Manchester United’s contest with Plzen will be marked by two very different coaches in the dugout.
Ruben Amorim is the youngest Manchester United boss since Sir Matt Busby, recently appointed at the age of 39.
In the opposite dugout is Plzen boss Miroslav Koubek, who turned 73-years-old earlier this season.
As a veteran coach, Koubek has revealed he took inspiration from legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Miroslav Koubek, Head Coach of Viktoria Plzen reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and F...
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Wanted to catch Sir Alex Ferguson
Miroslav Koubek started his managerial career back in 1983. This is now his third different stint as Plzen boss.
Kounek says he can remember Manchester United before Ferguson’s appointment at the club in 1986.
Ferguson began his managerial career in 1974, announcing his retirement in 2013, at the age of 71.
Koubek admits via Denik.cz that he has been inspired by Ferguson, and set himself a challenge to still be coaching at the age Ferguson retired – and he’s still going.
MORE UNITED STORIES
He said: “I’m seventy-three, I remember the United players before Alex Ferguson came. Yes, his personality is inspiring.
“Now I’ll lighten it up a bit. Seven years ago I said to myself – try to make it like Ferguson until seventy-one. And I’ve already surpassed him by two years.”
Koubek has not had the success Sir Alex Ferguson did, who won a staggering 13 Premier League titles.
The Plzen boss won the Czech title only once, in 2014/15. They are currently second in the league, but 10 points back from Slavia Prague.
Manchester United is ‘the pinnacle’
Miroslav Koubek was asked about his players getting their career highlight with the opportunity to play against Manchester United, and admitted it is his too.
He explained: “It’s a famous brand, an iconic club, one of the most historically significant.
“I feel the same way. Especially from the perspective of the brand and the fame of Manchester United. It is the pinnacle of my coaching career.”
Manchester United may be 13th in the Premier League – but it’s still the biggest club in the world.
Related Posts