1 of 9

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Munich win(European Cup) was the most exciting, well for most of the match painful to watch. This was because they were 1-0 down until the 90th minute. Bayern Munich scored from a free kick, a deflection! Peter Schmeichel stood no chance 1-0. 90 minutes had gone; the cup had already been tied with ribbon using Bayern Munich colours.

This is what Ferguson said to the team at half time:

"At the end of this game, the European Cup will be only six feet away from you and you'll not even able to touch it if we lose. And for many of you that will be the closest you will ever get. Don't you dare come back in here without giving your all".

It was also Matt Busby's 90th birthday it was if he'd shouted down from the heavens: "You are NOT going to lose on my birthday!"

Then...Corner kick Manchester United...goes long...then out wide...gets played into the box...Teddy Sheringham latches onto it and it goeeeeees in! Goal! 1-1 By now they were well into stoppage time...then another corner...it goes straight into the box...Sheringham gets a head to it....Solskjaer gets a toe to it and Voila! It goes in right corner! Bayern Munich's dream ended in just 2 min 58 seconds. Sir Alex Ferguson's treble was made real after 2 min 58 seconds. They had won 2-1. They had won the European title!

Over the next few years Ferguson would continue to bring in the silver wear. But not another European trophy...yet.

Ferguson has always had an eye for talent. He has picked up many young players who have become stars such as David Beckham; Ryan Giggs and more recently Ronaldo and Rooney.

On Ryan Giggs:
"I remember the first time I saw him. He was 13 and just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind"

On Rooney:
When we signed him [Rooney] at 18, everyone said what will he be like at 21?' Now he's 21, people are saying what will he be like at 25?' It was always destined to be that way"

Ronaldo has been one of the best signings in my opinion - he is quick; can fool the defenders and most importantly score goals from free kicks and in the run of play.

Ferguson on Rolando:
"I bet him he wouldn't get 15 league goals and I'm going to have to change my bet with him. If he gets to 15 I can change it and I am allowed to do that because I'm the manager. I'm going to make it 150 now"

What I do find different between then and now is that managers seemed to have been given more of a chance to suceed. You see so many managers sacked after 6 or 12 games? How can you change a team in half a season. Ferguson was given time to build up his squad. Now Manchester United are considered to be one of the big four along with Arsenal; Liverpool and Chelsea.

So what lies ahead for Sir Alex? He does not look like quitting anytime soon even though he nearly left a few years ago, but was coaxed into staying and here he still is. Still winning trophies.

On Retirement:
"I am such a bloody talented guy. I might go into painting or something like that."

There has always been bitter rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United. One humorous quote:

"They say he's an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages! I've got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!" (Sir Alex Ferguson on Arsene Wenger)

What does it take to be a good manager? Well just look at the premiership all the managers currently are good managers. The difference is Sir Alex Ferguson is a great manager and that is why he has won more trophies than any of the others. Manchester United have been very lucky in that they have had two legends as Managers. Good Luck Sir Alex I am pretty sure you will need to buy a house just for all those trophies soon!

Learn more about this author, Cosmicwhodini.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Assessing the career of Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson?
We want to hear your view. Write now!