If we look around today, there is really only one manager that has stood the test of time and proved year in, year out that he has what it takes. Of course, I refer to Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United.

Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot argue with his record. Mind you, even Ferguson would surely agree that good fortune may have played a contributory role in his march to success.

Only those in extremely high places within the confines of Old Trafford will really know how close this ex-Aberdeen manager was from losing his position though. After all, was it not a late goal, seven minutes from the end of the game by Mark Hughes in the 1990 Cup final that dashed the dreams of Crystal Palace and allowed Ferguson the luxury of a replay, which ended with his team securing some much needed silverware for the Old Trafford boardroom?

It was during these times that many were suggesting Ferguson's tenure was less than stable, and that the expectations of Manchester United, along with their fans, were not being reached. Difficult times indeed, yet aside of Hughes’s timely gift of good fortune, their existed a hidden string of events that was to turn everything around and replace the recent years of underachievement with trophy filled seasons that would surely necessitate the building of further trophy cabinets to house their many medals of war.

As a result, the elevation of Ferguson to a level almost equal to the legendary Sir Mat Busby was almost upon us. The procession of events to which I refer was the maturing and almost collective introduction of youngsters such as Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Philip Neville, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Lee Sharpe and Nicky Butt, to name but a few, to the ranks of Manchester United first team squad.

Whoever was responsible for firstly, recognising such talent and then, secondly, securing the signatures of each of these enormously gifted youngsters needs high praise indeed. I suspect an honorary knighthood from the Manchester United Fan Club was in the bargain as well!

Add to this the inspired purchases of players of the calibre of Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Gary Pallister (I cannot simply name them all, but their captain for many years, Steve Bruce had already been recruited!) and quickly you see an extraordinary squad developing that signalled the start of a fabulously successful period. A period in which title after title seemed to arrive at the club’s doorstep as regularly as night follows day.

However, despite their all conquering skills – and they really were that good – there was still room for a little good fortune. (Two goals in injury time against Bayern Munich immediately enters the mind!)

The message in football management is fairly clear. You really need a great deal of luck! Of course, you require knowledge and ability, without question, but lady luck certainly plays her part.

Can you imagine if Crystal Palace had won the FA Cup in 1990? Such an event could have ended Ferguson's reign and there is no telling where he would have gone, or what levels of success or failure he would have experienced.

Then consider the possibility of youngsters such as Giggs, Beckham, Scholes and Co. simply not making the grade. Sorry Sir Alex, I guess you are shuddering at the thought! I’ll move on!

Yet, when all is said and done, the work and ethics Ferguson has injected to what was a sleeping giant can only ever be admired and respected. As highlighted here, he has experienced marvelous slices of luck at a variety of crucial stages.

Of course, they all say "You make your own luck," although I always felt this to be a less than intelligent theory! Apart from luck, just take a look at his achievements in football. They speak for themselves. Pretty remarkable I'd say.

When you have stopped examining his past, take a quick look at the squad he has assembled this season. My goodness, can you spot a weakness? It's doubtful!