Ferguson Sets Manager Benchmark
How Time and Patience Built Manchester Uniteds Premiership Dominance
As the Premiership season enters its finale a number of managers will be looking over their shoulders; wondering whether they will still occupy the hot seat come the start of the next season. With Sir Alex Ferguson setting the bench mark, winning his ninth Premiership title as manager of Manchester United, comparisons will undoubtedly be made as teams search for success. But, before the seasonal managerial cull begins, Chairmen should take note that success did not come immediately for Sir Alex; with some claiming that the “Fergie Dynasty” was only one game away from being derailed.
Impressive CV
Ferguson took over the reins at Manchester United in November 1986 with the team languishing in 18th place in the, then, First Division. He arrived at United from Scottish side Aberdeen with an impressive CV. In eight years with “the Dons” Ferguson won three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish FA Cups, One Scottish League Cup and a European Cup Winners title.
Manchester United had been experiencing lean times since the departure of Sir Matt Busby in 1969 and, prior to the appointment of Ferguson, had attempted success with six other managers; the only achievements being FA Cup wins under Tommy Docherty in 1977 and Ron Atkinson in 1983 and 1985.
The Beginning
Sir Alex’s first game in charge at United, in November 1986, came at unfashionable Oxford United and the 2-0 defeat was hardly a promising start for the Scot. Despite this, results gradually improved and he was able to guide United to 11th place that season. This was followed, in 1987-88, with a runners-up finish to Liverpool; but this proved to be a false dawn for Ferguson and his team. In 1988-89, Manchester United again failed to impress, ending up once again in 11th place. Problems continued deep into the 1989-90 season and by December 1989 United’s seventh defeat, by Crystal Palace, had extinguished any hopes of a league title.
To make matters worse, United were drawn to play away to Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup; their last chance of a trophy that season. The media knives were out for Ferguson and there was little doubt that defeat would have cost him his job. Fortunately for United, and Sir Alex, a Mark Robins goal gave United a 1-0 victory. United went on to win the FA Cup that season, beating Crystal Palace 1-0 in a replay after the teams had previously contested a 3-3 draw.
Strength to Strength
The rest is history; Manchester United, and Ferguson, grew from strength to strength. The Dynasty had begun, with Sir Alex’s United CV, to date, reading;
Domestic Honours: Nine Premiership titles, Five FA Cup titles, Two League Cup titles.
European/ World Honours; One European Champions League title, One European Cup Winners Cup title, One European Super Cup title and One Intercontinental Cup title.
Additionally Ferguson has won the Premier League’s Manager Of The Year Award on six occasions.
With his place in British Footballing history assured the bad news, for the rest of the Premiership, is that this seasons title win has reinvigorated Sir Alex and he is preparing to raise the benchmark even higher. So, as the managerial merry-go round begins, Football Chairman should take stock of what has happened at Manchester United and be reminded that maybe ,with time and patience success could be just around the corner.
