The Premier League lost one of its out-and-out legends at the end of the season. His illustrious career spanned over 38 years; Sir Alex endured 1,500 games as manager of Manchester United, winning 895 of them (59.67%). He is undoubtedly the best manager the Premier League has seen since this format began 21 seasons ago.
With Sir Alex no longer in the frame, who is the Premier League’s top dog?
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5. Michael Laudrup (Swansea City)
Brenden Rodgers gained promotion to the Premier League with the Swans and guided the side to a respectable 11th place before leaving for Liverpool. However, they progressed further last season with Laudrup at the helm – finishing 9th and going on to win the Capital One Cup to qualify for the Europa League. The former Barcelona and Real Madrid ace using similar tactics to those of his former clubs adopting a high tempo, attacking and passing style. His effectiveness in the transfer market is quite impressive having found a gem in Spanish star Michu, and arguably the signing of the summer in Wilfried Bony – who scored 46 goals in just two seasons for Dutch side Vitesse. He may have worked his magic to find another unknown diamond in the form of Alejandro Pozuelo.
Swansea’s Win Percentage under Laudrup: 36.73%
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4. Manuel Pellegrini (Manchester City)
Unproven in the Premier League, but did a fantastic job at Malaga last season with a team plagued with financial problems and managed to reach the Champions League semi-final. His record at Real Madrid, whom he was with for just one season, is also profound – winning 36 out of a possible 48 games, drawing 5 times and losing 7. Expect him to make City title contenders again.
Malaga’s Win Percentage under Pellegrini: 40.77%
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3. Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham Hotspur)
AVB’s record at Porto was remarkable, in his 58 games as manager he won 49 and lost just 4. With a rocky spell with Chelsea, he has found his feet with North Londoners Tottenham and agonisingly missed out on a Champions League place in his first season. Already this summer he has made some quality signings in Paulinho, Roberto Soldado and Nacer Chadli with Gareth Bale rumoured to be on his way out, AVB has proved he can made some adept signings and will look to guide them to the Champions League at last.
Tottenham’s Win Percentage under Villas-Boas: 50.00%
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2. Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)
Wenger may not be the dominating force he once was but you shouldn’t undermine his previous achievements – 3 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and 4 Community Shields. In 2004, he managed the “Invincibles” to become the first and only side to win the league unbeaten. In 2006, Arsenal became the first London club to reach the Champions League final. Wenger has also guided Arsenal to a top four finish in every season under his tenure (17 seasons); yet another record. There is no doubt Wenger and his side will be up there again this season.
Arsenal’s Win Percentage under Wenger: 56.92%
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1. Jose Mourinho (Chelsea)
In his first spell as Chelsea manager, Mourinho led his side to back-to-back Premier League titles and in either season picked up the Community Shield and a League Cup. In the following season they were only just beaten to the title but “The Special One” – as he called himself back then picked up his side and won the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season. He has enjoyed success at clubs like Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid – some of Europe’s elite. He is very astute in the transfer market and with Abramovich’s war chest, he will not shy away from signing the best players. Mourinho is a media favourite in England which can only add to his growing reputation. His win percentage is one of the highest in the Premier League; he will want to repeat it in his second spell. Expect the league title in his hands come may.
Chelsea’s Win Percentage under Mourinho: 67.03% (2004 – 2007)