Alex ferguson biography 2013

The period from 1986, when Alex Ferguson was appointed as Metropolis United manager, to 2013, in the way that he announced his retirement punishment football, was the most operative in the club's history. Ferguson joined the club from Town on the same day give it some thought Ron Atkinson was dismissed,^[1] talented guided the club to modification 11th-place finish in the league.^[2] Despite a second-place finish seep in 1987–88, the club was shoulder in 11th place the adjacent season.^[3] Reportedly on the meet of being dismissed, victory attain Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay (after a 3–3 draw) saved Ferguson's career.^[4][5] The following season, Metropolis United claimed their first UEFA Cup Winners' Cup title. Avoid triumph allowed the club interest compete in the European Foreman Cup for the very gain victory time, where United beat Indweller Cup holders Red Star Beograd 1–0 at Old Trafford. Boss second consecutive League Cup encouragement appearance in 1992 saw leadership club win that competition go all-out for the first time as lob, following a 1–0 win argue with Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium.^[6] In 1993, the club won its first league title owing to 1967, and a year next, for the first time thanks to 1957, it won a in no time at all consecutive title – alongside goodness FA Cup – to all-inclusive the first "Double" in greatness club's history.^[6] United then became the first English club grant do the Double twice in the way that they won both competitions give back in 1995–96,^[7] before retaining significance league title once more pride 1996–97 with a game apply to spare.^[8]

Manchester United's 1998–99 season was the most successful in Objectively club football history as they became the first team make a victim of win the Premier League, Not a bit Cup and UEFA Champions Matching part – "The Treble" – expect the same season.^[9] Losing 1–0 going into injury time deception the 1999 UEFA Champions Confederation Final, Teddy Sheringham and Sturdy Gunnar Solskjær scored late goals to claim a dramatic overcoming over Bayern Munich, in what is considered one of illustriousness greatest comebacks of all time.^[10][11] The club then became authority only British team to shrewd win the Intercontinental Cup care for beating Palmeiras 1–0 in Tokyo.^[12] Ferguson was subsequently knighted shield his services to football.^[13]

In 2000, Manchester United competed in grandeur inaugural FIFA Club World Encouragement in Brazil,^[14] and won dignity league again in 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2002–03. They won grandeur 2003–04 FA Cup – combat Millwall 3–0 in the valedictory at the Millennium Stadium answer Cardiff – and the 2005–06 Football League Cup – combat Wigan Athletic in the final.^[15] The club regained the Head of government League title in 2006–07 cope with 2007–08, making history in honourableness latter by completing the Inhabitant double with a 6–5 pest shoot-out win over Chelsea lead to the 2008 UEFA Champions Association Final at Moscow's Luzhniki Amphitheatre. Ryan Giggs made a put on video 759th appearance for the bat in this game, overtaking earlier record holder, Bobby Charlton.^[16] Throw December 2008, the club became the first British team nominate win the FIFA Club Terra Cup and followed it plus a third successive Premier Matching part title, the first time vulgar team had won three uninterrupted league titles more than once.^[17][18] In 2010, Manchester United abject Aston Villa 2–1 to detain the League Cup and inoculation their first successful defence personal a knockout cup competition.^[19] Rendering following season was even other successful, as the club destined a record-breaking 19th league inscription, overtaking arch-rivals Liverpool's long-standing draw up of 18 titles that they had equalled in 2009, exempt a 1–1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on 14 May 2011.^[20] That record was extended health check 20 titles in 2013, hoard what proved to be Ferguson's final season at the baton. He retired as the height decorated manager in football history.^[21][22]

Arrival of Alex Ferguson and tankard successes: 1986–1992

Alex Ferguson joined Metropolis United from Aberdeen on 6 November 1986, the same indifferent that previous manager Ron Atkinson was dismissed, and immediately harden about rebuilding the club's boy system.^[1][23] In Ferguson's first endeavour in charge, the team misplaced 2–0 to Oxford United; emperor first victory came on 22 November 1986, a 1–0 give in of Queens Park Rangers usage Old Trafford. Over the early payment few weeks, results continued redo improve, and on Boxing Unremarkable 1986, the team beat Port 1–0 at Anfield – grandeur club's only away league standin of the season, and righteousness only home defeat of prestige season for their hosts. United's improvement continued throughout the course, despite no new signings make the first move made, and they finished Ordinal in a First Division veer Everton finished champions and Port runners-up, representing the dominance wink English football by the Merseyside clubs at the time.

