The Managerial Battle Of Wits: Ferguson v Gullit

Alex Ferguson (Manchester United)

Age: 56. Birthplace: Govan, Glasgow.

Playing career: A fairly ordinary striker who won just won one honour in his career - the Scottish second division title - with St Johnstone in 1963. A hard and, shall we say, uncompromising worker, Ferguson spent three seasons with Rangers, but at a time when Celtic were completely dominant. Retired in 1974.

Managerial career: Having gone into management in the summer of '74, Ferguson quickly started to make a name for himself but it was four years later, in May '78 that his career started to take off after his move to Aberdeen. There he won the Scottish league in '80, the Cup in '82, the Cup and Cup Winners Cup in '83, the League and Cup double in '84, the league in '85 and Cup and league cup in 1986.

Moved to Manchester United in November 1986 when a number of major English clubs were chasing him. Made slow start at Old Trafford and was under some pressure by the time he won his first trophy, the FA Cup, in 1990. Since then, however, his success has been spectacular with a Cup Winners Cup victory in '91, the League cup and European Super cup in '92, the Premiership in '93, the League and Cup double in '94 and '96 and a fourth league title in five years last season. Managed Scotland at the 1986 World Cup finals following the death of Jock Stein.

Tactical preferences: Tends to be a rather traditional 4-4-2 man, but employs many subtle variations within that. Has steadily built up options over the years, however, and now seems equally comfortable with three up front or five in midfield. Has never been richly blessed at centre back, though, which has tended to curtail his ability to play with three in the centre and hasn't ever possessed a natural sweeper at United.

Strengths: Having started his managerial career at small Scottish clubs (East Stirling and St Mirren) where the money was tight, Ferguson quickly realised the value of youth development and his success at United in bringing so many young stars through has convinced other clubs of the importance of this area. He is a fantastic reader of the game and an excellent tactician, prepared to switch things around to counter a perceived threat or expose a weakness. Hence United's remarkable ability to turn around games they are initially struggling in.

Weaknesses: Very few it seems, but as a former hard man himself, Ferguson has shown what appeared, at times, to be a ludicrous amount of loyalty to his players. Nevertheless his faith in Eric Cantona at a time when others might have off-loaded him was generously rewarded, while his indulgence of Roy Keane is similarly an apparently worthwhile investment. Some of his early purchases - Ralph Milne, Danny Wallace, most notably and Mike Phelan - raised eyebrows and proved less than inspired.

Long-term ambitions: Has already announced his intention to retire and hand over reigns to Brian Kidd but has encountered reluctance at Old Trafford towards his stated desire to join the United board which must be particularly frustrating in view of the fact that Aberdeen appointed him to the board there. Is desperate to win the Champions' League before making any switch, however.

Ruud Gullit (Chelsea)

Age: 35. Birthplace: Surinam.

Playing career: An outstanding player, Gullit won Dutch league and cup double with Feyenoord in 1984, two league titles and two Dutch Footballer Of The Year titles with PSV in '86 and '87, a World Club Championship and European Super Cup in 1990, two European Cup ('89 and '90) and three Italian league titles ('88, '92 and '93) with Milan as well as an Italian Cup with Sampdoria in 1994. Captained Holland to European Championship win in Germany in 1988. Scored 16 goals in 65 appearances for his country.

Managerial career: Guided Chelsea to FA Cup in first season as player-manager.

Tactical preferences: Arrived at Stamford Bridge declaring that his decision to move to Chelsea had been prompted by his desire to play the greatest role in the game, that of the sweeper but wasn't at his best there. Signed Frank Leboeuf to play there but despite presence of quality wing backs, Graeme Le Saux and Dan Petrescu, has generally started with flat back four this season. Likes to change team around for virtually every game, with only goalkeeper Ed de Goey assured of his place this year. Has shown ruthless streak in dealing with players like Gianluca Vialli, who has spent long stretches on the bench at a club he must have thought he would have been an automatic choice for.

Strengths: The respect Gullit commands in the European game has enabled him to bring a number of high quality players to the Fulham Road. Zola may be his outstanding purchase to date but has not bought badly once, with the likes of Gustavo Poyet, Le Saux and Roberto di Matteo all doing well at the club. Places high value on his team playing attractive football which has endeared the club to neutrals, with positive commercial side effects - revenue at the club doubled last year. Gullit appears to be conscious of weaknesses within the team.

Weaknesses: Sometimes slow to adapt to problems particular opponents present. Against Southampton this week, the Chelsea midfielders were falling over each other yet Gullit did not change his approach until very late in the second half when he finally opted to mirror the home side's 4-3-3 and looked much the better for it.

Long-term ambitions: Well placed at Chelsea to establish his credentials as a manager. Recent refinancing of club should mean that he has substantial funds to spend over the next couple of years. If he continues to spend well, sorts out the defensive frailties and improves depth of squad, then he could quickly turn Chelsea into a major force in England and Europe. If he commits to the club in the medium term and actually wins a Premiership title, then he will probably have choice of managerial jobs around Europe - Milan, Barcelona, Dutch national team - by the time he is 40.