2) Sir Alex Ferguson
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The Scotsman was none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, arguably the greatest manager to have ever graced the beautiful game.
His name is synonymous with United as he changed their course and led them to 13 top division crowns as well as two Champions League trophies, including the treble of the 1998-99 season, where the Red Devils completed the trio of the league, FA Cup and European Cup wins.
He was on the verge of being sacked three-and-a-half years into his job but was saved by victory in the 1990 FA Cup final replay. He never looked back after that, as he built a strong team year-after-year, with a focus on giving adequate chances to academy recruits.
Club legends such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Gary Neville all emerged under Fergie and formed the core of the United side that was to dominate English football for two decades.
He has the mind of a footballing genius coupled with world-class man-management skills. And yet, my favourite aspect of him is his mannerisms and the way he carried himself and spoke to the press and his players.
Growing up, I have spent countless hours watching him celebrate with utmost joy, get red-faced with anger and also get under the referee’s skin with his trademark ‘pointing to the wristwatch’ routine. He epitomises the club like no other and all football fans are ever grateful to him for his contributions to the sport.
