MX23RW : Friday, December 13 13:08:46| >> :60:225:225:

On this day: Rio Ferdinand scores Sir Alex Ferguson's last Old Trafford goal

Two years ago today, Rio Ferdinand's late goal secured a victory for Manchester United on what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club.

Throughout his 27-year stint in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson oversaw countless victories which were achieved thanks to late goals.

Indeed, Ferguson's finest moment at the helm - the 1999 treble - was secured thanks to two stoppage-time goals in the Champions League final at Camp Nou.

So, it seemed somewhat fitting that the Scot would bow out at Old Trafford two years ago today in similar fashion.

Having announced his impending retirement in the wake of a 13th Premier League title triumph, Ferguson's final home game as manager of United would be against a Swansea City side that had impressed under the guidance of Michael Laudrup.

On what was an emotional afternoon in Manchester, the deadlock was broken in the 39th minute by United frontman Javier Hernandez.

Swansea defender Ashley Williams made a hash of clearing Robin van Persie's cross and Hernandez pounced to fire a low shot beyond the reach of Gerhard Tremmel.

Yet the Welsh visitors had not come to make up the numbers, and looked to have played the role of party poopers when Michu turned in Nathan Dyer's cross in the 49th minute.

However, with just three minutes left to play, United centre-back Rio Ferdinand ensured that his manager, who had signed him for £30m back in 2002, would have the perfect send-off.

The away side failed to clear a corner and when the ball dropped kindly for Ferdinand six yards from goal, he powered his shot into the net, much to the delight of all those inside Old Trafford.

Addressing the crowd after the final whistle, Ferguson said: "Everyone at the club and you the fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

"Thank you. I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country. These players have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to them."

Meanwhile, match-winner Ferdinand added: "The manager leaving after all this time, he deserves this type of send-off. It was nice to get on the scoresheet. Everyone else has scored, so I just smashed it home."

The game also marked a final Old Trafford appearance for veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after 19 years of distinguished service.

Man United: De Gea; Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Jones; Carrick, Scholes (Anderson), Kagawa, Welbeck (Valencia); Hernandez (Giggs), Van Persie

Swansea: Tremmel; Taylor, Chico, Williams, Tiendalli; Hernandez, Britton, De Guzman, Routledge, Dyer; Michu

ID:221273: cacheID:221273:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4724:
Written by
Liam Apicella
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Swansea City's Portuguese striker Nelson Oliveira celebrates with teammates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle and Swansea at St. James' Park stadium in Newcastle, north east England on April 25, 2015
Read Next:
Swansea heap more misery on Newcastle
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!