The exceptional career of Sir Alex Ferguson

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is widely recognized as one of the best football coaches in the history of the game.

The Scottish coach took over at a struggling United side and converted them into the most successful team in England over the course of his managerial career.

This article will look into all his success and accomplishments and revisit why he is considered the best manager in the game.

Early life and career

Born on December 31, 1941, in Govan, Scotland, Ferguson started playing professional football as a 16-year-old teenager. He played as a striker for Queen's Park.

He represented multiple clubs over the next decade, which includes teams like Dunfermline Athletic and Rangers. The Scottish boss retired as a player in 1974 and began his coaching career.

Manchester United Training & Press Conference

His first managerial job came with East Stirlingshire, where he was met with mixed results. His second assignment was with St. Mirren, whom he helped win the Scottish first division Championship in 1977. His success with Mirren helped him become the manager at Aberdeen in 1978.

The years in Aberdeen

Alex Ferguson of Aberdeen

This is where the manager first proved his exceptional coaching abilities. He converted a mid-table team like Aberdeen into a big club in Scotland. He won the Scottish League Cup in his very first season.

Ferguson followed it up with four Scottish Cups, three Scottish league championships, and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1983. Aberdeen became the first Scottish club to win a European trophy, and till remains the only team ever to have beaten the mighty Real Madrid in a European final.

His nine-year spell at Aberdeen ended with Ferguson taking over at Manchester United in 1986.

The years of Manchester United

Manchester United were not the same club that they are today. It was a big challenge for the Scottish boss. His team had not won the league for 20 years. He began the climb with top-four finishes in each of his first three seasons.

Ferguson changed United from the ground up and his tenacity and work ethic were key factors in United's 1990 league championship win, their first in 26 years. This marked the start of a fantastic period of success for the team as Ferguson went on to win two UEFA Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, and 13 Premier League championships during his 26-year tenure at Old Trafford.

Ferguson's managerial approach was distinguished by his keen eye for detail, talent for inspiring his team, and willingness to take chances. He was well renowned for being a tough enforcer of discipline and for insisting on being physically fit. He wasn't hesitant to make difficult choices, like selling outstanding players that he thought weren't helping the club.

Ferguson's ability to disassemble and recreate winning teams was his greatest accomplishment at Manchester United. Over his tenure at the club, he was able to assemble a number of winning squads, each with its own special characteristics and playing approach. He was also able to replace stars like Eric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo without altering the success at the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson's unmatched legacy

In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement from management, leaving a lasting legacy. He finished his career with 38 titles, making him the most successful manager in British football history.

Manchester United v Swansea City - Premier League

In addition to being an excellent manager, Ferguson was a friend and mentor to many players and staff members. His players valued and admired him, and they frequently spoke of the positive effects he had on their lives and careers.

Ferguson's influence in football extended beyond his accomplishments on the field. He also transformed how football clubs approached physical preparation and athletic training.