ALEX FERGUSON

Born December 31, 1941

FERGIE AT 20

His first full season as a professional at St Johnstone after beginning part-time at Queen’s Park. He wasn’t an overnight success. Saints were relegated in 1961-62 and the striker fractured a cheekbone in a reserve game against Airdrie, leaving him to consider emigrating to Canada.

FERGIE AT 30

Nearing the end of his playing days, Ferguson was at his penultimate club, Falkirk, in Scotland’s top flight. His season’s highlight was two goals in a win over Aberdeen that took Falkirk into the League Cup quarter-final. He began his management career at East Stirlingshire in 1974 at 32.

FERGIE AT 40

Already a league-winning manager in the 1979-80 season, Ferguson’s Aberdeen were in the middle of a snow-hit season. Ferguson won two more titles, four Scottish Cups in five years and announced himself on the international stage by beating Real Madrid to win the 1983 European Cup-winners’ Cup.

FERGIE AT 50

Ending Manchester United’s title drought dating back to 1967 was all-consuming. A 1-1 draw at Leeds on December 29, with Neil Webb scoring, left Ferguson top of the league. But come the end of the season they were a frustrating four points behind their Yorkshire rivals.

FERGIE AT 60

Going for a record fourth league championship in a row, a 3-2 win at Fulham the day before his birthday narrowed the gap on leaders Arsenal to three points. However, Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal finished the season on top despite 23 goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy.

FERGIE AT 70

With a dozen Premier League titles in the bag, Fergie was shocked to see Blackburn Rovers spoil his party with an unlikely 3-2 win at Old Trafford. It ended up costing United as they were pipped to another championship by Manchester City on goal difference on the final day.