Sir Alex Ferguson’s first line-up as Man Utd manager in 1986

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Sir Alex Ferguson’s first game as Manchester United manager. The Reds fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Oxford United.

It was the start of one of Manchester United’s greatest stories. Sir Alex Ferguson was appointed manager two days before his first match, which ended in defeat. Still, that didn’t stop the Scot from building one of the most successful dynasties in football history.

United suffered a 2-0 defeat against Oxford United at the Manor Ground in front of 13,545 spectators. The goals were scored by John Aldridge, who would go on to play for Liverpool, and Neil Slatter.

Sitting in the relegation zone at the time, Ferguson quickly identified the need to change the culture at United if he was to take the club back to the top by becoming the club’s third manager to win a top division league title.

Man Utd XI from Alex Ferguson’s first match against Oxford United in 1986

This week we celebrated the 40th anniversary of Ferguson’s appointment at United. Now, a few days on, we’re looking back at his first match in charge. Rather than reflect on the poor result against Oxford United, here’s a look back at Ferguson’s starting line-up that day.

Chris Turner: Ron Atkinson signed Turner from Sunderland in July 1985 for £275,000 to challenge Gary Bailey. He left United at the end of Ferguson’s full season after making 79 appearances, only to return to his boyhood club, Sheffield Wednesday. He was part of the squad that beat Ferguson’s United side in the 1991 League Cup final.

Graeme Hogg: After graduating from United’s academy in 1984, Graeme Hogg went on to make 83 appearances for the first team before being sold to Portsmouth in 1988. He never cemented his place in the team because of Paul McGrath and Kevin Moran.

Paul McGrath: Arguably one of Atkinson’s best players. So good that he signed him again for Aston Villa. An incredible centre-back, but he had issues that went against Ferguson’s cultural change at the club, as well as terrible luck with injuries. He won the FA Cup in 1985.

Kevin Moran: The Republic of Ireland centre-back spent 10 years at Old Trafford, winning two FA Cups and becoming the first player sent off in an FA Cup final. He made 231 league appearances and scored 21 goals. Ferguson released him on a free transfer in 1988.

Mike Duxbury: A versatile full-back who joined United as a schoolboy in 1975. He made his debut five years later, replacing Moran as a substitute in a scoreless draw at Birmingham City. He played at right-back, left-back and in midfield and made 266 appearances for the club. Duxbury won the FA Cup twice in 1983 and 1985.

Arthur Albiston: Scotland international who made a total of 485 appearances for United. He was part of three FA Cup-winning teams: 1977, 1983, and 1985. He left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 1988 and signed for former manager Atkinson at West Brom.

Remi Moses: A combative midfielder who played for United between 1981 and 1989. Sadly, injuries forced Moses to retire at the age of 28. Atkinson had him during his initial spell at West Brom before taking him to United, where he made 257 appearances, including 213 in the league.

Clayton Blackmore: The former Wales international spent 12 years at United, winning an FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the Premier League. He left in 1994 and joined Middlesbrough.

Peter Barnes: A pacy winger better known for his time at Man City. He made 20 appearances for United before returning to City. Barnes played for 25 clubs in eight different countries.

Frank Stapleton: An Irish centre forward who scored 78 goals in 288 appearances for United. He joined from Arsenal in 1981 and left six years later. Stapleton won the FA Cup twice at United before being sold to Ajax.

Peter Davenport: After making his name under Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest, Davenport joined United in March 1986. He made 106 appearances and scored 26 goals before leaving Old Trafford to sign for Middlesbrough in 1988.