On this day: Ferguson takes charge of Man Utd

It is almost three decades since Sir Alex first took charge of the Red Devils, but the memory of his first game might not be so pleasant to look back upon for the Scot

On Friday it was 29 years since Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed Manchester United manager. 

The legendary figure won 38 trophies in his time at Old Trafford but could be forgiven for wanting to forget his maiden match in charge, played two days later.

It had been a miserable start to the season for United, who were 19th (of 22 teams) in the old First Division when they travelled to Oxford United on November 8th 1986.

Among the lesser-known names of players such as goalkeeper Chris Turner and Peter Davenport, stood the iconic Paul McGrath - a gifted defender whose off-field behaviour was said to have concerned Ferguson. 



Alongisde the Irishman were names more synonymous with United: Mike Duxbury, Arthur Albiston andClayton Blackmore, but they could do nothing to prevent a disappointing start to Ferguson's tenure.

Oxford, who had been flirting with relegation since arriving in the top flight in 1985, eventually succumbing in 1988, took an early lead after Kevin Moran conceded a penalty.

With the side 1-0 down at half-time even the famed Ferguson hairdryer couldn't inspire a comeback, despite Frank Stapleton hitting the bar not long after the break. 

Instead, Oxford doubled their lead with 10 minutes to go, handing Sir Alex a debut defeat at United.