There had been numerous calls from fans during the season for Ferguson to be sacked .
Media reports had suggested that the former Everton manager Howard Kendall would be appointed as Ferguson 's successor ; Kendall was appointed by United 's local rivals Manchester City during the season .
There had been numerous calls from fans during the season for Ferguson to be sacked , and media reports had suggested that the former Everton manager Howard Kendall would be appointed as his successor ; Kendall was appointed by United 's local rivals Manchester City during the season .