How did Sir Alex Ferguson become the greatest manager in football history?

 

Manchester United’s Decline in Performance After Sir Alex Ferguson’s Retirement

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United has struggled to regain its former glory, despite numerous managerial changes. David Moyes succeeded Ferguson but failed to align his tactics with the team, resulting in a disappointing 7th place finish in the league and his dismissal after just one season. Afterward, Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho took over, but both managers' styles clashed with the club's traditions and caused internal conflicts. Van Gaal's overly conservative tactics and Mourinho's disputes with players led to their inability to maintain consistent success. These managers all struggled to establish strong leadership within the team, and the absence of Ferguson’s steady hand and consistent philosophy became evident in the club’s poor performance. Following Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was promoted from caretaker manager to permanent head coach. He managed to secure a Champions League spot for the 2019-2020 season but was sacked in 2021 after failing to secure major trophies. Currently, Erik ten Hag is leading the team and won the FA Cup in 2023-2024, marking United's first FA Cup victory in eight years. However, due to underwhelming results this season, discussions around his potential sacking are intensifying. Manchester United's continued managerial changes and declining performance have highlighted the significance of Ferguson’s leadership and control over the team.

Source: Manchester United Official Website

The Life of Sir Alex Ferguson, One of Football’s Greatest Managers

Sir Alex Ferguson’s football career began in Scotland at Dunfermline and later Aberdeen, where he truly made his mark. At Aberdeen, Ferguson managed to break the dominance of Celtic and Rangers in Scottish football, winning multiple titles and elevating the team’s profile on the European stage. His success at Aberdeen attracted the attention of Manchester United, who offered him the managerial role in 1986. At that time, United had been far from its 1960s glory for years, but Ferguson undertook a thorough rebuilding process, nurturing young talent and rebuilding the team from the ground up. This dedication led to numerous titles, transforming Manchester United into one of the world’s most successful football clubs. Known as "Fergie’s Fledglings," players like David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville, and Gary Neville were key to winning the club’s first-ever treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League) in 1999.

 

Source: Manchester United Official Website

Leadership Lessons from Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson’s leadership philosophy was centered on the belief that "no player is bigger than the team." He prioritized team harmony over individual stars, which allowed him to effectively manage high-profile players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. Even though players thrived under his guidance, Ferguson was not afraid to take drastic actions when team discipline was at stake. For instance, he famously transferred Beckham to Real Madrid after a disciplinary breach, ensuring the team’s principles were maintained. Modern-day leaders can learn from Ferguson’s approach. A leader must establish strong teamwork and clear standards, guiding the entire organization to move in unison toward common goals.

 

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