FERGIE 26 YEARS
A Man For All Seasons & A Memorable Match From Every One Of Them
What better way to remember and celebrate all those seasons that Sir Alex Ferguson has managed Manchester United than to focus on a match from each one. I’ve taken a significant or memorable match from each season and described the main events and happenings in it. I hope that it will bring back some fond memories.
2012/13
Premier League, Arsenal (H) August 2011
Could pick a number of games, in what was his final season as manager. Crowned Champions for the 20th time it was certainly a season of memorable moments, fantastic goals and the influence of a certain Dutchman Robin van Persie. Van Persie had a telling impact but overall it was a real team effort the 2012/13 season and was vital the team responded fittingly. I should really be writing about Sir Alex Ferguson's very last game that came against West Brom, an exciting 5-5 draw. First time that, that has happened in the Premier League. It was a great way to end, entertaining to the last. I missed the game regretfully so instead will look to the one just before vs Swansea. It was Ferguson's last game at Old Trafford and the stadium rose to the occasion. The atmosphere sounded incredible and there were so many banners and flags in the crowd. It was so impressive, the sea of red flags. Such a nice touch too that the Swansea fans got their own too. It looked just fantastic and would be great to see the flags make an appearance again in a European game perhaps. The match itself was a good watch and Swansea contributed to make it so. Paul Scholes impressed in what was also his last game at Old Trafford. Pinging the passes, the team were desperate to tee him up. Fittingly it was a last minute goal and from Rio Ferdinand of all people! Loved his passion upon scoring and it could only be right that the game was won. The last gasp win with a late goal has been a common theme of Sir Alex Ferguson's teams. What a fantastic send off for Sir Alex. The league trophy was presented which made the day all the more special, though it seemed secondary with the main focus being on Ferguson. Great to see he and the players celebrating, particularly him with his grandchildren. Was a really fantastic day and in fact 48 hours as the trophy parade followed on the next day and what magnificent scenes. Ferguson got it just right with his speech, speaking of looking forward, to support the new manager- it was impromptu and unrehearsed. I am a sentimental fool but really liked to see how he interacted with the players and was clear how much they mean to him. As I watched on television, have to say it was very well done and enjoyed how they covered the game. Particularly with Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel and Dwight Yorke teaming up. Seeing familiar faces with it being Steve Bruce and Bryan Robson carrying it out the trophy. Was a perfect day in so many ways, tinged with sadness but certainly memorable.
2011/12
Premier League, Arsenal (H) August 2011
In this, Sir Alex Ferguson’s 25th season as manager of Manchester United, this match seen United win 8-2. It was a great game, very open. United were playing very exciting if not slightly risky. With players in great form and sharing a good understanding the team played at such a high pace, creatively and with a-lot of two one two passing. New signing Ashley Young had fitted in well and shared a good understanding with the rest of the team. The average age of the side fielded was just 22. The young players in this early part of the season were very playing some fantastic football. Most impressive were Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Ashley Young scored two stunning goals. It was a delight to see the team play with so much freedom and in particular see the young players do so well. The football they played was very exciting. It is often that you see score lines like that, though incidentally a decade exactly ago United beat Arsenal 6-1 at Old Trafford- quite a funny coincidence.
2010/11
Premier League Liverpool (H) September 2010
The 3-2 flattered Liverpool who got two easy goals. One from Darren Fletcher ducking out of the way in the wall (wish players would stop doing that) and the other a penalty. Steven Gerrard scoring twice to bring the match level ran to kiss the camera, thankfully the stupid twat didn’t have much to celebrate in the end! This match came at a time of struggle and off the pitch distractions. The problems with Rooney were coming to the boil and Rooney himself was playing very, very poorly. Dimitar Berbatov had come to the fore and was performing extremely well. In this match he became the first United player in sixty four years to score a hat-trick against Liverpool! Berbatov’s second in the match was just incredible, what technique- he pivoted and his overhead kick sailed in passed Reina. It was a very good match, full of excitement, good football, a great goal and a customary United comeback.
2009/10 Season
Premier League Manchester City (H) September 2009
An exciting game for United fan and neutral alike. It was won by an extra time goal by Michael Owen, who came on as a sub. What a way to win a match! The game itself had seen United dominate from the start, they had majority of possession and triple the shots on goal City had. However some poor defending had let City in easily and had resulted in them scoring three. United bettered that scoring four. The goals were two headers from Fletcher, Owens of course and Rooney’s quick goal in matches first two minutes. The match itself was very exciting and it was very satisfying getting the victory like that. It became clear that the tension between the two sides had increased tenfold over the summer and there is no sign of that ever abating.