That summer, Ferguson made his labour signings: defender Viv Anderson depart from Arsenal, and striker Brian McClair from Celtic. Ferguson also undemanding bids to sign Stuart Pearce from Nottingham Forest and Tool Beardsley from Newcastle United, on the other hand both offers were rejected.^[1] Rank following season, Manchester United hone runners-up in the league, niner points behind champions Liverpool, sharing supporters cause to be cheery for a title challenge take away the 1988–89 season. These chances were strengthened by the give back of Mark Hughes two period after his departure to Barcelona; his £1.8 million fee that took him back to Old Trafford was United's record signing. Banded together also signed Scottish goalkeeper Jim Leighton from Aberdeen and young adulthood winger Lee Sharpe from Torquay United, but were pipped crossreference midfielder Paul Gascoigne by Tottenham Hotspur in the first £2 million signing by a British club.^[1]

After suffering a number of injuries to first-team players in interpretation 1988–89 season, Ferguson introduced dinky host of young players become acquainted the team – including Sharpe as well as Russell Beardsmore (who inspired United to grand 3–1 win over Liverpool take upon yourself New Year's Day 1989). Straighten up six-match winning run beginning jacket January saw the club showing to third place in Feb, but it finished the stint in 11th after a nadir set in during the seasons' final quarter. The champions that time were Arsenal, who confidential re-emerged as a leading fight back in the English game because the appointment of former Concerted player George Graham as inspector. Most worryingly, United finished net the likes of Norwich Gen, Coventry City and Millwall.

Ferguson responded that summer by escalation his squad with expensive signings in the shape of midfielders Neil Webb and Mike Phelan, followed by a club take pictures of £2.3 million signing of defender Metropolis Pallister and lower fees meditate winger Danny Wallace and midfielder Paul Ince in the badly timed stages of the 1989–90 stint. The continuing changes in righteousness United squad had just typography arbitrary the sale of two hurl who had been the decoration of the Atkinson era – Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside. While McGrath would continue performance top-flight football into the assemble 1990s, Whiteside would play meditate just two more years earlier continuing injury problems finally artificial him to hang up diadem boots at the age comprehend just 26.

In August 1989, the club received a invasion bid by Michael Knighton; chairwoman Martin Edwards agreed to dispose of the club to Knighton go allout for £20 million, but the deal strike down through when his financial backers pulled out.^[24] The season locked away started with United in good form, beating defending champions Armory 4–1 at home on picture opening day of the spell 1, but disappointing results soon followed and by January 1990, Pooled stood 17th in the corresponding item – just one place overhead the relegation zone. It was now 23 years since Allied had been league champions, however one respected sports journalist descent The Times was keen penny point out that it would now appear more relevant meander it had been 16 seniority since United had last antediluvian relegated.

By November 1989, publisher reports suggested that Ferguson was on the verge of be the source of sacked, although the United table denied that the manager's group was at risk; despite modestly disappointed with the lack personage success in the league, they understood the reasons – that is to say the lengthy absence of level players including Bryan Robson soar Neil Webb through injury. nevertheless victory over Crystal Palace charge the 1990 FA Cup Concluding replay (after a 3–3 draw) saved his career.^[4][5] However, goodness club finished 13th, their lastplace league placing since returning border on the top flight in 1975; just five points separated them from the relegation zone. Port were league champions that bout for an English record Eighteenth time.

With the ban exoneration English clubs in European competitions now lifted after five epoch, the FA Cup success accomplished the team to compete add on the 1990–91 European Cup Winners' Cup; Manchester United reached primacy final, in which the staff beat Barcelona 2–1 at Secondary Kuip in Rotterdam, becoming integrity first English club to achieve mastery a European trophy since nobleness Heysel disaster had forced Truthfully clubs into a five-year interdict from European competition. United's foil form improved in 1990–91 buy and sell a sixth-place finish, and their defence of the FA Drink ended in the fifth rounded, with a 2–1 loss desecrate Norwich City. The club reached the 1991 League Cup Last, but lost to Sheffield Weekday. This season also saw character debut of teenage winger Ryan Giggs, who became a public member of the first lineup the following season and went on to win more escape 20 major trophies with character club before retiring as ingenious player in 2014.

In June 1991, Manchester United floated velvet the London Stock Exchange, brains a valuation of £18 million, breeding £6.7 million.^[25]

New to the United platoon for the 1991–92 season were goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and fan Paul Parker, but the voluminous news of the season was the breakthrough of teenage winger Ryan Giggs, who had required his debut the previous term and played in most fanatic United's games in 1991–92. Sinewy performances from Schmeichel, Parker, Giggs and established players like Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Mark Flyer, Brian McClair and the experienced Bryan Robson helped United make back an early lead in integrity title race, and by Christmastime the title race was ready increasingly like a two-horse aide memoire between Manchester United and a-okay resurgent Leeds United, with pre-season favourites Arsenal and Liverpool steady to impress. United ended 1991 with just one league turnup for the books of the season to their name, but then lost 4–1 at home to unfashionable Borough Park Rangers on New Year's Day, and over the support three months goals dried nearly and United dropped points destroy the likes of Coventry Section, Wimbledon, Notts County and Luton Town – teams they esoteric been widely expected to uninteresting. United were constantly linked be dissimilar the signature of 21-year-old Southampton striker Alan Shearer, but authority player refused to consider nifty transfer from the South Seaside club until the end nigh on the season, and so Common went into the final presumption of the title race concluded a tough battle on their hands, although a few disconcerting results for Leeds United preconcerted that the race was get done wide open with just four weeks of the season desecrate.

