Starting out: Ferguson takes the reins at Old Trafford in 1986
6th November is a special day in the Manchester United calendar. Each year it marks the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson who has since then become the most successful British manager of all time.
13,545 people gathered at Old Manor Ground to witness the beginning of the Ferguson story. A 42-year-old Alex Ferguson started his journey at Oxford where he took charge of United for the very first time and lost. The pressure was on immediately.
The manager has since then led the Red Devils to numerous titles and awards and after managing the Old Trafford club for over 2,000 games, Ferguson has revealed the most memorable game of his illustrious 24 years in charge at Old Trafford. It may come as a surprise to many that it is not that night in Barcelona, nor is it the penalty shoot-out triumph over Chelsea to claim his second European Cup title in Moscow. Ferguson has instead picked out a league encounter with Tottenham Hotspur in 2001.
The game is Premier League classic as United came back from a 3-0 deficit at half time to eventually run out 5-3 winners. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Sebastián Verón, Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc and David Beckham scored five goals in the second half, thus winning the game 5-3 at White Hart Lane. This win is considered to the hallmark of United and provided a stage for more incredible victories.
When talking about this memorable victory Fergie said, “The one that sticks in my mind was when we were at Tottenham in September 2001 and were 3-0 down at half-time but then we went on to beat them 5-3. It was such an amazing turnaround, and the fans played their part too. It was a great game.”
“I feel that summed up my time here at United.
“Throughout my spell we’ve had to overcome difficulties and this single game captured my era at United.”
He continued: “Our backs were against the wall and we persevered and came out on top which is the Manchester United philosophy.”
Ferguson has changed with the times since his arrival in 1986 where United, along with the majority of other English clubs of the time, had a notorious drinking culture. The Scot stamped his authority on the side immediately and his reputation as a disciplinarian has soared with many players falling victim to the infamous Ferguson hair-dryer. Whilst others weren’t so lucky and were shown the exit door at Old Trafford.
The winning mentality is also an ingredient instilled into the club by the fiery Glaswegian. Late winners are expected by United fans and those who left early on Saturday would have been foolish to do so on Ferguson’s anniversary.
Squeaky bum time arrived earlier than expected for Manchester United this season when they hosted Wolves on Saturday and after a valiant display by Mick McCarthy’s men, Ji Sung Park popped up with a 94th minute winner. Or in ‘Fergie time’ as the late goals have become named.
The phrase, coined by Sir Alex Ferguson to describe the intense pressure of the title race run-in, was never more apt than at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 68-year-old is an old romantic too. He feels United are always capable of a last-gasp goal because of the history and tradition of the club.
“We’ve done this so many times,” said Fergie. “It’s a measure of our perseverance. It’s that never-say-die spirit.
This spirit has seen Ferguson lead United for almost a quarter of a century and despite many second-guessing his retirement plans, he continues to propel the Old Trafford club to continuous triumph.