It is hard to imagine Manchester United
Football club without Sir Alex Ferguson, but now we have to, because the great
scot-man decided to put an end to his spectacular managing carrier. In his
26-years of carrier he created a legacy which no one will ever forget. Ferguson
celebrated his 1,500th game in charge of the Red Devils on Sunday, and watched
his side play out a thrilling 5-5 draw against West Bromwich, the first in
Premier League history. The 71-year-old Scot, who will be replaced by David
Moyes, won 13 league titles, two European Cups, five FA Cups, two League Cups
and a European Cup-Winners' Cup in his time at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Manchester
United’s empire will not crumble after he retires like they did following Sir
Matt Busby’s initial retirement in 1969. When asked, by United’s official
website, if cracks will appear at United once David Moyes takes over, Ferguson
said: ‘No. I think if you go
back to Busby’s day, Sir Matt was probably in the same situation as I find
myself today. But he created Manchester United.’
After taking charge of the club in 1986
Ferguson steadily transformed the fortunes of a club that was languishing at
the bottom-half of the first division after he was signed to replace Ron Atkinson.
The start of his carrier wasn’t all that good. His side Manchester united was defeated
by Oxford United (0-2) in the very first game. In his initial years of carrier
everyone wanted him to be sacked. But when Fergie appointed as a manager of
Manchester United at 6 November 1986, United’s position was second bottom in
league table. However, Manchester United finished 11th at the end of
that season, quite a remarkable comeback.
In the 1987–88 seasons, Ferguson made several
big signings including Steve Bruce, Viv Anderson, Brian McClair and Jim
Leighton. The new players made a great contribution to the United team who
finished in second place, just nine points behind Liverpool. After that season
Fergie gave a clue under his guidance Manchester could rule the football world.
Although, under Sir Alexander Chapman
"Alex" Ferguson’s guidance United's league performance improved
greatly in 1990–91, they were still inconsistent and finished sixth. There were
some excellent performances that season, including a 6–2 demolition of Arsenal
at Highbury, but results like an early 2–1 loss at newly promoted Sunderland, a
4–0 September hammering by Liverpool at Anfield, and a 2–0 home defeat by
Everton in early March (the game where 17-year-old hot prospect Ryan Giggs made
his senior debut) showed that United still had some way to go.
However, Manchester United steadily
progressed to the top of the Premier League table and finally with the arrival
of Eric Cantona in 1992, the club won its first title in 25 years. After that
to present time we all know where he took United in World Football.
Manchester United’s trophy list (Under SAF):-
UEFA Super Cup-1991
Intercontinental Cup-1999
FIFA Club World Cup-2008
Premier League (13): 1992–93, 1993–94,
1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08,
2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13
FA Cup (5): 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96,
1998–99, 2003–04
League Cup (4): 1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09,
2009–10
FA Charity/Community Shield (10): 1990
(shared), 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011
UEFA Champions League (2): 1998–99, 2007–08
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (1): 1990–91
Some quotes about Ferguson’s retirement:-
Manchester United
chief executive David Gill: “I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of working very closely with Alex
for 16 unforgettable years – through the treble, the double, countless trophy
wins and numerous signings. We knew that his retirement would come one day and
we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club
structures are in first-class condition. Alex’s vision, energy and ability have
built teams – both on and off the pitch – that his successor can count on as
among the best and most loyal in world sport.”
Former Manchester
United player David Beckham: “He means everything to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson will
continue to be a legend and his legacy with the club will never change. The
impact he has on the team, the players and the fans, I don’t think there is
anyone around in football who has had that impact, ever.”
Former Manchester
United player Cristiano Ronaldo: “Thanks for everything, boss.”
FIFA President Sepp
Blatter: “Just
heard Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring at end of season. His achievements in the
game place him without doubt as one of the ‘greats’. Was honour to present Sir
Alex with award at 2011 Ballon D’Or. Will his longevity at the top ever be
repeated?”
Alas, all “Good things has an end” so this is
the perfect sentence now for Sir Alex Ferguson. Farewell Sir, we will miss you.
Bid Adieu, end of an era.
About the Author
Aranyak Ghosh is a blogger from Kolkata, India. Apart from Blogging, he loves to watch action movies, and football games. He mainly writes about social media affairs and recent changes in technological world.
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Sad day indeed! He kept everyone interested even with his glimpse!
ReplyDeleteTrue.....He will be missed by each and every true football fan...that's what he earned in his era......
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