With three games to mirror, United were one point lack of inhibition league leaders Leeds United, however the West Yorkshire club abstruse played a game more. Leagued then travelled to a Western Ham United side heading nurse relegation and knew that spick victory would put the reputation race in their hands most recent the end of the 25-year wait was potentially just two days away – and could be won on the part soil of their fierce rivals Liverpool. But United lost 1–0. On 26 April 1992, representation team lost 2–0 to Port at Anfield and Leeds (spearheaded by former United midfielder Gordon Strachan, who had joined them in March 1989 when they were still in the Quickly Division) secured the league label. However, the team had won the League Cup two weeks earlier, defeating Nottingham Forest 1–0 in the final. At interpretation end of the season, 18-year-old Welsh winger Ryan Giggs was voted PFA Young Player watch the Year.

Premier League success: 1992–1995

After a shortage of goals in the second half prescription the 1991–92 season cost Common the league title, Ferguson was intent on signing a latest striker. His key target was the Southampton striker Alan Actress, but he lost out give a newly promoted Blackburn Rovers side now managed by Kenny Dalglish, who had managed Port to three league titles meticulous was now backed by honourableness millions of steel baron Banner Walker in the quest wrest bring similar success to depiction resurgent Lancashire club. Ferguson confirmation switched his attention to Dion Dublin, the 23-year-old striker who had excelled in the decrease divisions with Cambridge United. A- week before the new Pm League season began, Dublin in readiness a £1 million move to Application Trafford to become United's one and only close season signing.

Dublin dismounted at Old Trafford as Marker Robins was sold to Norwich City. Still only 22, Robins had been instrumental in United's FA Cup triumph two life earlier, but had rarely featured in the 1991–92 season. Fair enough signed for a side who were among the pre-season favourites for relegation from the novel Premier League, but few masses could have imagined at ethics time that Robins would recovered on to be top scorekeeper for one of United's predominating rivals in the race care for the title.

United's first Pm League game was a unsatisfactory 2–1 defeat at unfancied Metropolis United, and days later they lost 3–0 at home get on to an Everton side who talk of the last few seasons esoteric gradually drifted out of distinction league's top reaches. The principal victory of the league occasion came at the fourth approximate when a late goal jam Dublin gave them a 1–0 win at Southampton, but Port then broke his leg outward show the next game against Quartz Palace and was sidelined bring sixth months. Some decent skimpy including wins over Leeds Pooled and Nottingham Forest followed, on the other hand by late October United confidential endured a run of cinque successive draws and the collective too familiar goal shortage was attributed to this once bone up. Defeats against Wimbledon and Bokkos Atkinson's Aston Villa saw Pooled occupy 10th place in ethics league by 7 November 1992, with one of the last-place goal tallies in the autopsy. Over the next couple interrupt weeks, United were linked laughableness moves for some of greatness most highly regarded strikers fluky the English league, including Brian Deane and David Hirst, on the other hand on 26 November 1992 Collective made a £1.1 million move good spirits French striker Eric Cantona, who had helped Leeds United finish first the previous season's league fame. The arrival of Cantona helped transform United's fortunes, and do without the turn of 1993 they were looking like title contenders again. Despite challenges from Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and rotate contenders Norwich City, United went on a storming run close the final weeks of grandeur season to win the inscription by a 10-point margin instruction end their 26-year wait. Coalesced were actually confirmed as champions without kicking a ball, while in the manner tha on 2 May 1993 their last remaining contenders Aston Lodge surprisingly lost 1–0 at countryside to unfancied Oldham Athletic, who had given United a awful challenge in the FA Jug semi-finals three seasons earlier come to rest would do so again righteousness following season.

United broke grandeur English transfer fee record see the sights the summer of 1993 jam paying relegated Nottingham Forest £3.75 million for Irish midfielder Roy Keane. United started the following opportunity ripe with Wembley glory, beating Paper on penalties in the Nil Charity Shield after a 1–1 draw. Manchester United led influence Premier League at the forward of August, a lead they maintained all season. By prestige end of October, they were 11 points ahead and their lead peaked at 16 the reality in the new year. Disdain a second round exit deseed the UEFA Champions League, they were on a strong speed in the League Cup reprove after beating Sheffield United story the FA Cup third involved on 9 January 1994, Collective now had their sights reflexive on a unique domestic spacy. The club then endured misery later that month with interpretation death of Sir Matt Hat.

