Alex Ferguson announced he was joining Manchester United after eight trophy-laden years at Aberdeen, shocking fans who had seen him lead the Dons to three league titles, four Scottish Cups, the Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. One fan told BBC Scotland News at the time: "I think he's making the wrong move, I think he will regret it." Roddy Forsyth broke the story on 6 November 1986, tracking Ferguson and United chairman Martin Edwards down in an Aberdeen airport hotel. Over champagne, Ferguson confirmed the move, telling Forsyth: "yes" when asked if he was the new manager.
Ferguson went on to become one of the most successful football managers in history, winning 38 trophies during a 26-year tenure at Old Trafford. On the 40th anniversary, fans reflected on the departure. Ian Donald, the club's vice-chairman, called it a "shattering blow" that happened "overnight." Today, fans like Sandy Smith, 72, are more measured, saying: "It was totally gutting...
After all he did for the club, I was gutted." While some missed the manager, others noted his early struggles at United before he succeeded.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing