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Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 greatest moments as Manchester United boss

Sports Mole picks out the 10 greatest moments from Sir Alex Ferguson's time as Manchester United boss.

Sir Alex Ferguson stood down as head coach of Manchester United at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, having won an incredible 38 trophies during his 27 years in charge of the Red Devils.

The 78-year-old landed 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League crowns at the helm and certainly ended on a high as he secured the club's 20th English league title in 2013.

The Scot, who has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of football, had some sensational moments during his time with the club.

Seven years ago to the day, he announced that he would be retiring as head coach, and with that in mind, Sports Mole has picked out what we believe to be Ferguson's 10 greatest moments at Old Trafford.


Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson pictured before the 1999 Treble Reunion Match on May 26, 2019© Reuters

10. FA Cup trophy 1989-1990

Ferguson's first trophy as United boss was the FA Cup in May 1990. Indeed, after drawing 3-3 with Crystal Palace, the final went to a replay, which the Red Devils won 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Lee Martin.

There is no question that the Scot was under pressure during the 1989-90 campaign, but the FA Cup victory at Wembley Stadium was a huge moment for the former Aberdeen manager.

Mark Robins, who will be discussed higher up this list, played a key part in United claiming the trophy, and it was a very important step for Ferguson during a key stage of his career.


9. Premier League and FA Cup double 1993-1994

Ferguson's first Premier League and FA Cup double was confirmed when United recorded a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the final of England's leading cup competition. Eric Cantona scored twice for the Red Devils on the afternoon, and it marked a very important milestone for Ferguson.

United's Premier League campaign saw them finish eight points clear of Blackburn Rovers at the summit, winning 27 of their 42 matches, suffering just four defeats in the process.

They actually needed a replay to get past Oldham Athletic in the semi-finals of the FA Cup but all ended well as they thumped Chelsea in the final to confirm a famous double.


8. European Cup Winners' Cup 1990-91

Ferguson famously went on to deliver two Champions League titles at Old Trafford, but the Scot's first piece of European silverware at United was the 1990-91 European Cup Winners' Cup.

The Red Devils booked their spot in the competition after winning the FA Cup the previous season, and they beat Barcelona in the final courtesy of a double from Mark Hughes.

United also overcame the likes of Legia Warsaw, Montpellier and Wrexham en route to claiming the trophy, which was significant as it marked the first season English clubs were allowed to return to European football following the Heysel Stadium disaster of 1985.


Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo pictured in October 2006© Reuters

7. Premier League title 2006-07

United's Premier League title success in the 2006-07 season was significant as it stopped Chelsea in their tracks. Indeed, the Blues had been champions for the past two campaigns and were threatening to become the dominant force in English football due to Roman Abramovich's substantial spending power.

The Red Devils won 28 of their 38 matches during the 2006-07 season, though, to finish six points clear at the summit. Ferguson prevented Jose Mourinho from landing three straight Premier League titles, and it was some effort considering the team that the capital outfit had at the time.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who had clashed at the 2006 World Cup, were both in excellent form during that particular season, netting 46 goals between them to also fire the club to the semi-finals of the Champions League.


6. Mark Robins goal vs. Oldham Athletic 1989-90

It was widely speculated in the media at the time that Ferguson would have lost his job had United lost to Oldham in the semi-finals of the 1989-90 FA Cup. The claim has long been denied by the club, but there is no question that Robins's goal was a huge moment for Ferguson.

Indeed, the former striker's 114th-minute effort against Oldham secured a 2-1 victory for United, who, as mentioned above, went on to overcome Palace in the final. Ferguson might not look back and regard the goal as one of his greatest moments, but it certainly proved to be decisive.

Robins ultimately left United in 1992 to join Norwich, but the now Coventry City manager is still talked about as an important part of the club's recent history.


5. Premier League title 2012-13

Ferguson certainly went out on a high as he delivered the 2012-13 Premier League title, and the Red Devils did it in true style as they finished 11 points clear of second-placed Man City, winning 28 of their 38 league matches during an excellent campaign.

The signing of Robin van Persie, which Ferguson orchestrated, played a key role in the team's success as the Dutchman scored 26 Premier League goals.

It was certainly fitting that the Scot rose to a new challenge in his final season, but the club have struggled in his absence, and it remains to be seen when their next piece of league silverware will arrive.


Alex Ferguson pictured on his final game in charge of Manchester United on May 19, 2013© Reuters

4. Premier League title 2010-11

United secured their place as England's most successful club in terms of trophies when they landed their 19th league title in 2010-11, surpassing bitter rivals Liverpool in the process.

Ferguson famously said that he wanted to 'knock Liverpool right off their perch', and he delivered on that promise by winning the 12th of his 13th Premier League titles.

United suffered just four defeats in their 38 matches, ultimately finishing nine points clear of second-placed Chelsea, with Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov netting 20 times for the club.


3. Champions League title 2007-08

Ferguson's second Champions League title as United boss arrived at the end of the 2007-08 campaign, when the Red Devils beat Chelsea on penalties in the all-English final.

Frank Lampard had cancelled out Ronaldo's 26th-minute opener to leave the two teams level, before a 6-5 penalty-shootout success saw the 20-time English champions triumph in Moscow.

Not winning more European trophies is perhaps Ferguson's biggest regret from his time at the helm, but the club's supporters will never forget the famous victory, which was sealed by a Ryan Giggs spot kick.


2. First Premier League title 1992-93

United finished top of the pile at the end of the inaugural Premier League season, claiming their first top-flight league title since 1967 in the process. The Red Devils won 24 of their 42 matches to finish first, 10 points clear of second-placed Aston Villa, who were the favourites ahead of the campaign.

It was always going to be an important step for Ferguson, particularly after a difficult few years. Mark Hughes enjoyed an impressive campaign for the club, finishing with 16 goals in all competitions.

Giggs, Brian McClair and Cantona scored 29 goals between them as United ended their 26-year run without triumphing in the league. Paul Ince, Gary Pallister and Peter Schmeichel were all excellent, meanwhile, with all three being named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside Giggs.


Peter Schmeichel pictured in 1999© Reuters

1. Champions League title 1998-99

That night in Barcelona was always going to be top of this list; indeed, it marked the end of what was an incredible 1998-99 season for the club as they won a famous treble.

It was almost one game too far for Ferguson's side as Bayern Munich led into stoppage time courtesy of an early strike from Mario Basler. Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both scored in the dying moments, though, to secure a 2-1 victory for the English giants in quite stunning fashion.

Ferguson had a wonderful career in charge of United, but it is difficult to place any moment above the dramatic victory in Spain, which capped off an incredible campaign.


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Peter Schmeichel pictured in 1999
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