For more than 26 years Alex Ferguson has been at the helm of one of the most successful professional sports franchises in the world, but at the conclusion of this season he will step down as manager of Manchester United. Ferguson is the most successful coach in British football history, but on Wednesday the 71-year-old Scotsman said this of his departure, “It is the right time.” Ferguson took the reins of Manchester United in 1986 and since then the iconic coach has won an astounding 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League championships, two Champions League titles and five FA Cups. “The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly,” said Ferguson. The legendary coach will continue to be involved with United as a club director and ambassador.
In honor of the G.O.A.T., we have decided to compile Alex’ top five managerial moments for your viewing pleasure.
1. Winning the FA Cup in 1990. After being in the job for 3 years without winning anything Sir Alex was under immense pressure, this win bought him the time to build an empire.
2. Winning the treble in 1999. The first and only English club to win the league, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. Liverpool nearly did it in 1977 but lost 2-1 in the FA Cup final to Manchester United…
3. Winning the league in 1993. After going 26 years without winning the league many United fans wondered if they would ever win it again. Once they won this won it became a habit…
4. Signing Eric Cantona from Leeds United in 1992. Of all the many great players that have played under Sir Alex, the French maverick Eric Cantona was arguably the greatest. He made such a profound impact on the attitude and confidence of the players around him he took United to the next level as soon as he arrived. Not only did he make a massive difference on the pitch but he set new standards in training and inspired a young generation of future stars like Beckham, Scholes and Giggs.
5. Winning the European Cup Winners Cup with Aberdeen in 1983. Even before he became United manager Sir Alex was a huge success at Aberdeen in Scotland. In beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final of the Cup Winners Cup, Aberdeen became only the third Scottish team to win a European trophy. It is also the last time a Scottish team has won one.
Article by Doug McConkey
