Manchester United are going through a difficult spell, but this weekend the club looked back on the era of their greatest triumphs. A private gala dinner was held at Old Trafford to mark 40 years since Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed manager.
Around 100 guests attended, including former players, club staff and colleagues of the Scottish manager. Ferguson took charge of United on 6 November 1986, replacing Ron Atkinson after joining from Aberdeen. His first years were difficult: he did not win his first trophy with the club, the FA Cup, until 1990, and in 1993 he led United to their first league title in 26 years.
During more than 26 years in charge of Manchester United, Ferguson won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League titles. The historic treble in the 1998/99 season was one of the defining achievements of his tenure.
The anniversary dinner brought together many of those who contributed to those triumphs. Former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar shared a commemorative photograph showing him at the same table as Sir Alex, John O’Shea, Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Robin van Persie, Darren Fletcher, Jonny Evans and Javier Hernandez.
Brothers Gary and Phil Neville missed the event because they were filming together for television in the United States. Several other well-known figures from past United teams were also absent.
Ferguson is not involved in the day-to-day life of the club but continues to follow the team's performances closely. He was in the stands last Tuesday for the comeback win over Roma. His official role as a club ambassador ended last year after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to stop payments for the position.