2008/09
Premier League Chelsea (H) January 2009
The 3-0 win against Chelsea on the 11th of January was a great one. The matches between the two sides has a recent history of being a very close affair, so to get such a clear victory was a great feeling. Especially as at this time the time weren’t in the best form. Though there is only a rivalry with regards to them being in competition for the league, I personally enjoy victories over them very much! Vidic header in the first half and a tap in for Rooney put United two goals to the good. Berbatov with a great finish rounded off a great night with three minutes to go. He on instruction from Vidic found some space in the box to stroke the ball passed Cech from a Ronaldo free kick. Remember on the night the defence performing excellently, Chelsea didn’t get a sniff. Jonny Evans had come into replace an injured Rio Ferdinand and had done a magnificent job up against Drogba. On the night Berbatov also played very well, scoring one and assisted another.
2007/08 Season
Champions League Final vs. Chelsea May 2008
You couldn’t pick a game but that Champions League final, pitted against Chelsea and held in the stunning Russian capital Moscow. United had secured the league title and it was the fiftieth anniversary of the Munich air disaster. The heavens opened and it was then that Sir Alex Ferguson knew the team was going to triumph. In the match, United completely dominate Chelsea for a good hour, they came more into the match in the last half hour. The team, in the first half in particular missed some golden chances. The game went to penalties, United didn’t have a good record of winning shoot-outs. Horror struck as the seasons hero and match goal scorer Ronaldo missed his penalty. All of United’s other penalties were scored and it looked like it might be Chelsea’s night. Terry stepped up and slipped putting it wide. Edwin van der Sar became the hero when he saved from Anelka meaning that the trophy was heading back to Manchester. What a night, what a season and it was well deserved- United were the best team in Europe and had, as usual done it their way- keeping us hanging to the very last second.
2006/07 Season
Champions League Quarter Finals Roma (H) April 2007
It was April 2007 and the second leg match versus Luciano Spalletti’s resurgent and exciting Roma side. United had managed to secure an away goal in Rome, a match that Paul Scholes was sent off very early. United this evening were absolutely incredible, Roma just couldn’t deal with the pace of the team and were put to the sword. Every single one of the seven goals scored was well worked or spectacular. Ryan Giggs was one of the standout performers on the night, assisting four out of the seven but it was one of those rare nights that not even one player played poorly. It was incredible to see the team perform to such a high standard considering the difficulties in the seasons before when the team was rebuilding. This match announced that United were indeed back and back with a vengeance.
2005/06 Season
Carling Cup Wigan Millennium Stadium May 2005
United had, had a very good run in the League Cup and earned a place in the final by beating Blackburn. It had been a fallow period to an extent and it was a long spell for Sir Alex Ferguson to go without winning the league title. The team was rebuilding and couldn’t match the competition from London with Chelsea so dominant in the league. Though, this season had shown that the team had made a-lot of progress and were on their way back. The Carling Cup final was played in Cardiff on the 25th of February and turned out to be a straightforward win for United. The final was against Wigan and United really punished them that day, this is very much reflected in the 4-0 score line. A goal from Louis Saha, one from Ronaldo and a double from Rooney secured the Cup. It was a great day and to see United return to winning ways. For young players in Rooney, Fletcher and Ronaldo it certainly whetted their appetites for more success and the same can be said for new arrivals that season in Park, Van der Sar, Vidic and Evra. It was very well celebrated and the players for the trophy presentation all wore t-shirts “For Smudge”- a nice thought for Alan Smith who broke his leg against Liverpool earlier in the season.
2004/05 Season
Premier League Arsenal (A) February 2005
On the 19th of February United travelled down to Highbury to play Arsenal in the league. This match is one of my personal favourites and was played at the height of the two clubs rivalry. This, was a thunderclap meeting between the sides and it was all too clear that neither side cared much for the other. It is something that is missed now, the competitive edge of these matches made them something extra special. Tensions were already high, when before a ball was kick there was a disturbance in the tunnel. In the match itself these tensions over spilled and there were a-lot of poor challenges. The game itself was played at such a high pace and tempo and was end to end. Two of United’s goals in what turned out to be a 4-2 win were scored on the counter. The match was rounded off with a great moment in O’Shea chipping Almunia, his celebration and expression on his face were hilarious. Such an electrifying game and one that seen United comeback twice.
