Staff : Manager : Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager in British football history – winning 18 major trophies during his time in charge of the Reds. Yet despite almost two decades at the Old Trafford helm he remains focused on increasing that tally, bringing yet more silverware to Manchester United.

The Reds boss enjoyed a playing career north of the border that saw him take in spells with Queen's Park, St Johnstone, Dunfermline, Glasgow Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United. But it is not for his playing of the game that Sir Alex was to become a success.

Following a spell out of the game he moved into coaching, taking up the role of manager of East Stirlingshire, St Mirren then Aberdeen. It was his time at Pittodrie where he earned his reputation as a top coach. He broke the Glasgow dominance of Scottish football to lead Aberdeen to three Scottish titles, four Scottish cups, one League Cup and one European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Following the sacking of Ron Atkinson as manager of Manchester United, the Old Trafford hierarchy moved quickly for his services. They got their man on 6 November 1986.

Ferguson inherited a dispirited team of underachievers who had consistently, to their supporters’ discontent, failed to break Liverpool’s domination. Stuck in the bottom four of the Division One table, Ferguson immediately set about attempting to stave off the very real threat of relegation. Without resorting to the transfer market, he guided United up the table to and eleventh place finish.

By now it was clear to Ferguson that he faced a major job in turning the club around. United were an entertaining side but one that seemed unable to cope with the more physical aspects of League football. In his second season the Reds fared better finishing second behind Liverpool, but the position painted a false picture. The turning point came in the 1989/90 season.

Following a run of games in which the Reds were drawn away in every round, United picked up their first silverware of the Ferguson era. Lee Martin scoring the only goal in a final replay against Crystal Palace to in the FA Cup.

This first trophy opened the flood gates. The European Cup Winners’ Cup was won the following season in Rotterdam, Barcelona defeated 2-1 thanks to a brace from Mark Hughes. Then in 1991/02 the League Cup was added to United’s list of honours.

Sadly the title remained elusive. It was the Holy Grail to United fans, the 26 championships free years being exacerbated by Liverpool’s dominance of the domestic and European game.

In 1992/93 the long wait for the League championship came to an end. The Reds, inspired by £1m signing Eric Cantona, pipping Aston Villa in the final weeks of the season.

The shackles were broken: the double followed in 1993/94, the double-Double (with ‘kids’) in 1995/96, and another title in 1997. Finally United were matching off-field might with on-field success. Liverpool’s dominance was well and truly over.

Sir Alex’s greatest achievement came in 1998/99. No side before or since has achieved a treble haul of Premiership title, FA Cup and European Cup. On an unforgettable night in Barcelona his decision to throw on substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer assured history was made. The pair scoring injury-time goals to win the Champions League and complete the treble.

Ferguson was knighted following that success and some suggested he should retire, believing his desire would wane following the realisation of a dream. Not a bit of it. Another title followed in 1999/2000 and he made it three-in-row in 2000/01. His eighth Premiership duly arrived in 2002/03; his fourth FA Cup a year later came against Millwall in Cardiff.

The Reds had by now entered a period of rebuilding. The side of homegrown players he’d first put together in 1995/96 was now breaking up and he’d recruited new stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, brought in to spark a new era of success.

Sir Alex believes that the Carling Cup win of 2005/06 – where the Reds beat Wigan Athletic 4-0 - may well provide the catalyst for a new era of success. And whilst Chelsea may well be the dominant force in the transfer market, Sir remains as hungry
as ever for more silverware.

So hungry in fact, that he has put on hold plans for retirement and has set his sights on making Manchester United English football’s - and Europe’s - premier force again.


Nationality: Glasgow, Scotland
Manager From: 06 Nov 1986
Years as Manager: 21
Premier League Title 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003
FA Cup 1990, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
League Cup 1992, 2006
UEFA Champions League 1999
UEFA Super Cup 1992
UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1991
Inter-Continental Cup 1999
FA Charity / Community Shield 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003
Joint holders 1990

Staff : First team : Ben Foster

Ben Foster's arrival at Old Trafford was a whirlwind affair. The gifted goalkeeper was on loan at Wrexham when he caught the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson in the Football League Trophy final.

In Cardiff to watch his son Darren in action, the Gaffer noted Foster's fine performance, who kept a clean sheet as Wrexham won 2-0 after extra time.

