Month: November 2007

21 Years Ago …

…Manchester United appointed Alexander Chapman Ferguson as manager. The former Aberdeen and Scotland manager turned down earlier offers to manage Arsenal and Spurs among others. He had his heart set on Old Trafford.
Frankly, I did not know that much about him when I heard he took over and did not have an opinion. Plus I was still a kid, so did not know all that much about anything. But in my wildest dreams I would could never imagine this.
Yes he is not perfect, he can be ruthless if you cross him. But OMG, the majority of you are here because of him. He spoiled the hell out of us. We almost view winning as a right. It is because of him. We think that any player who does not want to play for United is a moron, we always think we are the only team deserves the EPL title. It is largely because of him. We were a big club before, now only Real Madrid can rival us. It is also largely because of him – Sir Alex Ferguson. He brought back trophies to United. He also brought back the United that people fell in love with in the 50’s and 60’s. He built four great teams. He brought to us the United golden generation with such Ryan Giggs, Neville brothers, Paul Scholes, Beckham, Nicky Butt, etc. Without him the world soccer never has David Beckham or Eric Catona. And his passion for this club, and the drive to win and play beautiful football is as fresh and strong as 21 years ago.
I feel grateful, and thank god everyday that I was lucky enough to be a witness to this.
The greatest manager in football history.

Here is a look back at the key dates in the United boss’s glittering career to date.

1941: Born December 31 in Govan, Glasgow.

1957: Joins Queen’s Park as amateur while apprentice toolmaker in Glasgow factory.

1960: Joins St Johnstone as part-timer.

1964: Quits toolmaking and joined Dunfermline.

1967: Moves to Rangers for £65,000.

1969: Another move, this time to Falkirk, for £20,000.

1973: Joins Ayr, returning to part-time ranks while running his Glasgow pub.

1974: Appointed manager of East Stirling in September, but moves to St Mirren three months later.

1978: Sacked by St Mirren and appointed at Aberdeen as successor to Billy McNeill.

1980: First managerial honour as Aberdeen win Scottish championship.

1982: Aberdeen win the Scottish Cup beating Rangers 4-1.

1983: Aberdeen retain Scottish Cup, this time beating Rangers 1-0, and defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in Gothenburg to lift European Cup Winners’ Cup.

1984: Aberdeen win League and Cup double, beating Celtic 2-1 in the Cup final. Ferguson awarded OBE.

1985: Appointed caretaker manager of Scotland following death of Jock Stein during Wales v Scotland World Cup qualifier.

1986: Scotland bow out of Mexico World Cup after first round. Ferguson leaves Aberdeen to take over at Manchester United after sacking of Ron Atkinson.

1989: Breaks British transfer record to sign Gary Pallister for £2.3million from Middlesbrough.

1990: First trophy at Old Trafford as United beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in an FA Cup final replay after a 3-3 draw.

1991: United beat Barcelona 2-1 in Rotterdam to win Cup Winners’ Cup.

1992: European Super Cup arrives at Old Trafford as United beat Red Star Belgrade, while first League Cup triumph booked with 1-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest. Championship dream dies as Leeds overhaul United in final weeks of the season.

1993: Old Trafford’s 26-year wait for title is ended as United finish 10 points clear of Aston Villa to win inaugural Premier League title; Signs Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest for British transfer record £3.75million.

1994: United become only sixth team to complete championship and FA Cup double.

1995: Breaks British transfer record again to sign Andy Cole from Newcastle for £7million; United finish runners-up to Blackburn in the league and Everton in the FA Cup.

1996: United become the first club ever to complete the championship and FA Cup double twice, overcoming one-time runaway leaders Newcastle in the Premiership and then beating Liverpool 1-0 at Wembley.

1997: Claims fourth championship title in five seasons.

1998: Finishes season trophyless as Arsenal win double.

1999: Leads United to the treble of European Champion League, Premiership and FA Cup; Knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

2000: Guides United to a sixth Premiership title, finishing the campaign 18 points clear of Arsenal.

2001: Wins seventh title in nine years; Breaks British transfer record twice in year to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy for £19million and then Juan Sebastian Veron for £28.1million.

2002: Changes plans to retire to sign a new three-year deal as United manager; United finish outside top two in Premier League for first time.

2003: Involved in dressing room bust-up with star player David Beckham, who it emerges was cut in the face by a boot kicked by Ferguson in frustration; Courts controversy by claiming Champions League draw is fixed; United win title again; Launches a legal action against major United shareholder John Magnier over stud rights to top racehorse Rock of Gibraltar.

2004: Win FA Cup with victory over Millwall in final; Signs Everton star Wayne Rooney for a fee which could rise to £27million.

2005: United lose FA Cup final to Arsenal on penalties.

2006: Wins the League Cup for only the second time thanks to a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan.

2007: Wins first Premier League title for four years but United are denied the double after FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

2008 (Prediction/Wish): Wins European Champion League the 2nd times, wins EPL the tenth times

Thank you Sir Alex.