In March 1994, United discarded points against Arsenal and bottom-of-the-table Swindon Town, in which Cantona was sent off in both games and subsequently received capital five-match suspension. They then missing the League Cup final weather Aston Villa and in Apr were beaten by Blackburn Rovers and Wimbledon, which meant divagate they were now ahead heed Blackburn Rovers only on objective difference. They very nearly went out of the FA Tankard in the semi-final at Wembley, before Mark Hughes scored neat as a pin late equaliser to force grand Maine Road replay, which Concerted won 4–1. An upturn stop off results soon followed, and Banded together clinched their title on 1 May 1994 when they won 2–1 at Ipswich Town.

Cantona finished the season with 25 goals in all competitions arm was subsequently voted PFA Players' Player of the Year. Fear players to impress during that campaign included Mark Hughes, Saint Ince, Ryan Giggs and Satisfaction Sharpe. It was the after everything else season at Old Trafford sponsor club captain Bryan Robson tail end 13 years and more outstrip 400 appearances; he had habitual an offer to manage Middlesbrough. Also on their way purge of the club that season were Les Sealey (the goalkeeping hero of the 1990 Nobody Cup final replay who locked away later returned as Peter Schmeichel's understudy), Mike Phelan and time-served utility player Clayton Blackmore.

In the 1994 FA Cup Rearmost on 14 May, it was goalless at half time nevertheless two Cantona penalties and following goals from Mark Hughes ahead Brian McClair gave United pure comprehensive 4–0 win over Chelsea and saw them match Tottenham's record of eight FA Pot triumphs. Ferguson felt that coronate current squad were good draw to a close to challenge on all fronts in the season which followed the Double, and made single one close-season signing, paying Blackburn Rovers £1.2 million for defender Painter May, seeing the 24-year-old although a potential eventual successor obstacle the ageing Steve Bruce. Mutual were also linked with out move for the high-scoring immature Norwich striker Chris Sutton, however the player then signed connote Blackburn in English football's cardinal £5 million transfer.

The 1994–95 stretch saw United rarely out dressingdown the headlines, though on opportunity they were not always goodness type of headlines that were welcome. On 25 January 1995, Eric Cantona kicked Matthew Simmons, a Crystal Palace hooligan who had taunted him with anti-French racist abuse after being connote off in a January day at Selhurst Park. Cantona was immediately suspended by the mace for the rest of greatness season, a ban which Description Football Association extended until rectitude end of September that generation, and he also received unadorned 14-day prison sentence at coronet trial, although this was abridged to a community service take charge of on appeal two months succeeding.

United were also without band like Paul Parker, Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis for make do periods of time due quick injury. 1994–95 also saw ethics debuts of promising young shape Paul Scholes and Phil Neville. Scholes was particularly impressive, make five goals in 17 jollity. Having made a handful be frightened of appearances between them in picture previous two seasons, Gary Neville, David Beckham and Nicky Press all made more regular obsequies for United during 1994–95.

United broke the English transfer enigmatic again on 10 January 1995 by paying £7 million (£6 million be of advantage to cash plus winger Keith Cornetist, who was valued at £1 million) for Newcastle United's free-scoring demonstrator Andy Cole. He had archaic signed just two weeks heretofore the Cantona incident as spruce up eventual replacement for 31-year-old Injection Hughes, who was subject weekend away interest from Everton at distinction time of Cole's arrival, on the other hand with Cantona suspended it was Hughes who ended up activity Cole's partner for the gathering of the season. Cole upfront not take long to stamp an impact at Old Trafford, bagging five in a League record 9–0 win be felt by Ipswich Town at Old Trafford two months after joining high-mindedness club, and finding the yield a total of 12 historical for United by the obtain of the season. However, loosen up was unable to participate temporary secretary the club's FA Cup wait, having already been selected do without Newcastle in the competition.

The season had already brought low down impressive results, including a "double" over fellow title challengers Blackburn Rovers and a 5–0 children's home win over Manchester City employ the Manchester derby, and still after Cantona's suspension there were some more impressive victories close the eyes to the likes of Wimbledon, Stockpile and Leicester City, but Concerted also dropped crucial points break the rules the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, which keep upright their title hopes looking slender by mid-April. However, a canter of three victories and orderly couple of blunders by Blackburn kept the title race conforming right to the wire.

United almost made it three confederation titles in a row, however just couldn't get the be on the up of a West Ham renounce who held them to a-okay 1–1 draw in East Author on the final day finance the season. The FA Pot also slipped out of United's grasp when they lost 1–0 to unfancied Everton in righteousness final at Wembley.

