How Alex Ferguson created a Manchester United dynasty

16 May 2011 00:19
ShareManchester United won their 19th league title on Saturday, 12 of which have been achieved under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson. Sportsmail looks at how United achieved the feat and how Fergie's dynasty was forged.[LNB] Mastermind: Sir Alex Ferguson has guided Man United's to 12 league titles[LNB]UNITED'S MEDAL WINNERS:1992/93........16 1993/94.........141995/96........16 1996/97.........181998/99........18 1999/00.........172000/01........20 2002/03.........182006/07........19 2007/08.........182008/09........19 2010/11.........22[LNB]IT'S A SQUAD GAMESir Alex Ferguson has 22 players who will receive Barclays Premier League medals for playing at least 10 times this season. It is the highest number of medal winners in Ferguson's time at United.[LNB]That means Ferguson's current first choice XI (Van der Sar; Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park; Hernandez, Rooney) have played fewer total minutes than his rivals' sides...[LNB]PLAYING MINUTES OF STARTING XI:Manchester United    20,524 Chelsea                       29,231         Manchester City         26,543   Arsenal                        25,338[LNB]UNITED'S TITLE-WINNING MANAGERSErnest Mangnall (1908, 1911); Sir Matt Busby (1952, 1956, 1957, 1965, 1967); Sir Alex Ferguson (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)[LNB]STRANGE BUT TRUEUnited's strongest XI doesn't include the Premier League's top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov (21), or itstop provider of assists, Nani (18).[LNB] MOST HOME POINTS BY CHAMPIONS:2005-06.... Chelsea.....................551994-95*... Blackburn..................532010-11.... Manchester United....52(*42 games played)[LNB]FORTRESS OLD TRAFFORDUnited have collected 52 points at home, with a draw against West Bromwich Albion the only matchthey haven't won. That tally alone would put them seventh in the league. If they beat Blackpool in the final game, it will equal Chelsea's record home total from the 2005-06 season. [LNB]No opposition player has scored a first-half goal at Old Trafford in the league since Joe Cole did so for Chelsea in April 2010.[LNB]TRAVEL SICKNESSTheir home form has contrasted their woeful away form, with United picking up only five wins and 25points on the road. As a result, they have the biggest difference between home and away points of any champions since the Premier League began.[LNB] MAN UTD AVERAGE AGE:1992-3.........25.9  1995-6 .......26.31998-9 ....... 27.4  2002-3 ..........272007-8........ 27.5  2010-11 ........29[LNB]OLDER AND WISERThe average age of Fergie's preferred starting side this season is 29, making this year's Old Traffordvintage the oldest of his 12 title-winning teams - including the two Champions League-winning sidesand, of course, the Alan Hansen-labelled 'kids' of 1996.[LNB] New kids on the block: Man United won the double in 1996[LNB]SIX STEPS TO FORGING A DYNASTY1989 - Alex Ferguson is still hunting his first league title and decides things need to change. Out gofavourites Paul McGrath, Norman Whiteside, Gordon Strachan and Jesper Olsen. A revolution takes shape.[LNB]1992 - He had a trial at Sheffield Wednesday and a year at Leeds but it is Ferguson's decision to sign Eric Cantona that finally brings the title to Old Trafford.[LNB]1996 - Ferguson proves Alan Hansen wrong by winning the title with a squad of 'kids' with anaverage age of 24. Six regulars are under 21. A dynasty is set in place.[LNB] Genius: Ferguson signed Eric Cantona in 1992[LNB]2002 - The United manager has already told the world he will retire at the end of the season. His wife Cathy talks him out of it. He has won 11 major trophies since.[LNB]2003 - Few have heard of Cristiano Ronaldo when he embarrasses United's defenders in a pre-season game in Lisbon. Two weeks later United pay ?12m for him and a world star is born.[LNB]2006 - Ferguson rarely does business in January but this is the month he signs centre back NemanjaVidic and full back Patrice Evra. Two of the best defenders ever to play for the club have arrived.[LNB] Captain marvel: Nemanja Vidic signed in January 2006[LNB]P.S.It wasn't all smiles in the Ferguson family as Peterborough - managed by Sir Alex's son Darren -were beaten 3-2 by MK Dons in their League One play-off semi-final first leg. [LNB]Sir Alex watched on in anguish from the stands as his son's side conceded three goals in nine minutes after taking a 1-0 lead. [LNB]Grant McCann hit a late penalty to set up a mouth-watering second leg at London Road on Thursday night.[LNB]The final is at Old Trafford - where Darren used to play for his Dad's team - on May 29.[LNB] Written off by many, but they're kings of English football yet again... Just how do Manchester United do it?That night at Blackpool... I just knew United were heading for 19th titleBlackburn 1 Man Utd 1: Rooney holds his nerve to seal record 19th titleAll the latest Man United news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Matt Busby, Gordon Strachan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Dimitar Berbatov, Patrice Evra, Joe Cole, Nani Places: Leeds, Lisbon

Source: Daily_Mail