Alex Ferguson leaves Aberdeen to become Manchester United manager Photograph: PA Archive
It is widely reported that Ferguson is close to being sacked and a banner is unveiled at Old Trafford saying, “Three years of excuses and it's still crap... ta-ra Fergie” Photograph: Bob Thomas/Getty Images
Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 away in the FA Cup third round and go on to win the tournament, in a game that some claim saved Ferguson's United career Photograph: PA Archive
Ryan Giggs makes his league debut in a 2-0 defeat at home to Everton. The Welshman would go on to make over 600 league appearances at the club Photograph: Action Images
Eric Cantona signs from Leeds United for £1.2m Photograph: Action Images
Ferguson wins the first of his 12 Premier League titles at Manchester United, and the club's first league championship in 26 years Photograph: David Cannon/Getty Images
Receives the first ever Premier League Manager of the year award Photograph: Action Images
Ferguson wins his first League and Cup double in English football with a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup final Photograph: AP
Manchester United's talismanic striker Eric Cantona launces a kung-fu kick into the stands at Selhurst Park. He is suspended for eight months but Ferguson persuades the Frenchman to remain in English football Photograph: Action Images
Ferguson, to much criticism, allows Paul Ince, Mark Hughes and Andrei Kanchelskis to leave United. He shows faith in his new crop of youngsters, which included Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, above. To which Alan Hansen famously proclaimed - “You can't win anything with kids” Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images
Perhaps Ferguson's most famous 'mind games' inspire a now infamous rant from Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan. United go on to win the league on the last day of the season, and beat Liverpool in the FA Cup final Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
Cantona retires from football after Ferguson guides United to their fourth Premier League title in five seasons Photograph: PA Archive
Ferguson's greatest achievement, the unprecedented treble Photograph: PA Archive
Alex Ferguson becomes Sir Alex, as a working football manager is knighted for the first time Photograph: PA Archive
Jaap Stam is sold to Lazio after controversial claims in his autobiography that Ferguson had made an illegal approach for him three years earlier Photograph: Reuters
Sir Alex signs a contract extension, despite having claimed he would retire at the end of the season Photograph: Phil Noble/PA Archive
Ferguson's dressing room rage spills over following an FA Cup fifth round defeat to Arsenal, when David Beckham emerges from the dressing room with stitches over his eye Photograph: PA
In one of his most inspired pieces of transfer business, Ferguson signs Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon as Beckham's replacement Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
Ferguson begins legal proceedings in dispute with Manchester United shareholder John Magnier over ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
The Glazers take over Manchester United, but confirm that both Ferguson and chief executive David Gill will remain in their positions at Old Trafford. Photograph: John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images
Following a 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough, captain Roy Keane criticises several Manchester United players in an interview with MUTV. The Irishman would leave the club two weeks later Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Archive
Cristiano Ronaldo scores United's 2000th goal under Ferguson in a 3-0 win over Aston Villa Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA Archive
Ferguson wins his second Champions League versus Chelsea, a 6-5 penalty shootout win in Moscow Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
Breaks Sir Matt Busby's record becoming the longest serving manager in Manchester United's history Photograph: Man United/Royal Mail/Solent/Rex Features
Seals United's 19th title with a week to spare, breaking Liverpool's long-standing record Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Ferguson suffers his biggest defeat as Manchester United manager, a 6-1 reverse to arch rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years in charge Photograph: Gary M. Prior/Getty Images
Ferguson looks dejected after being beaten to the title on goal difference by Manchester City on the last day of the season Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ferguson celebrates winning United's 20th league title after beating Aston Villa 3-0 – making up for their narrow defeat the previous season Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
