ESPN Classic will broadcast a new series of special programmes paying tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson as he approaches his 25th anniversary in charge of Manchester United.
25 Years United will chronicle Ferguson’s long and illustrious reign at Old Trafford, with the help of classic archive clips and exclusive rare footage.
Starting on Monday 31st October, each episode of the five-part series will air throughout the week leading up to the 25th anniversary of Ferguson’s appointment as Manchester United manager on Sunday 6th November.
Since his appointment a quarter of a century ago, Ferguson has re-established Manchester United as the dominant force domestically and one of the leading clubs in Europe.
Each episode of series will air at 10pm each night, and focus on a specific phase of his career with The Red Devils:
Episode 1 | 1986-1993 – The Beginning Monday 31st OctoberThe series begins with the period between 1986 and 1993, charting Ferguson’s difficult early years at the club and his initial success.
He claimed his first European title as Manchester United manager (below) in 1991, after beating Barcelona in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.
The second episode covers 1993 to 1998, journeying through landmark moments such as his first league win and double triumphs.
Episode 3 | 1998-2001 – Time to Retire? Wednesday 2nd NovemberEpisode three covers 1998 to 2001, and the unforgettable treble-winning season in 1999, plus Sir Alex contemplating retirement before changing his mind and driving his team to even more glory.
The fourth instalment focuses on 2001 to 2011, when Ferguson built his third great Manchester United team, won his second Champions League and secured a record breaking 19th league title.
Episode 5 | The Greatest Manager of All Time? Friday 4th NovemberThe final episode asks where he stands in the pantheon of great managers.
25 Years United: Sir Alex Ferguson features interviews throughout with Ferguson’s colleagues, players and rival managers, including Howard Wilkinson, George Graham, his predecessor Ron Atkinson and former Manchester United stars Dion Dublin, Dwight Yorke and Arthur Albiston.
Selected quotes from the series:
“He was learning all the time… No matter how great you are there’s another little thing you’ve always got to learn and that was the thing with Alex – he was a good learner.”
George Graham – Ex-Arsenal and Tottenham manager, on Ferguson’s capacity for knowledge
“I am the reason why Manchester United won all those trophies, it’s down to me. I break my leg and Cantona takes the world by storm.”
Dion Dublin – Former Manchester United striker
“To see how he keeps going is just astonishing… The one question I should ask though is who motivates him? You know that he motivates everybody else but who actually motivates Sir Alex Ferguson?”
Dwight Yorke – Former Manchester United striker on Ferguson’s drive
“Those who he respects will be treated well. They may well not be treated how they like to be, it may not always be nice things, but if he thinks that the best way to solve a problem is to give someone the harsh truth, he will do.”
Howard Wilkinson – Former Leeds manager on Ferguson’s direct approach
25 Years United: Sir Alex Ferguson
Starts 31st October on ESPN Classic (Sky Channel 429 & Virgin Media Channel 533) WATCH TRAILER via ESPN website – CLICK HERE
