On a special day for himself, one of the English game's true legends has spoken out in praise of the United manager.Now that Manchester United have added the League Cup to the FIFA World Club Championship won in December, there is escalating speculation that the clean sweep is now on the cards due to their impeccable Premier League form, their promising position in the Champions League and remaining on course in the FA Cup.
It is a sentiment that is also shared with United Kingdom-based bookmakers, who place the club 1/25 clear favourites to win the Premier League, 9/2 to win the Champions League, 7/4 to win the FA Cup, and 10/1 to complete the quintuple.
Legendary Manchester United and England forward Sir Bobby Charlton believes fellow knight - Sir Alex Ferguson - is the man solely responsible for bringing such a feat close to the club's grasp, and told Sky Sports, "United are on course to win five trophies.
"I'm not saying we're not going to do it, but we have too many games to play [for the the Premier League title to have already been won] for example. We are the favourites, but it's not a foregone conclusion."
Regarding the influence of 'Fergie', he said, "I marvel at him. The decision-making, and the affiliation that the players give him... they respect him. He is just an unbelievable manager.
"I don't think he'd be bothered by Liverpool's achievements, he has his won goals. He is very respectful of Liverpool's history, but he just wants to do his best at the club."
There has been mounting speculation over who has the experience and talent to replace the Scot once Ferguson finally decides to retire from the game. Jose Mourinho's name has been mentioned as the ideal successor to Sir Alex, but Charlton insists no such topic has been discussed.
"It's never been discussed at our club," he said. "If one day it does happen, we'll think about it, but at the moment there is only one man [Sir Alex]."
Charlton also spoke highly of veteran winger Ryan Giggs, who he feels - despite his ageing legs - is enjoying his greatest season at the club. "I think this his best season since he arrived. He is challenging well, makes the right decisions, and is scoring important goals.
"He is a beautiful player to watch and he runs so smoothly.
"Ben Foster is also a terrific talent. He seized the moment, didn't he? And he will make it difficult for Edwin van der Sar to keep his place. We have a lot of youth bursting onto the scene."
Sir Bobby was recently awarded the freedom of the city of Manchester.
"This is one of the most proud days of my life," he reflected. "Who wouldn't be proud of this city?"
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