it would be the Everton manager who would replace Ferguson, my initial reaction was to feel a twang of worry. Moyes has done a sterling job in difficult conditions at Goodison Park, but it had always been a presumption that Ferguson’s replacement would have experience of challenging for major honours. That is something that Moyes’ otherwise impressive CV undeniably lacks. However, the longer the day has gone on, the more the decision has begun to make complete sense.

There has been shock, and even outrage, at the decision among the some of the club’s fans. Many, somewhat understandably, expected Mourinho, or another of Europe’s most high-profile figures to be Ferguson’s eventual replacement. Moyes, thus far, has always been the man tipped for a top job, but never deemed experienced enough to take it. Now, though, the board at Old Trafford—influenced by Ferguson’s personal recommendation—have taken the plunge. He may not have won a trophy in his time at Everton, but he has won admiration for his commitment to developing youth talent, his tactical nous, and also his ability to work within a tight budget. Bar silverware, the most common criticism of his tenure at Goodison Park has been a lack of success away from home against the established top four. That, though, should not detract from his other successes.

Much has been made of the similarity of Moyes to his fellow Glaswegian Ferguson over the past 24 hours, with former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel even describing them as being “cut from the same cloth”. They are both combative personalities, with similar traits when it comes to managing a football team, that is for sure. However, it is their similar understanding of what the entity the represent means to its supporters that makes them similar. Both understand the need for local players, for a bond with the paying public, and also personal sacrifice for their team’s cause. Moyes is a hiring for the long-term future of the club, as opposed to some other potential candidates who are more prone to shorter spells with their employer.

There is much to dislike about modern football, and the Glazer family ownership of Manchester United exhibits much of those traits. However, Manchester United itself (like many clubs) is a great institution, and Ferguson has ensured that the club has survived the turmoil of its takeover. Financially, the club is in the best state it has been since the takeover back in 2005. Success has come as a given to many United fans, but there is more to support than just celebrating league titles. Now, a new manager needs their backing.

Moyes may go on to immediate success, but there can be no doubting the difficult task ahead. Barring a catastrophe, though, the club should stick to their principle of long-term stability, however next season may turn out. A trophyless first season would bring a certain amount of pressure, but it would be by no means a disaster. A post-Ferguson hangover is in some ways inevitable. Moyes will no doubt believe otherwise. With talk of the Phil Neville joining the club’s coaching staff, along with the soon to retire Paul Scholes, the club are placing former players in positions of power. Ryan Giggs will no doubt soon join them, while Ferguson and Charlton remain in the directors box. Ferguson has long since admired the important roles Bayern Munich afford to their club’s iconic players, and it appears that United are following suit. Moyes will have all the support he could ever wish for, but must be given patience by the fans to put his own stamp on the club, and that will take time.

And, so it is that the Ferguson era will soon end. Ever the perfectionist, he will leave the club exactly how any incoming manager could wish to find it. For some, his final fixture will be a day of mourning, while others will see it as a day to celebrate. Ultimately, when it comes to the career of a man who has divided opinion, every fan in the country would like a Ferguson figure at their club.

Netherlands have announced a strong preliminary squad for the UEFA Under-21 European Championship this summer, featuring the likes of Adam Maher (pictured), Kevin Strootman and Bruno Martins Indi—as well as Chelsea duo Jeffrey Bruma and Patrick van Aanholt.

The tournament is set to be held in Israel in early June, and with the Oranje announcing a squad featuring several full internationals, they will surely be among the favourites later this summer.

Unfortunately for fans of Dutch football, though, wingers Jean-Paul Boetius of Feyenoord and Luciano Narsingh of PSV Eindhoven will miss the tournament through injury.

Goalkeepers: Jeroen Zoet (RKC Waalwijk), Marco Bizot (FC Groningen), Warner Hahn (FC Dordrecht), Nick Marsman (Go Ahead Eagles), Sergio Padt (AA Gent).

Defenders: Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse), Daley Blind (Ajax), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburger SV), Virgil van Dijk (FC Groningen), Mitchell Dijks (Ajax), Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (sc Heerenveen), Mike van der Hoorn (FC Utrecht), Kelvin Leerdam (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Miquel Nelom (Feyenoord), Bram Nuytinck (Anderlecht), Ricardo van Rhijn (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Jetro Willems (PSV)

Midfielders: Leandro Bacuna (FC Groningen), Thomas Bruns (Heracles Almelo), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Lerin Duarte (Heracles Almelo), Leroy Fer (FC Twente), Marco van Ginkel (Vitesse), Ricky van Haaren (VVV-Venlo), Adam Maher (AZ), Kevin Strootman (PSV), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV)

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV), Danny Hoesen (Ajax), Guus Hupperts (Roda JC), Ola John (Benfica), Luuk de Jong (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Florian Jozefzoon (RKC Waalwijk), Jürgen Locadia (PSV), Rajiv van La Parra (sc Heerenveen), Yanic Wildschut (VVV-Venlo) en Género Zeefuik (FC Groningen)

Who

• Name: Nathaniel Nyakie Chalobah
• Date of Birth: December 12, 1994
• Nationality: English
• Position: Centre-back
• Club: Chelsea (on loan at Watford)

Players will continually be added into The Prospects throughout the year. Beyond that, progression will be decided and announced on two dates each calendar year – 1 January and 1 July. This should allow a complete assessment of a player’s development at the end of both the standard European season, and in those leagues played according to calendar year.

