Nearly three decades ago, I walked down the tunnel to the field for my first home match, full of awkwardness and exposure. I waved to the Stretford End stand and was later introduced as Manchester United's new manager from the middle circle of the field. Now, I walk to the middle of the same field, full of confidence, to say goodbye.
The paragraph above is Alex Ferguson's opening sentence in his autobiography. Describing conditions when he first came to Old Trafford in 1986 and when left it in 2013.
When Fergie came to Old Trafford, the team was in crisis. Some of players like to drink alcoholic beverages, there was no discipline, and players also experienced serious problems related to fitness. Fergie then tried to solve it all by forming a new culture at United.
In his early career, the Red Devils also only achieved a few. The threat of dismissal always haunted him. However, Bobby Charlton who was in the board of directors at that time defended Fergie. The Manchester United legend believed that what Ferguson was doing was right: developing young players and changing the way football works at Old Trafford.
In Ferguson's first season, United finished 11th. He was also defeated in his first match against a small team: Oxford United. Uniquely, he won an important away game against Liverpool. Previously, during his first press conference, Ferguson promised to undermine Liverpool's dominance in England.
The first trophy he was able to achieve was the FA Cup in 1989-1990 season. This success made Fergie believe in his team. After that they won various trophies and made Manchester United the most successful English team in the Premier League era, they also won Champions League thropies.
A total of 38 trophies were successfully won by Fergie. 13 in the Premier League, five in the FA Cup, four in the League Cup and 10 in the Community Shield title. Two Champions League trophies, one UEFA Winners Cup trophy, one European Super Cup, one Intercontinental, and one Club World Cup trophy.
One of the peak of his career was winning the treble winner in 1998/1999, with a Class of 92 squad.
After Fergie left, MU hasn't returned to its glorious era. Managers come and go one after another, unlike Fergie who has been able to survive for 27 years.
Despite his success as a manager, Sir Alex failed in choosing a successor. David Moyes had to leave Old Trafford in less than one season.
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