2003/04 Season
Premier League Arsenal (A) February 2005
The final was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It was a final in which United faced Millwall. It had been an incredible achievement on their part to get to the final and they were the first team in twelve years to get to a final from their position and league played in. It was the clubs first ever appearance in a Cup Final. That was in stark contrast to United, the 3-0 win here won United a record 11th FA Cup. Leading up to the final United had to beat Aston Villa, Northampton, Manchester City, Fulham and then Arsenal in the semi-final. Paul Scholes missed two chances early on and United’s first goal by Ronaldo came a minute before the first half. It was, for United an easier final than they could possibly have hoped for- Millwall were also disadvantaged due to missing their key men through injuries and suspensions. United won 3-0, the other goals came from Ruud van Nistelrooy- one was a penalty and the other a typical van Nistelrooy goal. There was a bit of controversy with the third goal as it was definitely offside but not called in the match. No one could doubt though that United were the better team and fully deserved to win the Cup.
2002/2003 Season
Champions League Quarter Finals Real Madrid 2003
A great game when it comes down to it but it is not one of fond memories as it seen United out of Europe. Real Madrid were one of the best team in the world at that time with names such as Zidane, Ronaldo, Carlos, Casillas and Figo. It was a great night for Ronaldo at Old Trafford, he had been a forty five million euro acquisition by Madrid in the summer. He left the pitch to a standing ovation. United’s first goal of the game was scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy through the hard work of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Beckham came off the bench to score twice. In the final minutes of the match United looked like they may go through, they needed one more goal and Real Madrid had given away a free-kick at the edge of the box. Sadly for United that goal didn’t come. It is probably a match that I can appreciate more now as time has passed, as at the time it was disappointing to be knocked out. Having seen it again more recently it was a really excellent game of football and United performed very well on the night and pushed them hard.
2001/02 Season
Premier League Tottenham (A) September 2001
The old and overly used cliché of “a game of two halves” couldn’t be any truer regarding this fixture. It is a match regarded as one of the finest comebacks in the Premier League era. At half time, United found themselves three down. The defence had performed poorly and though United had seen a-lot of the ball there was no cutting edge to their play at all. It looked after this half that United’s then poor record at the Lane was about to continue. The team hadn’t won there in four years. Changes at half time in bringing Solskjaer on changed the match greatly, his intelligence breathed new life into the side. A bit of pace was added in bring Silvestre on. Within a minute of the restart United struck through Andy Cole. The team went on to score four goals in a fifteen minute period and that completely destroyed Spurs. The match finished 5-3 to United, a really great game and Veron’s best in a United shirt.
2000/01 Season
Premier League Arsenal (H) February 2001
The rivalry between the sides was at it’s height at this time, it was Arsenal that were the main rivals for the league title. On the 25th of February nobody could have predicted the dominance of United in this match. Five goals in the first half showed United’s superiority on the day and this was a good Arsenal side. Dwight Yorke who hadn’t played too much up until then having fallen down the hierarchy secured a hat-trick after 22 minutes. Solskjaer capped the day off with the sixth goal, a very good day at the office that seen United climb sixteen points clear at the top of the table. It is fair to say that United were really flying at this time but the match is well remembered for the first half performance. Team played very well and were so clinical, completely blew Arsenal away with a real glut of goals. Arsenal were just completely dismantled. Up until then United had, had a bit of a goal drought having scored only four in their last six- that certainly came to an end that day.
1999/00 Season
Premier League Newcastle (H) August 1999
United had a very good start to the league season and certainly hadn’t been eased in gently with some tough fixtures including playing away against Arsenal and Leeds. There were no signs of a hangover from the unprecedented success United had experienced the season before. It was a match that Andy Cole showed just how lethal in front of goal he was. The match was won 5-1 and of those five goals Cole scored four and the other came from Ryan Giggs. Newcastle couldn’t cope with wave upon wave of United attacks and the team was relentless and hungry in their pursuit for goals. United played some excellent football that delighted the fans, the fans spirits were still soaring from the events of the treble year and that could be heard in the atmosphere in the ground.
