On November 6, 1986, Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United, beginning a 27-year reign that transformed the club and English football. To mark the anniversary, the Manchester Evening News has produced a special edition charting his record-breaking success.
A Record-Breaking Trophy Haul
During his 27 years at Old Trafford, Ferguson's United won a record-breaking 38 trophies. The haul underlines the scale of his impact on one club over such a sustained period.
When he arrived, United had not won the league since the 1960s, when George Best and Bobby Charlton lit up Old Trafford. By the time he retired in 2013, the honours list included 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, and Champions League triumphs over Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
Defining Moments and Rivalries
Ferguson was clear about his ambition from the start: to knock Liverpool off their perch after their dominance in the 1970s and 1980s. He met that challenge and transformed United into the era's defining force.
His reign became famous for its intensity and theatre, introducing phrases like “squeaky bum time” and “Fergie-time” to football. There were feuds with rival managers, referees, the media, and at times his own stars, with icons such as David Beckham and Roy Keane discovering Ferguson's ruthless side.
More Silverware and a Special Edition
The silverware also included 10 Charity Shields, a European Cup Winners' Cup, European Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Intercontinental Cup, plus countless individual accolades.
The special edition captures the milestones, legends and moments that defined a golden era at Old Trafford. It is available to purchase from participating retailers and supermarkets, with postage and packing charges applying.
