On his second anniversary in charge of Manchester United, Alex Ferguson didn't have celebrations on his mind. He was embroiled in media controversy following a League Cup defeat to Wimbledon, after which he'd witnessed an altercation between John Fashanu and Viv Anderson. This was early days Ferguson, long before the success. It's a compelling look into the psyche of a man knee deep in wrestling with transition at football's biggest club, and getting used to the spotlight that came with it.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

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Welcome to a very special edition of the United Unheard podcast. This one focuses on the events of forty years ago today exactly, when Alex Ferguson was appointed manager of Manchester United, and follows him during his first fortnight as United played Oxford United, Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers.

You'll hear the voices of Ferguson himself, the outgoing Ron Atkinson, Martin Edwards, Archie Knox, and others.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

If you've enjoyed this podcast, you'll love the new book Fergie : The Lost Tapes. Order now in hardback, ebook and audiobook. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fergie-Manchester-Uniteds-Greatest-Retold/dp/1399420399/

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This is a special episode of United Unheard to look back at the events of forty years ago today, when United lost 4-1 at Southampton, setting in motion of a chain of events which would transform the club's history. Ron Atkinson was duly sacked, and a historic appointment followed - this episode looks at the events of November 4th and 5th, as Atkinson faced the press after the defeat at the Dell and after receiving the unfortunate news of his dismissal - and the man who expected to take charge of the trip to Oxford.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Manchester United commence the long goodbye to Old Trafford, we look back to the moment which signalled the development of it into the recognisable behemoth it became in the 1990s - the closure of the Stretford end.

Former chairman Martin Edwards looks back at a couple of iconic Alex Ferguson statements about the ground and discusses how much the ground means to him.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United broke their transfer record to sign Andy Cole in January 1995. Here Cole, his agent Paul Stretford, and Alex Ferguson all discuss the shock move on the day Cole arrives at Old Trafford.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football media is big business now. Particularly and notably, the business of monetizing hysterical and angry reactions and giving them big audiences. It may contribute to an unstable environment for the club, but if there's money to be had, even club legends will take part. It wasn't always like that. In the year 2000, as United sought to defend the European Cup, the biggest of legends - Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Nobby Stiles - all spoke glowingly about the current team.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2001, Manchester United were linked with the signing of West Ham star Paolo Di Canio. The Hammers were open to it. The player wasn't. Why? Well here it is from the horse's mouth, where he gives an impassioned defence of his decision.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1990, Alex Ferguson was under such pressure that it was speculated he may be sacked if the team lost in the FA Cup to Nottingham Forest. They won, of course. But the team remained in poor form in the league, and, for a spell, the topic of relegation was one the club had to seriously confront.

United Unheard delves into the archive of Tom Tyrrell, presented by Wayne Barton, to reveal more.

If you enjoy Manchester United history beyond the headlines, subscribe to United Unheard for conversations that uncover the untold stories and forgotten moments that shaped the club.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.