1998/99 Season
Champions League Final Bayern Munich (Nou Camp) May 1999
For quality of football it is probably the tie against Juventus that got United to the final that should be written about. The match against Juventus had everything and epitomised all that Sir Alex Ferguson is about. The final in 1999 was held at the Nou Camp, the match started with the team coming out to Montserrat Caballé singing “Barcelona”. The team seemed nervous and didn’t perform to the heights they had throughout the season. Those nerves were understandable, it was United’s first final since the 1950’s and meant so, so much. With Scholes and Keane suspended, it was a big blow to be without those players. Peter Schmeichel captained the side on the night, it was to be his last match for the club. The two substitutes brought on for Cole and Yorke were to have impacts they could only dream of. Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored two goals that one the game, these were scored two minutes apart in injury time. United had looked all but out of it and to win a football match in that fashion, well that feeling can never be replicated. It was just unbelievable and much like the season, there was something very special about this team and their spirit. It secured a historic treble for the season. It was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first European cup and it was won on what would have been Sir Matt Busby’s 90th birthday.
1997/98 Season
Champions League Juventus October 1997
A year after being soundly beaten by Juventus home and away, United were bristling with intent when the European masters returned to Old Trafford in October 1997. Juventus took an early lead after a mere thirteen seconds through Alessandro del Piero. Juventus sat back and that was a great invitation to United so early on. United attacking well had Juventus on the ropes. Teddy Sheringham scored on the thirty eighth minute. United kept up the pace in the second half and Juventus went down to ten men when Deschamps was sent off. Paul Scholes added another. A lovely solo goal from Giggs was United‘s third. There was still time, however for Zidane to score in injury time. No one could have imagined such a performance against such a team, this Juventus side was one of the best around. Not just that but the match itself was very entertaining and a real Champions League classic. Zinedine Zidane later commented in all the time that he played football the sides he came up against that he was most impressed by were the Manchester United ones.
1996/97 Season
Champions League Porto (H) March 1997
It was a night where the atmosphere at Old Trafford was thunderous. With the absence of Roy Keane due to injury it had forced Ferguson to make some changes to the team and a change of formation too. The team that evening lined up 4312 with Eric Cantona in behind Solskjaer and Cole. United took an early lead through David May. Going in at half time, United were in the ascendery with Eric Cantona adding another. On the hour mark Ryan Giggs scored an absolutely stunning goal, he himself had come under a great deal of criticism and this game against Porto was his best performance in some time. The goal came from a lovely bit of play initiated by a fantastic Cantona pass and interplay between Cole and Giggs. It was a great finish too with him sliding it under their keeper Hilario. United added one more goal by Andy Cole, this 4-0 victory took them to the semi-finals of the European Cup. That evening the team had dismantled, what was a very good Porto side. It was also clear that big strides had been made and that United were now ready to take on the very best that Europe had to offer and in the process replicate their domestic success on a different stage..
1995/96 Season
Premier League Liverpool (H) October 1995
1994/95 Season
Premier League Ipswich Town (H) March 1995
1993/94 Season
Premier League Tottenham (H) January 1994
The 4-1 Demolition of Spurs in January 1994 at Old Trafford was for many the game of the season. Ferguson lamented that it was like being in football heaven watching his team able to produce such fine football. All the more admirable for Spurs had one of the best defences in the country at that time. Key moment in the game was a glorious, imaginative return pass by Cantona that set up Denis Irwin impeccably to score the games second. It was so well executed and such a piece of genius- Cantona himself regards that as his best moment in a United shirt ( whilst kicking a football at least!). Spurs simply couldn’t live with United and were blown away. The victory as enjoyable as it was also cemented United’s place at the very top of the table.
1992/93 Season
Premier League Sheffield Wednesday (H) April 1993
After coming painfully close the season before, there were going to be no chances taken. It was the 10th of April 1993 and the season was it’s climax or what Sir Alex Ferguson refers to as squeaky bum time! The battle with Aston Villa and Norwich for the league title was fierce. The result the week before had put United firmly in the driving seat but it was essential that they beat Wednesday in order not to lose some of the ground they had gained. The tension was apparent, the fans and payers well aware of how important this game was. Wednesday took an early lead one which they kept for the majority of the match. Steve Bruce brought the match back level. Deep into injury time and he did it again, another header from Bruce gave United the victory! The commentator for the match is remembered for shouting “BRUCE” in delight. It was effectively the game that sealed the title. It brought back the title to Manchester United after a very long wait and under the auspices of the newly introduced Premier League. Winning his first title for Manchester United had been the aim and United were very much back and in the big time.
