It has been 40 years since Manchester United appointed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager, marking the beginning of the club's most successful era. This anniversary brings to light the intricate and secretive plot orchestrated by the club to lure Ferguson away from Aberdeen.
The club's decision to part ways with then-manager Ron Atkinson came after a poor start to the league season, mirroring the precarious situation United found themselves in before Ferguson's arrival in November 1986. Atkinson himself noted that seeds of his departure may have been sown earlier, suggesting he heard Ferguson had been approached for his job while both were working as TV pundits at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Ferguson, in his autobiography, disputed the significance of a conversation with Sir Bobby Charlton during that period, stating Charlton merely asked him to keep him informed if he ever considered moving to England. Charlton's recollection aligned with this, describing a brief chat by the pitch during a Scotland training session.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding initial contact, Manchester United directors Martin Edwards, Bobby Charlton, Mike Edelson, and Maurice Watkins were determined to secure Ferguson. Their efforts involved a particularly covert phone call, with Edelson, adopting a fake Scottish accent, posing as the assistant to Gordon Strachan to get through to Ferguson's office at Aberdeen. Once connected, Ferguson was quickly put through to Martin Edwards.
Ferguson recalled the call vividly, confirming his immediate interest in the Old Trafford job. However, his wife Cathy was initially devastated by the prospect of moving, having previously persuaded him to reject other English clubs due to her reluctance to leave Aberdeen. This time, the opportunity at Manchester United proved irresistible.
To finalize the deal away from prying eyes, Ferguson agreed to meet a delegation from United at Hamilton Services on the M74 in Lanarkshire on the evening of November 5th. This clandestine meeting, confirmed by Edelson as a case of "flashing headlights," led to further discussions at Cathy Ferguson's sister's home in Glasgow.
Ferguson accepted the role despite a contract offer he considered "disappointing," with a salary lower than his previous earnings and no initial transfer budget. The club also declined his requests regarding the sale of his family home and repayment of a loan to Aberdeen.
Edwards and Watkins then traveled to Aberdeen to formally conclude the deal with Aberdeen chairman Dick Donald. Meanwhile, Atkinson was informed of his dismissal and spent the morning of November 6th clearing his desk. The situation culminated in Atkinson hosting a lengthy farewell party at his home, attended by several United players.
Ferguson's initial days were marked by an effort to address perceived issues within the squad, including a perceived drinking culture, as detailed by former Aberdeen player Gordon Strachan. His tenure began with an inauspicious start, including a 2-0 defeat at Oxford United in his first match, followed by a goalless draw at Norwich. The first win came later, a 1-0 victory against QPR at Old Trafford.
A newly unearthed recording from author Wayne Barton's work on "Fergie: The Lost Tapes" reveals an early address from Ferguson to the fans, expressing his commitment to continuing the club's success and making them the greatest in Britain. This sentiment echoed his eventual farewell speech in 2013.