KANCHELSKIS: I WANT A JOB IN ENGLAND
It’s tough in Uzbekistan... but I won under Sir Alex and now want to boss like him in England
ANDREI KANCHELSKIS was a title-winning legend at Manchester United – and now he is dreaming of managerial glory in England.
The Russian former winger, 51, was a key figure when Sir Alex Ferguson led United to their first championship in 26 years in 1993.
Kanchelskis helped inspire a league and FA Cup double the following season before joining Everton in 1995 after demanding a move from Old Trafford.
He then moved to Fiorentina, won three league titles and three Scottish Cups at Rangers and had a brief loan spell at Manchester City before ending his time in British football at Southampton.
Since 2007, Kanchelskis has worked at several clubs in Russia and Latvia as a director of football, assistant manager and is currently boss of PFC Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
Ambitious Kanchelskis, who held talks with Derry City about becoming their boss in 2015, said: “My goal was always to become a manager after I finished playing – and to manage in England is my dream.
“I’ve made sure that I’ve got the right education and built my CV with the clubs that I have managed, which has been very tough.
“But I felt it was important to give me the skills I need to manage a team in England.
“Now I have my UEFA Pro Licence and, with the experiences I have had, I believe I’m one step closer to managing in England and open to any opportunities that come my way.
“I made my name at Manchester United under Sir Alex, who knows what it takes to be a winner.
“People also have to remember what he achieved at St Mirren and Aberdeen before he went to United.
“From the moment I went into the dressing room at Old Trafford, I knew Sir Alex was a manager who would lead us to great times.” Kanchelskis has the rare distinction of having scored in Manchester, Merseyside and Old Firm derbies.
But injury marred his career in 1995, as he explained: “At the time, it was frustrating and confusing – it was tough.
“I had a great season that year and was really finding my stride, but was then plagued by a double hernia injury, which, in some respects was misdiagnosed.
“This led to me not playing to my full potential and then being dropped. I was frustrated and angry about this, so I decided to take matters in my own hands and spoke out. “After more confusion, misdiagnosis and rows, I demanded a move. “United wanted me to stay, but players like Mark Hughes and Paul Ince moved on during the time so I thought, ‘Why not me as well?’ “I have no regrets because my time at Everton was amazing. I had one of the best seasons of my career there.” United are back on the right track under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Kanchelskis believes. “With time, I think Ole will have United competing again,” he said. “Marcus Rashford, Scott Mctominay, Aaron Wan-bissaka, Mason Greenwood and
Daniel James are all talented players who can be leaders for United. Once these leaders of the team develop, then you can have title challengers.
“At United, we had leaders everywhere – Schmeichel, Bruce, Robson, Keane, Ince and Cantona – it was amazing and they all held other players accountable.
“If these young talented lads at the club continue to progress, I can see them being great leaders too.”