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On This Day in Football: Oxford United spoil Fergie’s party

On this day in 1986, Sir Alex Ferguson took charge of Manchester United for the first time as manager in a First Division clash against minnows Oxford United.

Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson at Old Trafford and was officially unveiled as United boss only two days ago. The United hierarchy had identified the Glaswegian to revive the club’s fortunes after a disappointing start to the season. Ferguson had already made a name for himself in the world of football after breaking the Old Firm duopoly in Scotland with Aberdeen. Under his tutelage, Aberdeen went on to win three league titles; an unprecedented achievement considering how dominant Celtic and Rangers were.