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Beginning of Greatness: Alex Ferguson First Six Years at Manchester United

Photo: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/denis-law-manchester-city-will-welcome-the-retirement-of-sir-alex-ferguson-8607877.html

Alex Ferguson is a name familiar to almost every football fan in the world. The famous manager managed to make Manchester United one of the biggest clubs in the world. But how was it at the beginning? were his first season´s full of joy and success? Well, Ferguson did not have a dream start in Manchester and did not win the Premier League until 6 years after his appointment.


Alex Ferguson was appointed manager on 6 of November 1986. Ferguson appointment came from the success he had with Scottish club Aberdeen. However, Manchester was not the only club interested in him at the time. Wolverhampton Wanderers approached him after being relegated from the first division. Ferguson Rejected the offer, likely because of wolves’ financial instability at the time. In addition, Ferguson was also considered for Liverpool vacant post after Joe Fagan retired but the former Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish got the job instead. Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson after a disappointing previous season and losing in the fourth round of the FA Cup against Southampton. When Ferguson took over United were second last in 21st place. Manchester lost their first game under the charge of Alex Ferguson, but they began stabilizing after that. They recorded their only win against fiercer rivals Liverpool on boxing day, with a 1-0 victory. Manchester managed to work their way up the table and finished 11th.

Photo: Ferguson first game in charge. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2321880/Sir-Alex-Fergusons-match-charge-Manchester-United.html

Ferguson brought in several players for the 1987-88 season. He bought in Steve Bruce, Viv Anderson, Brian McClair and Jim Leighton. Manchester did exceptionally well compared to last season and finished 2nd, nine points behind Liverpool. It was clear that a lot of work was needed to do to try and catch Liverpool. United only lost 5 times in the league that season, however, a staggering 12 draws hindered Manchester to catch Liverpool. One of the key players for Manchester, Brian McClair became the first Manchester player to score over 20 goals since George Best in 1967-68. To bolster the squad for next season, Ferguson brought back striker Mark Hughes from Barcelona for 1.8 million pounds, making him a record signing for Manchester United. In addition, he brought goalkeeper Jim Leighton who played for him in Aberdeen.


Photo: http://campusghanta.com/sir-alex-ferguson-respect/

People had high expectations of the 1988-89 season following the return of Mark Hughes. However United had a slow start in the league which involved a nine-match winless run. Manchester struggled with consistency and finished only 11th. In addition to the league woes, United was knocked out early in both the League cup and FA cup. For the next season, Ferguson continued to spend and brought in players like Neil Webb, Mike Phelan and Gary Pallister. United started well but quickly went downhill. Fans and journalist were rightfully not happy with Ferguson and according to BBC, A banner was unfurled at a home game which read: “three years of excuses, ta-ra Fergie.” In addition, Daily mail reporter Steve Curry express his disappointment by writing an article entitled Fergie the flop. He said that he had: “the worst record of any United manager of modern times''. Manchester which had not won the league in 23 years. Despite the criticism and complaining of the fans, Ferguson stayed a Manchester United manager. In a third-round tie against Nottingham Forrest in the FA Cup, there was rising speculation that Ferguson would be sacked if Manchester would lose the game. Manchester won 1-0 and it was later informed that the board was not considering firing him. however, this win is often considered as the match that saved Alex Ferguson. United then went on and won the FA Cup. It was Ferguson´s first trophy at Manchester. Despite the trophy, Manchester season was still considered disappointing and they finished in 13th in the League.


Photo: Ferguson alongside Gary Pallister. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/281654/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-25-years-What-happened-to-the-boys-of-86

Manchester improved greatly in the 1990-91 season although inconsistency was still an issue. This season saw the debut of Ryan Giggs which was only 17-year-old at the time. Many touted him the next George Best. Manchester reached the League Cup final in which by the surprise of everyone the lost to Sheffield Wednesday. In the league, Manchester improved but because of inconsistency, they finished only 6th, below Manchester City for the first time in a decade. They won Barcelona in the European Cup winner´s cup 2-1. After the game, Ferguson said that Manchester would win the league the following season. In the 1991-92, prediction almost came true when Manchester finished 2nd in the league. The main reason for Manchester failure to win the league was a result of lack of goals and being held to draws.


Photo: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/531987774703692610/

First title

The football league was changed to the Premier League in the 1991-92 season. To try and eliminate Manchester United´s goal shortage, Ferguson bought two strikers. Jovan Korovski, Dion Dublin. Ferguson reportedly tried to sign Alan Shearer from Southampton but instead he joined Blackburn Rovers. Manchester United once again struggled with inconsistency and in November they were 10th in the league. Then Ferguson brought in Eric Cantona from Leeds for 1.2 million pounds and their form began to change. Cantona and Hughes formed a great partnership and after 26 years of waiting, Manchester United finally became League Champions. Mark Hughes was the top goalscorer, with 15 goals and phenomenal youngster Ryan Giggs won the PFA young player of the Year for the second year in the row.


Photo: http://therepublikofmancunia.com/did-united-buy-success-like-chelsea-and-city-course-not/

After six years of management at Manchester United, Ferguson finally managed to win the League. This was only the beginning of Ferguson incredible career which led to him becoming the most successful manager in British Football history.



Post by: Guðjón

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