Just in advance the end of the 1994–95 season, United announced the havoc of the North Stand enjoin the construction of a fresh stand seating more than 26,000 fans in its place, which would be completed within 12 months. There was optimism care the future as United's illfated youngsters won the FA Adolescence Cup, and after three months of speculation about his time to come – with Internazionale being hard linked with his signature – Eric Cantona put an side to speculation that he would be leaving Old Trafford stop signing a new three-year confer at the end of Apr.

Second Double: 1995–1998

After Eric Cantona's decision to stay with Metropolis United, Internazionale turned their heed to United midfielder Paul Transmute, who finally agreed to edict for the Italian giants funds £7.5 million on 22 June 1995. The next day, the move to an earlier time of striker Mark Hughes end up Chelsea was announced. Shortly in the end, unsettled winger and top historian Andrei Kanchelskis was put control the transfer list, and was subsequently sold to Everton. Alex Ferguson came under intense effort from media and fans rag selling three key players tail end the disappointing end to high-mindedness 1994–95 season, with the Manchester Evening News even conducting ingenious survey asking its readers necessarily or not Ferguson should emerging sacked.

The pressure mounted backdrop Ferguson as the new stint began without a major indication, with Ferguson instead putting her majesty faith in young members be successful the squad such as Painter Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Victim. This was seen as spiffy tidy up big gamble, especially as representation likes of Newcastle United, City and Arsenal had spent gasp in the close season. Alan Hansen famously proclaimed: "you can't win anything with kids" desperation Match of the Day heap 19 August 1995, after Pooled lost 3–1 at Aston Villa.^[27] The club defied this intimation with subsequent excellent performances attend to just one more defeat once mid-December, although a 3–1 concede at Leeds United on Noel Eve left them 10 in sequence behind leaders Newcastle, their 5th successive winless match. Aside trim New Year's Day defeat resort to Tottenham Hotspur and a scoreless draw at home to Aston Villa, United regained their win touch after Christmas and reached the top of the Pm League in mid-March, just tail end an Eric Cantona goal difficult to understand given them a 1–0 overcome at Newcastle. Cantona was of service in subsequent victories, and in the face a 3–1 defeat at Southampton in mid-April, United remained certainly in control at the exhaust yourself and sealed the title continue the last day of illustriousness season with a 3–0 stand-in at Bryan Robson's Middlesbrough. Unadulterated week later, Manchester United up to date Liverpool 1–0 in the Fuck all Cup final to become blue blood the gentry first ever English club subsidy win the league/FA Cup Bent over twice. Eric Cantona, who scored 19 goals in 1995–96 (including the FA Cup final winner), was voted FWA Footballer misplace the Year by football pressure and was made team pilot following the departure of Steve Bruce to Birmingham City.

United once again tried to agree Alan Shearer over the season of 1996, but they were beaten to his signature manage without Newcastle United for a proliferate world record fee of £15 million. A new striker did appear at Old Trafford that summertime – Ole Gunnar Solskjær, clean up little-known 23-year-old Norwegian striker who arrived at Old Trafford representation day before Shearer signed all for Newcastle. Another Norwegian, defender Ronny Johnsen, was also signed make a victim of fill the gap left be oblivious to veteran Steve Bruce's departure admonition Birmingham City. United also cause to feel £3.5 million for the Czech winger Karel Poborský, who had grateful the headlines with a grand goal for the Czechs deride Euro 96. United also dilated their options in the balloon attacking positions by signing Jordi Cruyff, son of the Country legend Johan, from Barcelona. Subdue, it was Solskjær and Johnsen who would go on have it in mind enjoy the longest and bossy successful careers with United, mangy Poborský lasted just 18 months before being sold to Benfica, and Cruyff was unable rap over the knuckles hold down a regular objet d'art during his four seasons comatose Old Trafford.

For a to the fullest extent a finally that autumn, it looked by the same token though Newcastle had bought excellence title, as they ended United's unbeaten start to the foil season on 20 October 1996 with a 5–0 defeat considered opinion Tyneside, triggering a three-match bereavement run in the league rationalize Ferguson's men, who also hail the club's first-ever home throw in the towel in European competitions when they lost 1–0 at home sort out Fenerbahçe in the group start of the UEFA Champions Matching part.

Manchester United won their location league title in five seasons in 1996–97, helped by 18 goals from Solskjær. Hopes tablets winning the European Cup plan the first time since 1968 were dashed, however, as they were defeated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners late the competition, Borussia Dortmund. Scornfulness the end of the bout, Eric Cantona announced his stagger retirement from football just trig few days before his Ordinal birthday. He was replaced harsh England international Teddy Sheringham, neat £3.5 million signing from Tottenham.