Foster was scouted in the following three months, before being prised away from Stoke City - without ever playing for the Potters' first team - for an undisclosed fee in July 2005. He's never been one to stay in a place too long, with five loan spells in three years at the Britannia Stadium, and that precedent continued after his move to Old Trafford.

After just one and a half pre-season friendlies for United's Reserves, Ben was farmed out to Watford on a season-long loan. Although tipped by many for relegation, the Hornets had a stunning campaign - thanks in no small part to Foster's performances.

Aidy Boothroyd's side returned to the Premiership after beating Leeds in the final of the Championship Play-offs. For the second year in a row Foster kept a clean sheet at the Millennium Stadium as Watford won 3-0.

Just when it seemed his perfect season couldn't get any better, Foster was a shock call-up to the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad.

Although his presence wasn't required in Germany, his consideration for international football demonstrates what a fine prospect United have signed.

Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: 0
Goals: 0
Joined United: 19 Jul 2005
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
Previous Clubs: Stoke City
United Debut: On loan at Watford during 05/06
International England

Staff : First team : Tom Heaton

Chester-born goalkeeper Tom Heaton has been decorated at youth and Reserve level for United, but is yet to make his first team bow.

An excellent shot stopper and always in full command of his penalty area, Tom is a reliable solid goalkeeper who has always shown great promise.

Heaton signed professionally at Old Trafford on 8 July 2002 and quickly set about ascending through the club's ranks - notching 22 appearances for Francisco Filho's Under-17s side as they came second in their league.

Tom's debut season was capped by an FA Youth Cup winner's medal, although he was an unused substitute throughout the entire campaign with Luke Steele preferred in goal.

The 2003/04 season brought a similar climax, with Heaton on the bench as United romped to the Manchester Senior Cup final against Manchester City. Although he didn't appear in the win at Old Trafford, Tom had still made great progress throughout the season, notching 14 Under-19s appearances and eight Reserve starts.

Heaton stepped off the periphery of the second string during the 2004/05 season, however, and was first choice goalkeeper as Ricky Sbragia's side won the Quadruple. The demands of two leagues, two cup competitions and a play-off were huge, and Heaton made 36 appearances as United clinched everything except the Manchester Senior Cup.

The 2005/06 season saw Tom's progress somewhat impeded. Loan spells at Swindon and Antwerp failed to yield the desired amount of action and he is now back at Carrington.

Position: Goalkeeper

Staff : First team : Chris Eagles

With excellent dribbling skills, impressive control and a vicious shot, Chris Eagles is rightly held in high esteem by many at Old Trafford.

The young right-sided midfielder caught the eye of fans as soon as he was given his first taste of first team action - a 3-2 Carling Cup win at Leeds in 2003.

Eagles came on as a substitute for Kieran Richardson and left the home defence dazed whenever he received the ball, twisting them this way and that as he helped inspire United to an extra-time triumph.

With nine first team appearances under his belt, Chris is yet to make a telling impact on Sir Alex Ferguson's side, but has been an inspirational figure for United's Reserve team.

Regularly chipping in with goals as well as assists for others, Eagles played an important part in the second string's 2004/05 Quadruple campaign.

That season was punctuated by seven first team appearances - including starts against Dinamo Bucharest, Arsenal and Exeter - and a four month loan spell at Watford.

Chris returned to Vicarage Road for a second loan in January 2006 - after five productive months at Sheffield Wednesday - and helped guide the Hornets back to the Premiership via the play-offs.

To further his education, Eagles embarked on a four month loan at Dutch Eridivisie side NEC Nijmegen during the first half of the 2006/07 season, where he caught the eye in his sporadic appearances.

He returned to Old Trafford at the start of 2007, and continues to be an important figure in Brian McClair's Reserves.


Position: Winger
Appearances: 9
Goals: 0
Joined United: 08 Jul 2002
Transfer Fee: None
Previous Clubs: Man United
United Debut: 28 Oct 2003 v Leeds United (A)

Staff : First team : Craig Cathcart

Tall, good in the air and strong in the tackle, Craig Cathcart is a traditionally-styled centre-half, but he also possesses the ability and confidence to bring the ball out of defence.

