ManagerScotland

Sir Alex Ferguson

Twenty-six years, thirty-eight trophies, one football institution rebuilt.

Role
Manager
Club
Retired
Born
31 December 1941
Birthplace
Govan, Glasgow, Scotland
Illustration of Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline
13Premier League titles, a record
2Champions Leagues, 1999 and 2008
26years at Manchester United
38trophies at Manchester United
1,500matches in charge of United
895wins at Manchester United

About Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is the most decorated manager in British football history. Across 1,500 matches over 26 years at Manchester United he won 895 of them and lifted 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues. His 1998/99 side completed the Treble of league, FA Cup and European Cup, the only English club to do so, and he was knighted that summer. Before United he built Aberdeen into a side that broke the Old Firm's grip on Scotland and won the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup.

He retired in May 2013 after a final Premier League title, ending the longest managerial reign in the club's history. He did not leave Old Trafford: he joined the board as a club director and ambassador, roles he has held since, and gives his name to the stadium's largest stand. Counting his spells at St Mirren and Aberdeen, he won 49 trophies as a manager.

Playing style

4-4-2

Attacking, wing-based and relentless: width and crosses, two strikers, and a never-quit mentality that produced late winners, the famous Fergie time. He evolved the shape across three decades.

  • Wing playWidth and crosses from flying wide men
  • Relentless attackChases games to the final whistle
  • AdaptabilityRebuilt winning teams across 26 years

Clubs managed

  • St Mirren1974–1978
    First major job; won the Scottish First Division in 1977.
  • Aberdeen1978–1986
    Three Scottish titles and the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup, breaking the Old Firm's grip.
  • Manchester United1986–2013
    38 trophies, including 13 league titles, the 1999 Treble, and two Champions Leagues.
  • Retired2013–present
    Stepped down after a final title; stayed on as a club director and ambassador.

Honours

  • 13
    Premier Leaguewith Manchester United, 1993 to 2013, a record for a manager
  • 2
    UEFA Champions League1999 and 2008
  • 5
    FA Cupwith Manchester United
  • 4
    League Cupwith Manchester United
  • 1
    UEFA Cup Winners' Cup1983 with Aberdeen

Records

Premier League titles by a manager13, seven more than any other
Longest-serving Manchester United manager26 years, 1986–2013
The 1999 Trebleleague, FA Cup and Champions League in one season
Trophies as a manager49, the most in British football

Frequently asked

Sources

Reference facts (honours, records, clubs managed) are sourced above. Current job and squad details reflect the date this page covers and can change.

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