“Last-minute goals encapsulate my history at United,” said Ferguson in 2014. “I love them. I could talk about them all 🌧️ the time.” He loved them for their euphoric impact – “the electricity in the dressing-room is unbelievable” – and what 🌧️ they signified. Ferguson aimed to build teams in his own image, and nothing reflected his character like the furious refusal 🌧️ to acknowledge the concept of defeat.

Take almost any of Ferguson’s triumphs at United, from the 1990 FA Cup final to 🌧️ the valedictory Premier League title in 2012-13, and you’ll find comebacks and late goals that either saved or won a 🌧️ match. On the biggest night of his career, they did both.

1. Eyeing up Everest

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates after Manchester United 🌧️ beat Juventus in the semi-finals Image credit: Getty Images

Nothing put fire in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson like European 🌧️ football. He was obsessed with it for umpteen reasons; three in particular. It awakened the small boy in him, the 🌧️ one who sneaked into Hampden Park to watch Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in the 1960 final. It brought 🌧️ a glamour and prestige that even 13 domestic titles could not provide. And it was the acid test of his 🌧️ intelligence, tactical awareness and man-management ability. Ferguson resented the cultural cringe that has been a part of English football throughout 🌧️ the Premier League era, and raged against the idea that European football was intrinsically superior.