The Belfast-born defender, who has played for Northern Ireland at youth level, was coveted by a number of clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Rangers and Manchester City.

He spent time at United’s School of Excellence in Belfast before - as a lifelong United fan – rejecting any other offers in favour of joining his boyhood club.

Cathcart was joint highest appearance-maker for the Academy Under-18s in 2005/06, starting 23 matches and appearing once as a substitute.

Craig captained the U18s during the 2006/07 season, and has regularly been called up to the Reserves to further his education.

Position: Defender

Staff : First team : Gerard Pique

Gerard Piqué arrived at United in the summer of 2004 with great promise and potential. Highly-regarded at his former hometown club Barcelona where he was nominated as the Catalonia Player of the Year, Piqué opted to relocate to Old Trafford in search of first team chances.

United’s coaches were so impressed with the way Piqué settled in that he was handed an earlier-than-expected senior debut as a substitute for John O’Shea during the Reds’ Carling Cup trip to Crewe. Piqué's 23-minute cameo in the 3-0 victory came barely a week after his first appearance for the Reserves. He looked instantly at ease alongside Wes Brown in the centre of defence, twice snuffing out the threat of then-Crewe striker Dean Ashton.

He made two further first team outings during the 2004/05 campaign, as a sub for Brown in the Reds’ 3-0 Champions League defeat away at Fenerbahce and as a starter in the goalless FA Cup stalemate against Exeter at Old Trafford. The young Catalan was also an integral part of the club’s quadruple-winning Reserve side, chipping in with two goals in 24 appearances. Piqué won yet more silverware in his second season at Old Trafford as he helped the Reserves claim the Treble. He was a regular fixture in Rene Meulensteen’s side, playing 26 times and firing two goals.

The Spanish defender made his Premiership debut at the Stadium of Light in October 2005 as United ran out 3-1 winners over Sunderland. He featured in six more league and Cup matches during the remainder of the 2005/06 season including an impressive display at right-back in his first Premiership start against West Ham at OT in March 2006.

Position: Defender
Appearances: 11
Goals: 0
Joined United: 01 Oct 2004
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
Previous Clubs: Barcelona
United Debut: 26 Oct 2004 v Crewe Alex (A)
International Spain

Staff : First team : Phil Bardsley

Tough-tackling Phil Bardsley is proud to fly the local flag in United's cosmopolitan squad. Born in Eccles and bred in Salford, not far from the football pitches at Littleton Road and The Cliff where United used to train.

His aspirations were fostered from an early age as he watched players like Bryan Robson and Roy Keane going through their paces. By the time Phil started his three-year scholarship in July 2001, the club had moved its training HQ to Carrington. There, all the scholars, not just the Salfordians, could be inspired by seeing the senior players at close quarters.

Bardsley completed his journey from the Salford playing fields to the senior United ranks with a League Cup trip to West Brom in December 2003. The Reds lost 2-0 but it was still a successful night on a personal level. Sir Alex described his performance at right-back as "outstanding." He can also play at centre-back, the position he occupied in his first season with United's youth team. In his second season, 2002/03, he helped the club to win the FA Youth Cup in a feat he described as "massive for a young footballer."

He is perhaps unfortunate to be competing with club skipper Gary Neville. However, a natural successor to the right-back berth, Phil seized his chance when Gary was injured in autumn 2005. He started the 2-1 home win over Benfica in September, then six of the seven matches in October. Bardsley spent the latter part of 2005/06 on loan to Burnley, his second spell away from the club following a stint with Royal Antwerp in 2003/04. He helped Burnley keep four clean sheets in six matches.

Position: Defender
Appearances: 17
Goals: 0
Joined United: 01 Jul 2001
Transfer Fee: None
Previous Clubs: None
United Debut: 03 Dec 2003 v West Brom (A)
International England

Staff : First team : Kieran Richardson

A cocksure, versatile go-getter with a sweet left foot, Kieran Richardson was a peripheral figure at OT until a loan move to West Brom in January 2005 changed his life.

He was crucial in West Brom's escape from relegation despite being bottom on the final day of the season – then scored twice on his England debut against the USA a fortnight later.

