Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had a knack for getting the best out of players regardless of their position.
Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United in 2013 as the most successful British manager of all time.
In his 26 years as United boss, Ferguson won 38 trophies, including two Champions League titles.
Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson perfectly captures the ethos of believing in youngsters 🔥👏
Giving young people an opportunity is a fantastic thing and they very seldom let you down. These lads never let me down when they put that jersey on.
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking at the opening of Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium in 2017
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However, Ferguson wished for more European success at United and was left “distraught” when the Red Devils were knocked out of the competition controversially in 2013.
But some of Ferguson’s best moments as a manager also came in Europe, including an incredible feat in 2009 when United won against Wolfsburg without a single centre-back.
Manchester United v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League
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Man United beat Wolfsburg with only one defender
Exactly 16 years ago to the day, United picked up a 3-1 win away at Wolfsburg in the Champions League.
Ferguson’s side had already qualified for the knockout stages of the 2009/10 Champions League when they travelled to Germany, and the line-up named by the Scot certainly raised eyebrows.
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Sir Alex Ferguson won 3-1 with only one defender against Wolfsburg in 2009! Do you remember who scored for Man United? đź‘€
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United’s back four on the day only had one natural defender – Patrice Evra. Midfield duo Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were tasked with playing as centre-backs, while Ji-Sung Park filled in at right-back.
Despite Ferguson’s make-shift defence, United left Germany with a 3-1 win and an impressive three points.
Man United’s Champions League run in 2009/10
United’s win over Wolfsburg rounded out the group stage, with Ferguson’s side topping Group B in the tournament.
In the round of 16, United were drawn against Italian giants AC Milan, which meant David Beckham would face his former side for the first time since leaving in 2003.
READ MORE: 2009/10 Manchester United season, final position, top scorer, memorable matches
Beckham started in the first leg, but United took a 3-2 advantage back to Old Trafford. In the second leg, Wayne Rooney stole the show with two goals as United ran riot in a 4-0 win.
However, United’s Champions League dreams came crashing to an end in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. United lost 2-1 in Munich and won 3-2 at Old Trafford, meaning the German side progressed because of away goals scored.
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