The Prospects will contain profiles that are consistently updated to track a players development. Next Wave profiles, however, will be set in stone for future reference of a player’s development at a given point in time.

The Elastico aims to be an online reference to track the development of world football’s future stars. Whoever will go on to become the next Pelé, Maradona, Ronaldo or Messi, you can guarantee they will have featured here first.

West Brom attacking midfielder Isaiah Brown became the club’s youngest post-war player at the age of 16 years and 117 days on Saturday afternoon, becoming the second youngest player in Premier League history.

Brown, who often goes by the name Izzy, was named the WBA academy Player of the Year just this past week, having impressed for the club at both Under-18 and Under-21 level over the course of the campaign.

The England Under-17 international has terrific physical attributres, having been among the fastest teenagers in the country at school level. However, the tall and skilful attacker has more to his game than a simple reliance on speed.

Unable to yet sign professional terms, Brown has been the focus of interest from both Chelsea and Arsenal this season, with both clubs seeking to persuade the youngster away from the Hawthorns.

The Baggies, though, will not give up their rising star without a fight, as Steve Clarke seeks to integrate Brown into the first-team in order to keep him at the Hawthornes long-term.

With Brown set to take his GCSE examinations this summer, 2013 threatens to be a big year in the life of the young footballer—who has reportedly been forced to take his schoolwork with him on the team coach in recent weeks.

Although on the pitch for just a few moments in the 3-2 defeat to Wigan, Brown was able to make an impact on the game—picking up a yellow card for a clumsy tackle.

AC Milan have completed the €2 million signing of Colombian defender Jherson Vergara Amú from Deportes Quindio, subject to medical checks early next week.

Vergara, 18, was one of the stars of the Colombia Under-20 side that won the recent South American Youth Championship in Argentina, and rumours have linked him with a move to the Rossoneri ever since.

In joining the Milanese giants, the Universitario Popayan loanee will become the third Colombian on the AC Milan books—joining fellow central defenders Cristian Zapata and Mario Yepes. However, it appears as though Yepes, 37, may be on his way out of the club this summer.

The signing would make Vergara be the latest in a series of talented South American youngsters to head to Italy’s Serie A, with clubs in the division looking to procure future stars as a means to compete with the European elite.

The centre-back started eight of his country’s nine games at January’s international competition, scoring in a final game victory over Paraguay to secure the title. The side will now take their place at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup this summer.

Previously, Vergara had been part of Colombia’s Under-17 setup for the South American Championship of 2011, a tournament where the likes of Chelsea owned pair Lucas Piazon and Wallace came to prominence.

Wu Lei has been a familiar name to followers of Chinese football for a long time. All the way back in 2006, Wu became the youngest ever player to play a professional match in the country, appearing for East Asia at the age of 14 years and 10 months against Lijiang Dongba in the Second Division. However, it would be 2008 before a 16-year-old Wu became a first-team regular (with East Asia now in the First Division), playing 24 matches in his breakthrough season. Indeed, by the time he reached the Super League last December, he had already played over 125 senior league games for the club, scoring on 49 occasions.

Read more on the most talented emerging talent China has to offer, via The Elastico’s Christopher Atkins on Wild East Football.

Chelsea forward Lucas Piazon has told reporters that he is prepared to spend another season on loan in 2013-14, with no knowledge at present as to whether the West London side wish to keep him next campaign.

Piazon, 19, has made 12 appearances for Spanish side Malaga since joining on loan in January and admits that he is enjoying the lifestyle in the south of Spain.

With Chelsea still in a state of flux, and unsure as to who their manager will be after the summer, Piazon’s immediate future at Stamford Bridge is far from certain. As such, he admits that he is open-minded about his immediate future.

The Brazil Under-17 international told Goal.com: “I was not playing every game there. They have big players and they were in a bad position at the time as Chelsea always want to be at the top.

“So it was hard for me not to be playing every game there, but here at Málaga I am playing almost every game, so for me it has been great for my career to be here and to get this experience.

“Chelsea will change manager [in the summer], so I think after the pre-season they will decide if they want me to stay there or send me to another club for next season. We do not know yet.”

The Elastico‘s Christopher Atkins takes a look at some of the attacking midfield talent in the Bundesliga outside of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Read the full piece on ESPNfc

Internacional target man Leandro Damião is set to move to English football within the next twelve months, according to Internacional president Giovanni Luigi—with Tottenham the most likely destination.

Read The Elastico’s Next Wave profile of the Brazilian No. 9

Damião, 23, has been linked with Tottenham for over 18-months, with the White Hart Lane side known to have made several bids for his services. Whereas Inter have held firm in the past, it is now thought that they will look to cash in on their asset in the summer—as Luigi suggests.

“If a club want a player, they must talk to the president of the club at which that particular player plays and not just deal with the agent – that is not correct behaviour,” Luigi told Tutto Mercato Web.

“Recently we talked with Tottenham, Leandro is very likely to play games in England in the coming year. On the other hand, we can exclude Napoli.”

The Brazil international striker has experienced a lull in form over the past 12 months, losing his place within the first choice Seleção setup under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

It is thought that the player himself is now looking to make a move to Europe in order to force his way back into Felipão’s first-team plans ahead of the World Cup next summer.