1991/92 Season
Rumbelows Cup Leeds (A) January 1992
United travelled to Elland Road to play arch rivals Leeds United in the fifth round of the League Cup, which at that time was sponsored by Rumbelows. That season, in the league the teams were forced to share the spoils in both fixtures. The rivalry was intense, the players knew it too some relished that atmosphere and others dreaded it. It was played on a chilly night on the 8th of January. The goals in the game were scored by Blackmore, Giggs and Kanchelski’s. The pace that United had on the wings had completely devasted Leeds and United were very much worth the 3-1 scoreline that they beat them with on the night. It was a brilliant victory against Leeds United and at the end of the season Manchester United won the tournament in the final against Nottingham Forrest.
1990/91 Season
European Cup Winners Cup Barcelona (Rotterdam) May 1991
The match was played at Dutch side Feijenoords home ground on the 15th of May 1991. Sir Alex Ferguson had already won a Cup Winners Cup with Aberdeen, a great achievement. It was a welcome return to Europe, following the Heysel disaster English clubs had been banned and this match came the season that the English clubs were reintroduced onto the European scene. United had come through all rounds unbeaten. This Barcelona were resurgent and had just won the La Liga title as well as plaudits for their football. They had such players as Koeman and Laudrup and were managed by Cruyff. In all white kit’s the team came out to an absolute cauldron of noise. The first half was goalless. Early in the second half United went ahead. Barcelona had given away a free kick, Robson swung the ball into a good area and Bruce knocked it down for Hughes. Mark Hughes scored United’s second of the game from a very tight angle. Barcelona added one of their own through Koeman and came close having a shot cleared off the line. United held out and this victory secured the cup. It was a night that for many is the ultimate European away game, those who attended remember not just the football but the atmosphere in Rotterdam.
1989/90 Season
FA Cup Crystal Palace (Wembley) May 1990
Touted/regarded as the match that saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s career. It also brought him his first bit of silverware. After finishing 3-3 after extra time the match had to go to a replay, penalty shoot-out hadn’t been introduced. So, round two and five days after that 3-3. United had taken a-lot of fans to Wembley and there was a great atmosphere in the stadium. Les Sealey replaced Jim Leighton in goal and had a very good game. His saves crucial as it was a single goal that won the game and the Cup for United. Lee Martin was the saviour, the left back not known for his scoring had done it! It was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first trophy as Manchester United manager and a very important one too. He had come under a-lot of scrutiny and was certainly feeling the pressure. This win gave the team the belief and winning feeling, it in itself was a very important hurdle to overcome.
1988/89 Season
First Division Liverpool (H) January 1989
A thrilling encounter and certainly the highlight of this season. Even to this day it is logged as a classic encounter between the two sides, sides that have a very long history and historic rivalry. It was a match remembered for Russell Beardsmore scoring. No victory is sweeter than one over Liverpool, even still to this day but it meant just so much then when Liverpool were dominating English football and it didn’t look like that domination would ever end. In this match United ran out 3-1 winners. Mark Hughes and Brian McClair scoring the other two both of which were created by Beardsmore.
1987/88 Season
First Division Liverpool (A) April 1988
Another comeback for the books, this time against Liverpool who were crowned Champions in May and by a margin of 9 points. This was Ferguson’s first full season at United. United were clearly making headway as they finished this season second, which considering their lowly place the season prior was quite an achievement. Highly significant was the arrival of Steve Bruce who became a rock at the back and real fans favourite. Liverpool were still the premier force in English football and Alex Ferguson (he was just plain Alex in those long ago days) made changing that his top priority. Bryan Robson gave United the lead at Anfield, but Liverpool came back with three goals either side of the break courtesy of Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie and Steve McMahon. Commentator John Motson screamed words to the effect that it was a magnificent performance 'even by Liverpool standards'. Robson, who was time and again United's saviour in those days, scored again to give United hope. That hope was short lived or at least looked like it would be when United were reduced to ten with Colin Gibson sent off. But then Gordon Strachan burst through to cooly score an equaliser for United and celebrated it in unique fashion in front of the Kop. It was a truly incredible result, to get a draw there, with ten men and against such an excellent side was a great achievement. Many believed that the Liverpool side of this season was one of the best and if not for the ban in Europe would have been favourites to win another European Cup. The heroic Bryan Robson was at the epicentre of this game.
1986/87 Season
First Division Queens Park Rangers (H) November 1986
Sir Alex Ferguson took over the reigns in November 1986 taking over from Ron Atkinson. A home match against Queens Park Rangers was, the very first of many Manchester United victories with Ferguson at the helm. The only goal of the game was scored by Dane John Sivebæk. Significant as it was his first victory, it was going to take time before he could mould Manchester United into the force it would become throughout the 90’s and beyond.
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