Born in London, Kieran began his career at West Ham before a move to United in 2001. He made his Reds debut in the Champions League two days after his 18th birthday in October 2002, and two weeks later scored his first goal on his home debut, a flying header against Leicester in the League Cup. Later that season he also notched in United's FA Youth Cup final win over Middlesbrough. But with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo ruling the roost on the flanks, Richardson had to add more strings to his bow to finally break through. His drive and passing allowed a move into central midfield – where he excelled with West Brom – while his energy and attacking ability mean he can also play at full-back in the Roberto Carlos mould.

Returning to Old Trafford in 2005/06, Richardson first made his mark at left-back, filling in for the injured

Gabby Heinze. He soon moved back into midfield, however, and eventually to his favoured position on the left of midfield. On the season's final day, he gave an outstanding display against Charlton, nearly breaking the crossbar with one 35-yard rocket, then getting on the scoresheet with a low effort from similar range. With tricks, pace and energy, he is an increasingly important squad member.

Position: Midfielder
Appearances: 78
Goals: 11
Joined United: 02 Jul 2001
Transfer Fee: None
Previous Clubs: None
United Debut: 23 Oct 2002 v Olympiakos (A)
International England

Staff : First Team : Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is a player in a hurry. He burst onto the Old Trafford stage in September 2004, just as he had burst into the Premiership with Everton, and has become arguably United’s most important player.

Much was expected of the England’s 18-year-old hero of Euro 2004 when he swapped Everton, his boyhood club, for the Reds in August of that year. Yet becoming the world’s most expensive teenager - £20m rising to a possible £30m – did little to phase him.

In his very first game at Old Trafford he produced a stunning display, putting behind him the frustrations of a metatarsal injury, to blast an unforgettable debut hat-trick past a shell-shocked Fenerbahce.

It was a fairytale start to his United career and very much a sign of what was to follow. By the end of the 2004/05 campaign he’d amassed 17 goals in 43 appearances. Sadly he missed out on his first winners medal – United losing on penalties to Arsenal in the FA Cup final – but was rightly named PFA Young Player of the Year.

Rooney’s second season at Old Trafford saw him again take huge strides, justifying his billing as one of the world’s most exciting young talents. He netted the Reds first goal of the season against Debreceni and ended the season with 19 goals in 48 matches. It was a contribution that saw him named both Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by fans and PFA Young Player of the year (again) by his fellow professionals.

With Sir Alex describing him as “the best young player I have seen in my time” the future of Wayne Rooney seems a bright one indeed.


Position: Striker
Appearances: 137
Goals: 57
Joined United: 31 Aug 2004
Transfer Fee: £30million
Previous Clubs: Everton
United Debut: 28 Sep 2004 v Fenerbahce (H)
International England

Staff : First Team : Cristiano Ronaldo

For the past three seasons Cristiano Ronaldo's array of dummies, flicks and step-overs – on both wings – have delighted United supporters and bamboozled defenders.

It was this trickery in one memorable display for Sporting Lisbon, in a pre season friendly against United, that led Sir Alex to sign the talented Madeiran for £12.24m in August 2003.

Upon his arrival he wasted little time in showing off his sublime skills. A stunning 30-minute cameo against Bolton at Old Trafford gave indication of what was to follow in a stunning first season.

After making 39 appearances and scoring 8 goals – including the opener in United’s FA Cup final victory over Millwall – he was named the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for 2003/04.

Despite impressing at Euro 2004 with Portugal, losing in the final to Greece, his second season never quite lived up to his first. But after rediscovering his form in the latter half of 2004/05, he ended the season with 50 appearances and 9 goals.

In 2005/06 Ronaldo again reserved his best form for the latter half of the campaign. He scored United’s goal of the season at Portsmouth, netted one of the Reds' four in the Carling Cup final and registered 12 goals in 47 games.

Ronaldo is steadily improving and at 21 is seen by Sir Alex as key to United’s future success.

Position: Winger
Appearances: 183
Goals: 48
Joined United: 12 Aug 2003
Transfer Fee: £12.24million
Previous Clubs: Sporting Lisbon
United Debut: 16 Aug 2003 v Bolton (H)
International Portugal

Staff : First Team : Wes Brown

After a career blighted by injuries, it’s amazing that Wes Brown has managed to develop into such an outstanding defender.

