The man who saved Sir Alex Ferguson from the sack

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of the most successful managers of all time, one who managed to create a football superpower from dust.

Every football fan knows how important he was for United and he had a key role in English football success. However, none of this would have happened if it wasn’t for a striker who saved Ferguson’s career in 1990.

It was January 7th, 1990 and United were under pressure as poor performances from the squad had led to them being in 15th place in the league table and they’d just suffered an early exit in the League Cup. After a Tottenham 3-0 win, the board gave a last chance to Ferguson to win or he’d be sacked.

United were drawn against Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup tie. A do-or-die match for Sir Alex against a tough opponent.

The first half ended 0-0, with the Red Devils looking unable to score a goal and secure Fergunson’s job. He had accepted his destiny. Until, after a weird pass, Mark Robins scored with a beatiful header. Forest scored, but in extra-time, Robins scored another to lead his side to victory.

He said a few years later that he never realised how important his goal was - no player knew that this match would judge Ferguson's fate.

The following year, Robins joined Norwich and, after many years, became a manager. Ferguson didn’t count on him as a part of the team that would later become a superpower. He wasn’t angry about that. Robins’ only grievance is that Ferguson never thanked him for saving his career.

We're sure that today’s United fans recognise his importance though! - Read Sport