Sporting Giants

How did Ferguson rise to the challenge of Manchester City to bow out of United on a high? Key players Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand recall Ferguson’s final season as a Robin Van Persie-inspired United re-capture the league title from City. Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft assess where Fergie ranks among the pantheon of great football managers and whether his methods could still bring success today.

Ferguson sees off the challenge of Jose Mourinho and inspires United to another Champions League success in Moscow. Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft hear from Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Quieroz and Wayne Rooney on how Ferguson drew on the spirit of Sir Matt Busby to overcome Chelsea on penalties in 2008. With Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to the fore, Ferguson has taken United back to the summit of European football - but a new challenge awaits right on their doorstep.

From the infamous 'hairdryer' to managerial mind games, hear stories of why Ferguson was the ultimate boss. Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft explore how Fergie controlled his players, rival managers, referees and the media in the relentless pursuit of success. With Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal emerging as a rival to be reckoned with, Ferguson had to draw on all his experience to keep United at the top of their games, even if that meant dispensing with star names like David Beckham.

How Sir Alex Ferguson turned a talented crop of young players into an unstoppable force in England and, ultimately, Europe. Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft trace how Ferguson’s faith in youth was integral to his success in Scotland and England. After establishing themselves as the dominant force in English football, we hear how Ferguson overcame early setbacks in Europe to land an unprecedented treble in 1999. It’s all told via the memories of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Nicky Butt and iconic goalscorer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Inside the Manchester United dressing-room as Alex Ferguson recovers from the brink of the sack to bring trophies back to the club. Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft explain how Ferguson ruthlessly cleared out United heroes like Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside to build a team in his image. We hear from key players like Steve Bruce, Dennis Irwin and Gary Pallister as Ferguson ends United’s 26-year-wait for a top-flight title to lay the foundations for an era of total dominance.