Two cases of damaged knee ligaments and a broken ankle have hampered the defender to the extent that he only passed the 200-appearance mark in January 2006, eight years after making his debut. However, the sporadic nature of his first-team outings have not masked his class. Tough-tackling, strong in the air and fast on the deck, Wes is exceptionally talented.

Brown signed as a trainee in July 1996 and signed as a professional four months later. In his first full
season he picked up the Denzil Haroun Young Player of the Year award. He soon earned a first-team debut against Leeds United on 4 May 1998, and a first start against Barnsley a week later. His performances in 1998/99 caught the eye, but knee ligament injuries ahead of the 1999/00 season and at the end of the 2002/03 campaign were bookends to a broken ankle in August 2002. Many players might have been demoralised by such wretched luck, but Brown’s grit saw him return in September 2003 and complete the rest of the 2003/04 season.

In 2005/06 he finally become a linchpin in the centre of defence. His no-nonsense style
perfectly complimented Rio Ferdinand’s more languid approach, providing a solid platform for United's backline. Brown's form looked set to catapult him back onto the international scene for the World Cup in Germany. Although heavily involved at U18 and U21 level, the defender’s senior involvement had been intermittent at best. Despite his fine form though, Wes was omitted from England’s squad.


Position: Defender
Appearances: 244
Goals: 2
Joined United: 08 Jul 1996
Transfer Fee: None
Previous Clubs: None
United Debut: 04 May 1998 v Leeds United (H)
International England

Staff : First Team : Gabriel Heinze

Gabriel Heinze is a winger's nightmare. Relentlessly determined and a ruthless hunter of possession, his characteristics have made him a firm fans' favourite at Old Trafford.

Born to a German father and Italian mother, it was little surprise Heinze left his native Argentina for Europe after just eight games with Newell’s Old Boys. The defender joined Real Valladolid in 1997, aged 19, before a loan move to Sporting Lisbon the following year. Another transfer saw Gabby join Paris St Germain, where he caught the eye of United’s scouts.

A £6.9million move to Old Trafford was tied up in June 2004,

but Argentina’s participation in the Olympic Games deprived Sir Alex of his new signing for a further three months. Complete with Olympic gold medal, Gabby scored on his debut against Bolton. But his tough-tackling style and infectious determination that won more plaudits than his goalscoring prowess. Heinze added bite to United's defence, and his fine first season earned him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.

Heinze was cruelly robbed of playing in an FA Cup final when a knee injury ruled him out of the defeat to Arsenal. However, that was nothing in comparison to the heartbreak he suffered just six games into the 2005/06 campaign. He damaged his knee ligaments against Villarreal, ensuring he played no further part in the season.

His determination brought about a remarkable recovery, returning for United's Reserves eight months later. Argentina coach Jose Pekerman named Heinze in his World Cup squad - the perfect reward for his hard work.

Rooney: It was tough

14/04/2007 20:06,
Report by Nick Coppack

Rooney: It was tough

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Wayne Rooney's performance against Watford was the striker's best of the season, but the Reds' No.8 refused to dwell on his own form in United's convincing 4-1 win.

Rooney struck twice to send the Reds to Wembley and proved too hot for the Hornets' defence to handle.

"It was a big game today and Watford made it tough for us," Rooney said. "We were looking to have a quick start and we managed that with the early goal [Rooney's first, on seven minutes]. I scored a few goals playing from out wide so I'm sure that's where I'll probably play in the next game."

The Reds scored 11 goals in just two games this week but Rooney was quick to point out Saturday's FA Cup victory wasn't as easy as it looked.

"They're a physical team and we knew at some point in the game we'd have to defend. I think up until 1-1 and just after half-time we had to battle and we did that well.

"Watford put us under pressure with some long balls and long throw-ins, so we were delighted to get the second goal and go into half-time 2-1 up. [My second goal] killed the game off. Alan Smith played a great ball into me and I couldn't miss from there."

Kieran Richardson's late strike sealed the win and booked United a spot at this season's FA Cup final.

"That's what you play for, to be in cup finals and to win trophies," Rooney, who was on the losing team when the Reds fell to Arsenal in 2005, said. "We're delighted we're into one cup final. Hopefully we can go far in the other competitions. We're scoring freely at the minute and we're looking to continue that."