Sir Alex Ferguson is renowned for numerous distinctive qualities and traits: his burning desire to win; his temper; and his man-management skills, to name but a few. However, despite his status as one of world footballs greatest and most succe sful managers, the tactical side of Fergusons management has regularly been questioned throughout his decorated career. Indeed there are several examples of tactical oversights which have been to Manchester Uniteds detriment, not least in their lacklustre showing Glenn Robinson Jersey in last seasons crucial title-decider against Manchester City in April. Unlike some of his succe sful contemporaries like Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, all whom heralded for their tactical nous and insight, Fergusons achievements have commonly been attributed to his aforementioned supreme man-managing capabilities, complemented by his compulsion to win and an extensive treasure chest from which to supplement his squads.But this dismi sal of Fergusons tactical understanding is unfair and overly simplistic. Manchester Uniteds recent victory over Everton, which saw the clubs lead stretched to 12 points over their once noisy cro s-town rivals, was the latest example of Sir Alex Fergusons willingne s to tweak his sides tactics in order to stifle opposing sides main threats. In this case the threat was Travis Shaw Jersey Marouane Fellaini, a player who was the catalyst in Evertons defeat of United in the opening round of the 2012/13 English Premier League season. By Matt Garza Jersey employing Phil Jones to man-mark Fellaini, who stuck to Fellaini like a piece of stubborn chewing gum for much of the game, United were able to blunt Evertons main attacking avenue. This approach to cull the oppositions main-threat was similarly utilised a few weeks ago, with Jones role on that occasion to shadow Spurs Gareth Bale. Though Jones has been important in his role, many of Fergusons game-plans have relied heavily on a defensive fluidity and understanding. With Jones (or whoever has been deployed to curb the oppositions main threat) drifting from a set position, Wayne Rooney has often been required to drop into the midfield to maintain defensive shape. It remains to be seen whether Uniteds succe sful integration of their new tactics can be transferred onto Yovani Gallardo Jersey the European stage. Arguably the biggest test of this defensive adjust-ability has yet to come and the Champions League ties with a star-studded Real Madrid will perhaps provide a better yardstick for measuring Fergusons tactical progre sion.Neverthele s, domestically, in a season in which Roberto Mancinis tinkering with his squad especially his repeated attempts to play with three at the back has undermined Citys title credentials, Fergusons rotation and adaptability has often proved inspired. Uniteds superiority at the top of the league is in no small part to the way they have performed head-to-head against their closest challengers with only Spurs coming away with a win. Whereas last season Manchester City visibly won the tactical battles in both of their encounters, it appears that this season Ferguson has identified a formula that bears fruit in the biggest Lorenzo Cain Jersey games. There are other factors which have strengthened Uniteds campaign, particularly the imperious form of Robin van Persie up front. But it is hard to escape the feeling that the most vital cog in the Red Devils engine remains their wily and astute manager.