United 'got lucky' with Fergie

Ferguson marks 25 years in the post this weekend and has become a legendary figure due to the phenomenal success he has achieved at Old Trafford, winning 37 trophies.

While many supporters are too young to remember a time when Ferguson was not in charge of the Red Devils, it is an appointment that could have easily never happened.

Martin Edwards was the chairman in 1986 and formed the United board along with Maurice Watkins, Mike Edelson and Sir Bobby Charlton.

They were tasked with the job of finding a replacement for Ron Atkinson and narrowed their search down to a choice between Ferguson and Venables, who had been doing well at Barcelona.

The decision was made to go with Ferguson from Aberdeen and they could never have imagined the results that have followed.

"Martin said it was time to make a change and we thought about who there was and there were really only two names. Ferguson or Venables," Edelson recalled in an interview with all four men in the Daily Mail.

"Alex because of what he'd done at Aberdeen and Venables because he'd guided Barcelona to the European Cup final a few months earlier, having won the Spanish league the previous season."

Edwards continued: "I think we knew, even then, that Alex was the one. We didn't spend too long thinking about Venables to be honest.

"Alex had broken the Old Firm dominance in Scotland and he'd beaten Real Madrid to win the Cup Winners' Cup. And we'd met him and liked him, when we were signing Gordon Strachan."

Charlton also reflected on his feelings of anxiety prior to confirming Ferguson as Atkinson's successor on 6th November, 1986.

"I think it's the luckiest decision the club has ever made. Martin had appointed a manager before but it was the first time for the rest of us," said Charlton.

England approach

"I take pleasure from some of the signings we made. Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel. Players who had such a big impact at the club. But obviously Alex is the one."
Former Man Utd chairman Martin Edwards Quotes of the week

"I felt that sense of responsibility and I had sleepless nights about it after we had made the decision to recruit Alex.

"We knew of him but we didn't really know him. We had no idea he would be as successful as he has been."

Edwards added: "We all look very clever now but we couldn't possibly imagine what has followed. 37 trophies, 25 years, 12 Premier League titles in 19 years. It's just incredible.

"I take pleasure from some of the signings we made. Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel. Players who had such a big impact at the club. But obviously Alex is the one."

Ferguson's record has attracted attention from elsewhere and Edwards admits England were interested in naming him as boss at one stage.

Edwards said: "I think Alex has always felt he already has the top job.

"Over the years there have been offers. We know that. I know England approached him once.

"I think Jimmy Armfield might have been sent to speak to him. That's what I understand anyway."