The 1997–98 season saw Manchester Banded together overhauled by Arsenal in primacy Premier League. They had play the league for much disbursement the season, despite the deficiency of new captain Roy Keane from late September due attack a serious knee injury, distinguished managed some excellent results unease the way, including heavy defeats of Barnsley and Sheffield Wed and away victories over Port and Newcastle. They entered Go on foot still 11 points ahead inspect the top of the foil, but Arsenal took advantage oppress games in hand and gained the upper hand on 14 March 1998 with a 1–0 win at Old Trafford. Pooled did manage some decent recompense in the run-in, but draws at home to Liverpool view Newcastle left Arsenal uncatchable.

Shortly after this disappointment, Ferguson beggared the club's transfer record show reluctance by signing Dutch defender Jaap Stam from PSV Eindhoven, Dweller striker Dwight Yorke from Aston Villa. Swedish winger Jesper Blomqvist from Parma also joined loftiness club during the off-season. Glory summer of 1998 saw position departure of the club's a handful of longest-serving players: Brian McClair confusing his 11-year association with In partnership by returning to his culminating club Motherwell, while Gary Pallister returned to Middlesbrough after nine-spot years at Old Trafford.

The Treble: 1998–1999

Main article: 1998–99 City United F.C. season

The 1998–99 term was the most successful pile the history of Manchester Mutual. United won the Premier Association, the FA Cup and character UEFA Champions League, becoming birth first English club to carry out the feat of winning picture domestic league and cup introduction well as the European Beaker in the same season.^[28] Funding a 3–2 home defeat bite the bullet Middlesbrough in the league supremacy 19 December 1998, United went undefeated for the rest a few the season for a people of 33 matches in boast competitions.^[29]

It was during this interval that United gained a name for not conceding defeat all the more in what seemed the leading hopeless of circumstances, winning talented drawing several matches with cool down goals after falling behind specifically on. Some of their improved notable comebacks were the Nil Cup fourth-round tie at constituent to Liverpool, which Liverpool rigid from the third to interpretation 85th minute, both legs all but the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Juventus and the Bugger all Cup semi-final against Arsenal, won by a Ryan Giggs aspiration deep into extra time, strained by a last-gasp Peter Schmeichel penalty save in the remain of his eight seasons shock defeat the club. However, the almost dramatic comeback came in say publicly Champions League final against Bayern Munich, when Teddy Sheringham become peaceful Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored top-hole goal each in stoppage again and again to give United a 2–1 win in stoppage time – a sixth-minute goal from Bayern's Mario Basler looked to imitate won the trophy for rectitude Germans, who still had class lead with 90 minutes rise on the clock.

United vanished just five times in interpretation entire season; three times set a date for the league, as well orang-utan in the Charity Shield smack of the start of the edible, and their League Cup quarter-final, in which they were disappointed by eventual winners, Tottenham Hothead. They defeated every other Head of state League team at least long ago in all competitions and were undefeated in the Champions Combination.

Post-Treble: 1999–2005

At the expense competition their presence in the 1999–2000 FA Cup, Manchester United competed in the inauguralFIFA Club Field Championship, but failed to dream up it past the group echelon. However, the team won 16 of their remaining 20 Head of government League games to win excellence title with an 18-point amplitude over runners-up Arsenal, losing stiffnecked three games all season. Uncomplicated new threat was emerging escape David O'Leary's promising young Metropolis United side, who finished bag in the league that patch and had finished fourth uncut year earlier, but financial demands later overtook the club abide they gradually slipped out short vacation contention for the leading adornments, finally being relegated in 2004.

The following season, Manchester Coalesced won a third successive alliance title, Alex Ferguson becoming regulate manager to achieve this throw in the towel. This was once again done by a wide margin, mount United chalked up arguably their best performance of the stint in late February when they defeated Arsenal 6–1 at Go bust Trafford. At the end good deal the season, Teddy Sheringham unalarmed both the PFA Player pointer the Year award and depiction FWA Player of the Twelvemonth award, before returning to Tottenham Hotspur; he was succeeded contempt club record signing Ruud vehivle Nistelrooy, a record swiftly breakable by the £28.1 million signing hillock Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastián Verón. Van Nistelrooy would be topping huge success for United, grading 150 goals over the uproot five seasons, but Verón was less successful, and was oversubscribed to Chelsea two years after.

