Alex Ferguson- A Tale Of Impossible Comebacks.

6th November 1986.

A date that changed English League completely, surprisingly even the United fans didn't expect it to be a such a legendary date. 

On that day, the Mr Marvel was introduced, the little man top scoring in 65-66 season for Rangers and soon removing the 15 year old tradition by leading Aberdeen to Scottish Title.

This was the day Alex Ferguson was named as the next Manchester United manager.

Inconsistenties hampered the early title challenge yet there was no denying that there was progress.

Soon the time was running out for young Alex Ferguson and the match against Nottingham Forest couldn't come soon enough, an upset and United were through to finals where they took on mightier Crystal Palace and defeated them. 

It was the day Manchester United was reborn.

Speed forward to first season of Premier league, halfway through the season United lie 10th and make an impossible comeback to win the league ironically by 10 points.

Soon more comebacks prevailed as United won the league by coming back from 12 points Newcastle. Famous victory against Juventus and injury additional time comeback victory against Bayern Munich.

Subsequently he was knighted by Her Majesty in the year 1999.

Sir Alex retired in the year 2013 after leading United to 21st title.

Five years later the world was shocked to find that Sir Alex had received a brain haemorrhage surgery. 

The entire world poured their wishes  showcasing the influence he had over the world. 

The Red Devils’ great rivals, Liverpool, are among those to have paid tribute to the two-time Champions League winner and wish him well in his fight to regain his health.

In a statement posted on the club website, they said: “The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Sir Alex Ferguson and his family following the news that the former Manchester United manager is ill in hospital.

“A great rival but also a great friend who supported this club during its most difficult time, it is hoped that Sir Alex will make a full recovery.

“In the meantime, the club will offer its full support to Manchester United and also his family.”

David Beckham played a vital role in their first Champions League triumph and was brought through by Ferguson as part of the revered 'Class of '92' alongside Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

Beckham wrote on Instagram: "Keep fighting Boss. Sending prayers and love to Cathy [Ferguson's wife] and the whole family."

Wayne Rooney was signed by Ferguson from Everton a year after Beckham's departure and went on to become United's all-time leading scorer after the iconic manager's 2013 departure.

He said on his Twitter account: "Get well soon Boss. Thoughts with all the family at this sad time."

Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on his official Twitter account: "My thoughts and prayers are with you, my dear friend. Be strong, Boss!"

Perhaps Alex Ferguson's greatest rival Arsene Wenger said, “I was with him on the pitch last week, I went to see him in the box after the game on Sunday [against United],” 

“He looked in perfect shape. He told me he’s doing a lot of exercise, he looked very happy, but that kind of accident can happen.

“We wish him very well and that he recovers very, very quickly. He’s a strong man and an optimistic man.”

 Michael Carrick was brought to United by Ferguson in 2006, the midfielder going on to become the club's captain.

"I was devastated," the former England international told MUTV. "I got a text on Saturday evening and I couldn't quite believe it. It didn't really sink in. I was just devastated.

"It's one of them where you start hearing different things which is quite dangerous and quite disturbing. I just stayed calm and spoke to a few people at the club to get a bit of a rundown on how he was doing.

"The whole world showed their support and I was just concerned about him, as an ex-manager and a friend - as he was to everyone. It was the effect he had on everyone. He means a lot to me, as he does to this club.

"It was a tough night on Saturday and we were waiting for some positive news. We were all praying for him and thinking of him, [Ferguson's wife] Cathy and the family. It's a tough time for everyone but I'm thinking positive and hoping he will pull through

United changed the moment Ferguson stood down. To some it will never be the same. Time-served supporters lament the passing of a style of play and a cussedness that once ran through the dressing room. Staff, meanwhile, just miss the man they still call 'The Boss'.

Ferguson always thought he was right and could be dreadfully stubborn.

But this was part of the gift, part of the magic. There was rarely any doubt with his management and that ran to the soul of his teams, the great ones and the merely very good ones.

He faced every battle convinced he would win it. The world of football hopes that spirit can sustain him now.

Manchester United is Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Alex Ferguson, the impact he had on one of the greatest ever modern day football teams is unquestionable. 

Martin Keown the Arsenal legend says,

"He was Arsenal’s biggest adversary when we were battling Manchester United for Premier League titles. Never mind their great players such as David Beckham and Ryan Giggs — when you played United, it felt like you were taking on Ferguson himself.

Sir Alex was effectively their 12th man on the pitch."

Such is the magic of the little man that it's just feels like the old golden days when opposition is leading and Sir Alex is looking at his watch waiting for that moment to switch on the United way and there's another comeback enroute our dear Stretford End.

I wish Sir Alex a quick recovery and wish him the best for the future.

Anurag Patwardhan 

(MUFC Fans Universe)