**Ferguson to Ten Hag: A Look at Manchester United's New Managers on Their Debut**
The history of Manchester United's managerial changes reveals that first impressions can often be deceiving.
When Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of the team, he faced a challenging start just two days after leaving Aberdeen. His debut match featured a lineup that included players like Paul McGrath, Jesper Olsen, Peter Davenport, Graeme Hogg, and Clayton Blackmore. Unfortunately, the team suffered a defeat, conceding a penalty to John Aldridge in the 16th minute and a late goal from Neil Slatter in the 89th minute. Reflecting on the experience, Ferguson noted the overwhelming media presence and the pressure on his players, who were understandably anxious to perform well.
Despite this rocky beginning, Ferguson would go on to achieve remarkable success, culminating in his first trophy with the club—a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup final replay, although Blackmore remained an unused substitute in that match. Over the next 26 years, Ferguson established himself as one of the greatest managers in football history, ultimately earning a knighthood for his contributions to the sport.
As we look at the debuts of subsequent managers at Old Trafford, it becomes clear that initial setbacks do not always predict long-term outcomes.