Sir Alex Ferguson experienced a fair few embarrassing afternoons but the humiliations have really ramped up for Man Utd since his retirement. This is laughable. Tottenham 4 Man Utd 1 (January 1, 1996) The William Prunier game , in which he was far less culpable than Paul Parker, either Neville brother or Kevin Pilkington for a chastening defeat to a Chris Armstrong-inspired Spurs.
It was nevertheless the French centre-half’s second and final appearance for Man Utd as he declined an extension to his trial period. Teddy Sheringham and Sol Campbell also netted, both showing the requisite talent of future Champions League final goalscorers. What happened next : A 12-game unbeaten run which obliterated Newcastle’s 12-point lead at the summit en route to title number three.
Newcastle 5 Man Utd 0 (October 20, 1996) The Philippe Albert game, in which he reminded Peter Schmeichel of the perennial dangers of trying to make yourself look big. The Belgian’s chip made him the fifth different scorer in a true humbling of the unbeaten champions, following Darren Peacock, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer. Sir Alex Ferguson blamed it on a “mentally and physically exhausting” trip to Turkey for a Champions League tie; Man Utd had at least beaten Fenerbahce four days prior.
What happened next : Well...
Southampton 6 Man Utd 3 (October 26, 1996) Not the grey kit game, despite the fairly common misconception. That came six months before in a 3-1 defeat but there were no poss.
