Managers Who Finished Above Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United

Introduction

Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history. However, even the best face challenges and setbacks. In this article, we will explore the managers who managed to finish above Ferguson's Manchester United during his tenure in the Premier League era.

Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish, the former Liverpool manager, achieved league finishes ahead of Ferguson's United before the Premier League era. Notably, Liverpool won the title in 1987-88 and 1989-90 under Dalglish's leadership. Additionally, Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers team broke United's stranglehold on the Premier League by winning the title in 1994-95.

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger, the legendary Arsenal manager, became the second longest-serving manager in the Premier League era after Ferguson. Wenger's Arsenal team had a fierce rivalry with Ferguson's United, with Arsenal finishing ahead of United in the 1997-98 and 2001-02 seasons. Arsenal's greatest achievement under Wenger was the unbeaten season in 2003-04.

Gerard Houllier

Gerard Houllier, the former Liverpool manager, holds the unique distinction of being the only Liverpool manager to finish ahead of Manchester United during Ferguson's tenure. In the 2001-02 season, Liverpool finished as runners-up to Arsenal, ahead of United. This marked the first time United finished outside the top two in the Premier League era.

Claudio Ranieri

Claudio Ranieri, the Italian manager, led his team to finish ahead of Ferguson's Manchester United in the 2003-04 season. Ranieri's Chelsea team finished as runners-up to Arsenal, but their performance signaled the rise of Chelsea as a force to be reckoned with.

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho, the Portuguese tactician, had a memorable rivalry with Ferguson. Mourinho's Chelsea team finished ahead of United in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, winning back-to-back Premier League titles. Mourinho is one of only four managers to finish ahead of Ferguson and also holds the distinction of finishing ahead of Pep Guardiola.

Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, the former Chelsea manager, had a great rivalry with Ferguson's United during his time at Stamford Bridge. In the 2009-10 season, Ancelotti's Chelsea team won the title, finishing just one point ahead of United. Ancelotti praised Ferguson's coaching abilities and his understanding of the game.

Roberto Mancini

Roberto Mancini, the Italian manager, achieved a historic feat by finishing above Ferguson's United in the 2011-12 season with Manchester City. City won their first-ever Premier League title on goal difference in a dramatic final day of the season. However, Ferguson led United back to the top the following year.

Conclusion

Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Manchester United was marked by unparalleled success. However, several managers managed to finish above his team during the Premier League era. Kenny Dalglish, Arsene Wenger, Gerard Houllier, Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Roberto Mancini all achieved this feat. Their accomplishments highlight the competitiveness and quality of the Premier League during Ferguson's tenure.