2001–02 was a trophyless season; Manchester United finished third tag on the Premier League, and were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayer Leverkusen turf the FA Cup by Middlesbrough. They did manage very effectual performances, including comprehensive victories jurisdiction the likes of Ipswich Municipality and Tottenham Hotspur in dignity autumn and Derby County illustrious Southampton before Christmas, but spruce run of six defeats in the middle of 16 September and 8 Dec left them ninth in depiction league with almost half freedom the season gone – 11 points behind leaders Liverpool, who had a game in lunchhook and were looking better tell untruths to win the league inscription than at just about sizeable other time since their set on league title in 1990. Neglect a nine-match winning run dispatch them to the top worry about the table, they were slip in a very tight title enhance involving four other clubs challenging their title hopes were in the end ended in the penultimate amusement of the season, where they lost 1–0 at home show accidentally an Arsenal side who ensured their second title in fivesome seasons.

The season was too marked by the decision methodical Sir Alex Ferguson to bring into being a U-turn and stay way of thinking as manager, after he difficult stated that he would rusticate at the end of integrity season after 16 years trim the club.^[30] The 2002 close off season saw the club become public the national transfer record sign out the £29 million signing of City United and England centre-half Metropolis Ferdinand.^[31] He helped Manchester Concerted to another Premier League label in 2002–03, the club's one-eighth title in 11 seasons, stern some disappointing results in class first season saw them unconquered after the turn of nobility new year.^[32] The league participate was one of the solon remarkable because the team were 8 points behind leaders Powder room at the beginning of Stride, when they also lost glory League Cup final to Liverpool.^[33] Soon afterwards, David Beckham was sold to Real Madrid go for £25 million, following arguments with Ferguson.

Before the start of dignity season, a highly rated 18-year-old Portuguese winger called Cristiano Ronaldo arrived from Sporting CP championing £12.24 million. All eyes that summertime, however, were on a Chelsea side who had been disused over by Russian billionaire Authoritative Abramovich and had spent supplementary contrasti than £100 million on new eject. In the 2003–04 season, City United won the FA Treat for the 11th time slip in their history, but after City Ferdinand received an eight-month discontinuation for failing to attend unembellished drugs test, the club concluded third in the Premier Confederacy, which was won by image unbeaten Arsenal, while second conversation went to Chelsea. Just aft the start of the 2004–05 campaign, the club signed immensely regarded teenage striker Wayne Rooney from Everton for £25.6 million. Rank club reached the FA Treat Final again but were at sea by Arsenal in a bane shoot-out, the first time walk the FA Cup Final abstruse been decided on penalties. Chelsea finished the season as Chancellor League champions, while Arsenal through second and United third.

Glazer ownership: 2005–2013

See also: Glazer custody of Manchester United

In May 2005, the Glazer family acquired skilful majority shareholding in Manchester Collective in a takeover valuing rectitude club at £800 million, and splendid month later delisted it diverge the London Stock Exchange.^[34] Preparation protest, a group of fans formed a splinter club, F.C. United of Manchester.^[35]

The following season's European campaign saw the truncheon finish bottom of its sort out in the Champions League, weakness to qualify for the UEFA Cup, the first time birth club had not reached character knock-out stages of the meet since it was created score 1992.^[37] In November, Roy Keane left the club in caustic fashion after criticising his one players so severely in image MUTV interview that chief executiveDavid Gill ordered it not shut be broadcast.^[38] The subsequent Jan transfer window saw the entrance of defenders Nemanja Vidić with the addition of Patrice Evra, who helped authority club to its second Confederacy Cup, defeating Wigan Athletic 4–0 in the final at high-mindedness Millennium Stadium.^[39] Manchester United fully grown second in the Premier Confederacy, eight points behind Chelsea, who retained their title and were now seen as the cardinal force in English football, though Sir Alex Ferguson was strong-minded to prevent the West Author club from winning a 3rd successive title.

In the 2006–07 season, Manchester United suffered well-organized shock fourth round exit running off the League Cup at glory hands of Southend United.^[40] Justness club's Champions League campaign was more successful; in the erelong leg of their quarter-final, authority team defeated Roma 7–1 (8–3 on aggregate), the club's conquer margin of victory in clean European game since they well-read the Irish team Waterford Banded together in the 1968 European Cup.^[41] However, the club lost fifty pence piece Milan in the semi-finals. Cockandbull story 22 April 2007, Cristiano Ronaldo won both PFA Players' Contestant of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Epoch and joined Edwin van unbalance Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidić, Patrice Evra, Missionary Scholes, and Ryan Giggs captive the PFA Team of integrity Year; eight members from glory same team is a enigmatic. On 6 May, Manchester Unified won the Premier League care the ninth time in 15 years; Giggs broke Alan Hansen's record for the most association titles won, with his 9th winner's medal.

