Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson visited dozens of stadiums around the world during his 27-year career at Old Trafford and was part of some of the most memorable games in the club’s history.
From the 1999 Champions League final in Munich to his final game in charge of the Red Devils – an entertaining 5-5 draw at West Bromwich Albion in 2013 – the legendary Scottish manager left a lasting mark on multiple grounds across both Europe and England.
However, while some venues – including Anfield and Hampden Park – were among his favourites, Ferguson also had a few grounds he didn't particularly like, and once blasted three English stadiums for having the worst dressing rooms in the Premier League, labelling one ‘even smaller’ than his office.
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Sir Alex Ferguson Slams Craven Cottage
‘The one at Fulham is smaller than my office’
Ferguson watching Rooney
Ferguson, speaking to Man United’s official magazine Inside United back in 2009, criticised Everton, Portsmouth and Fulham's stadiums for having three of the worst dressing rooms in the Premier League:
“With all the money in the Premier League, some grounds should be better.
“There should be a minimum standard of size of dressing room, especially now you have more players on your bench and an increased staff.
“You have requirements for stadiums to be eligible for certain divisions, so the quality of the dressing room should be part of that.
“Everton's are so narrow it is unbelievable. Portsmouth's away dressing room is not great and the one at Fulham is smaller than my office.
“Craven Cottage is a very traditional stadium and one of my favourite away grounds, but when you have 18 players stripping down, plus coaches, physios and kit men, it is ridiculous really.”
Ferguson was always vocal about facing Everton at Goodison Park during his time with Man United and once described the ground as a ‘nightmare’ to play at:
“It is always a nightmare going there and it wouldn’t matter whether it was Dixie Dean playing for us. The atmosphere is fantastic.”
The Scottish tactician’s last visit to Everton's home ground was also bitter, as the Red Devils lost 1-0 in 2012/13 to a side managed by David Moyes, who would go on to replace Ferguson at Old Trafford the following season.
At Craven Cottage, Ferguson lost only twice during his managerial career, although those defeats came back-to-back in 2009, with former England international Danny Murphy scoring in both games for Fulham.
Man United also suffered back-to-back league defeats at Portsmouth in 2004, and were once beaten in the FA Cup sixth round in the 2007/08 season at Fratton Park.
Sir Alex Ferguson's Man United Record (1986-2013)
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Points per game
Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and won every major domestic trophy during his time at Old Trafford, along with a host of European honours.
The Scottish tactician led Man United to 13 league titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions League trophies and a Club World Cup in 2008.
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Statistics courtesy ofTransfermarkt. Correct as of 14-05-25.