AS OF THIS week, Alex Ferguson has been in charge of Man United for a phenomenal 25 years.
As a result of this achievement, there have been numerous tributes to the Scot, who will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest managers that the game has ever seen.
To mark this occasion, we bring you seven moments that significantly helped to define his time as United’s manager:
Man United 1-0 Crystal Palace (1990)
In the middle of the 1989-1990 season, United were in dire straits, with some fans and critics calling for Alex Ferguson’s resignation. However, in what would become a recurring theme in his United career, Ferguson proved the doubters wrong by helping United to recover from this difficult period and guiding them to FA Cup glory.
Man United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday (1993)
In a game in which the outcome was uncannily reminiscent of their 1999 European Cup triumph, United scored two stoppage time goals that would be the turning point in the season, in which they ultimately won their first Premier League title since 1967.
Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle (1996)
As strange as it may seem to highlight a game in which United weren’t directly involved, this match was in many ways symptomatic of the 1995-1996 season writ large. Newcastle seemed to have the Premier League title sewn up, having established a 12-point lead by Christmas. However, they somehow let the lead slip and this game proved to be a pivotal moment in the season, enabling United to win their third league title in four seasons, and their second league and cup double of the 90s.
Bayern Munich 1-2 Man United (1999)
By 1999, United had been winning the league on a consistent basis and there was only one other title which eluded them – the European Cup. They finally captured this trophy in memorable circumstances, beating Bayern Munich with two last-gasp goals, leading them to win an unprecedented treble. Ferguson was subsequently knighted in acknowledgement of his services to the game.
Real Madrid 3-1 Man United (2003)
Ferguson arguably learned more from this encounter than any other game during his Old Trafford career. United were well-beaten by a Real Madrid side who were far superior tactically and technically on the night. United, despite nearly launching a comeback in the second leg, consequently exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. The result had a profound effect on Ferguson’s thinking, leading him to initiate major tactical readjustments for his side’s subsequent European matches.
Man United 1-1 Chelsea (2008)
Ferguson’s new footballing philosophy eventually paid dividends as they won the European Cup for the second time, beating Chelsea on penalties and therefore, confirming his status as one of the greatest managers that the world of football has ever seen.
Man United 1-3 Barcelona (2011)
Despite United reaching the European Cup final last season, the significant gap in the two teams’ standard was every bit as apparent as it had been against Real Madrid seven years previously. It will be interesting to see how Ferguson’s United respond this season to such a comprehensive defeat.
