Alex Ferguson’s 24 years at Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson has established himself as arguably the best manager in the world. A club that couldn’t win a title for 26 years has become the best team in the world. In his 24 years with the club, he has seen many team managers come and go, but The Scot
has been untouchable.
Sir Alex Ferguson, born in Glasgow, was handed the job in November 1986 replacing Ron Atkinson, who had steered the club in to trouble. The club was lying second to bottom and relegation seemed unavoidable. Sir Alex helped United avoid relegation as they
finished 11th in his first season.
In the following season Ferguson revamped the squad with some major signings, which included Steve Bruce, Brain McClair and Viv Anderson. The club finished runners up to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 by nine points that year.
The Scot didn’t enjoy the following two seasons as the club finished with 11th and 6th league position respectively. The fans called for his sacking after a trophy drought just three years at the job.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ryan-Giggs-c31985 and Peter Schmeichel were signed in the 1990-91 season, as Ferguson was building a team of his own. United began to play with attacking instincts but couldn’t bring the title to Old Trafford that season either, as they finished second to arch
rivals Leeds United.
In 1991-92, United won their first trophy under Sir Alex as they lifted the League cup.
In the following season, Sir Alex signed Eric Cantona from Leeds United as the deal proved to be a turning point in the history of Manchester United. The French international formed a deadly partnership with Mark Hughes, as Sir Alex’s side won their first
season of the new Premier League. The 26 years wait was over and Ferguson had his name written in the history books of football.
The following year witnessed more success as Ferguson made Roy Keane a record transfer from Nottingham Forest. United ended the season winning league championship and FA cup double, confirming Ferguson as the greatest managers in the English game.
The 1994/95 season turned out to be a difficult season for Alex Ferguson as on and off the field issues badly affected his team’s quest for the title. United finished 2nd in the league and runner’s up in the FA cup.
1995/96 season saw some major players departing United, instead of replacing them with new players, Fergie gave a chance to his youth players including http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Paul-Scholes-c29394, Giggs and the Neville brothers. He received a lot of criticism
from all corners as everybody questioned the quality of United’s squad. The Scot silenced the critics when United won another Double by winning the league and FA cup.
United won another title in 1996/97 but failed in Europe as they slumped to a semi final loss against Borussia Dortmund.
The best year of the Fergie era came in the 1998/99 season when United swept away all three trophies as they won the Treble. Trouncing Arsenal to the league, Bayern Munich in Europe and Arsenal again in FA cup, United became only the fourth club to win all
three trophies in a season.
United won the league in fthe ollowing season too but ended third in the 2001/02 season. This was the lowest spot during Ferguson’s reign after the formation of the Premier league. The Red Devils regained their title in 2002/03 with a five point lead over
second placed Arsenal.
Alex Ferguson’s men had to wait for four years to win another title as they completed a hatrick of titles from 2006 to 2009. United also won the Champion’s league in 2007/2008 as they finished with another double under Sir Alex.
Alex Ferguson is considered the greatest motivator in the game and he always manages to get the best out of his players. There can be no doubt that Ferguson is a genius and when history looks back in 25 years time, Sir Alex may be regarded as the greatest
manager of all time.
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