Tomorrow, Sir Alex Ferguson chalks up his 25th year in charge of Manchester United.
It would be fair to say that it has been a managerial reign without comparison, having guided the Red Devils to 12 league titles, five FA Cup successes and two Champions League triumphs, among many other honours.
Ferguson's reign, as you'd expect, has not been without drama and with that in mind Sports Mole has marked the 69-year-old's upcoming anniversary by selecting ten of his most significant matches at the Old Trafford helm.
1. Nottingham Forest - FA Cup round three - Saturday, January 7, 1990
Win or bust. That's what many people believe this FA Cup tie at the City Ground was for Ferguson. Having been in charge for just over three years, United were showing little sign of improvement under Ferguson. Nevertheless, a stooping header from Mark Robins saw the Red Devils advance at the expense of Brian Clough's Forest.
2. Crystal Palace - FA Cup final replay - Thursday, May 17, 1990
That goal from Robins sparked a cup run which culminated in a final match-up with Crystal Palace, who were managed by former United winger Steve Coppell. After the two sides played out a 3-3 draw, a game in which Ian Wright announced his arrival on the big stage, they met again on a Thursday evening. One goal was enough for Ferguson to claim his first trophy at the club, albeit from the unlikely source of full-back Lee Martin, who ghosted in to collect Neil Webb's pass before shooting into the roof of the net.
3. Barcelona - Cup Winners' Cup final - Wednesday, May 15, 1991
As winners of the FA Cup, United were now able to represent their country in a European competition. Thousands upon thousands of United supporters descended upon Rotterdam to witness their side defeat Barcelona 2-1 thanks to a brace from Mark Hughes (despite Steve Bruce's effort to claim one of the goals!) Even a goal from Barca defender Ronald Koeman did little to stop United's march to the trophy. It may not have been the elite European trophy, but it announced that United were back on the map.
4. Sheffield Wednesday - Premier League - Saturday, April 10, 1993
Seen as the game that secured United's first league title in 26 years, this late victory over Sheffield Wednesday is still one of the most dramatic matches to have taken place during Ferguson's tenure. John Sheridan converted a penalty shortly after the hour mark to put visiting Wednesday in front as the title looked to be slipping from United's grasp yet again. However, centre-back Bruce met Denis Irwin's corner four minutes from time to head the Red Devils level. What followed in the ensuing stoppage time, extended due to an injury to the referee, sent Old Trafford into delirium. Gary Pallister's deflected cross was met by Bruce, who guided a header beyond Chris Woods for the second time. Finally, the wait was over.
5. Blackburn Rovers - Premier League - Monday, August 28, 1995
Ferguson was under considerable pressure, having allowed Hughes, Andrei Kanchelskis and Paul Ince to leave the club, while putting his faith in a number of youngsters. What didn't help his cause was a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season. Victories over West Ham United and Wimbledon followed, but it was the fourth game of the season that showed that the 'Class of 92' meant business. Few gave Ferguson's side a chance heading to champions Blackburn Rovers, particularly when Rovers striker Alan Shearer cancelled out Lee Sharpe's opener at Ewood Park. Step forward a certain David Beckham, who curled his effort beyond Tim Flowers in the 67th to secure the points and in doing so, send out a message to the rest of the league.
Check back in tomorrow for part two!
Liam Apicella