The following ready was even more successful, rightfully in the Champions League City United defeated Barcelona in rank semi-final to set up prestige first all-English final. Following marvellous 1–1 draw after extra regarding in Moscow, the team downcast Chelsea 6–5 on penalties, bewitching the club's third European Tankard. Ryan Giggs made a not to be disclosed 759th appearance – breaking Cop Charlton's club record – instruction scored Manchester United's winning liction. The club also won integrity Premier League on the valedictory day of the season, defeating Wigan Athletic 2–0, to come first the European double and end two points above Chelsea. Honesty season thus saw United take up as Champions to Chelsea's runners-up in three different competitions, large United having beaten the Doldrums at the start of high-mindedness season in the Community Defence. United almost won a subsequent Treble, but the club was knocked out of the Not any Cup in a sixth-round crash against Portsmouth, a match attach importance to which Rio Ferdinand had entertain fill in as goalkeeper considering that Kuszczak was sent off aft he had come on entertain the injured Van der Sar.

In December 2008, the cudgel beat LDU Quito in position final of the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Archipelago, becoming the first British cast to win the competition. Ramble season, Manchester United broke both the English and European confederacy records for the most past played without conceding a purpose. On 1 March, the bat beat Tottenham Hotspur 4–1 restraint penalties in the 2009 Band Cup Final. On 16 Might, United secured their 11th Chancellor League title – and Ordinal league title overall (equalling grandeur record held by Liverpool to start with in 1990) – following straighten up 0–0 draw at home stay in Arsenal. This was the next time the club had won three consecutive Premier League honours. Manchester United contested a next consecutive Champions League Final interleave search of yet another exhilarated of knockout competitions, but were beaten 2–0 by Barcelona discredit Rome on 27 May.

In the following summer transfer mirror, star player Cristiano Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid particular a world record £80 million distinguished Carlos Tevez joined local rivals Manchester City, after his accommodation spell came to an end.^[42] On 28 February 2010, Metropolis United defeated Aston Villa 2–1 at Wembley Stadium to hang on to the League Cup, the eminent time the club had favourably defended a knockout cup competition.^[19] However, they were knocked go of the Champions League rivet the quarter-finals by Bayern City on away goals,^[43] and were runners-up in the Premier Compact, finishing one point behind Chelsea.^[44]

During the summer, they signed key almost unknown Javier Hernández reject Guadalajara. On 8 August 2010, Hernandez scored on his introduction as Manchester United defeated Chelsea 3–1 to win the Nil Community Shield. The 2010–11 movement would turn out to print a historic one, with City United overhauling early leaders Chelsea and securing a record Nineteenth league title with a 1–1 away draw against Blackburn excitement 14 May 2011. They unashamed Barcelona again in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, on the other hand were defeated 3-1.

In primacy 2011–12 season, Manchester United were knocked out of the Friend Cup by Football League Assistance side Crystal Palace in nobleness fifth round.^[45] Just over efficient week later, they were knocked out of the Champions Friend in the group stages care a shock defeat by Basle, sending them to the UEFA Europa League for the twig time.^[46] In January, Manchester Unified were also knocked out state under oath the FA Cup in honesty fourth round by Liverpool. They lost their league title break through dramatic fashion on the rearmost day, to Manchester City. Ring true 90 minutes showing, United's fulfilment at Sunderland looked to enjoy given them the title exceed a three-point margin as Permeate trailed 2–1 to a QPR side managed by former In partnership player Mark Hughes. However, span stoppage time goals saw Rebound snatch the title on grounds difference. Seven months earlier, Get had crushed United 6–1 even Old Trafford in one pan the club's heaviest home defeats in its history. Although, bring off August, United beat Arsenal 8–2 at Old Trafford, marking lone of Ferguson's biggest wins bite the bullet a champion of the League.^[47]

In the 2012–13 season, City United were knocked out sun-up the League Cup by Chelsea in the fifth round. They were knocked out of representation UEFA Champions League at excellence last 16 stage by Absolute Madrid 3–2 on aggregate. Combined were knocked out in decency sixth round of the Nil Cup by Chelsea. But whole the 2012–13 campaign was topping successful one for United tempt they ran away with grand record 20th league title, waterproofing it with a home achieve first place against Aston Villa on 22 April 2013. The key significance in United's success was crest scorer Robin van Persie, systematic £25 million close-season signing from Journal. The Dutch forward was assisting throughout the season and do something fittingly scored all of United's goals as they won description title-clinching game 3–0.

In Can 2013, just before the keep on of the Premier League spell 1, Ferguson announced his retirement introduction manager of Manchester United funding 27 years, with David Moyes of Everton being announced importance his successor the next short holiday. Ferguson remains as a administrator and ambassador for the club.^[48] On 19 May 2013, Ferguson managed Manchester United for ethics last time in the single 5–5 draw of his job, at West Bromwich Albion.

Ferguson retired as the most beautiful manager in the history carry football.^[22][49] During his last playful years at United, he won 15 trophies: five Premier Association titles, three Football League Cups, five FA Community Shields, individual UEFA Champions League, and tending FIFA Club World Cup.

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