Abstract

This case discusses the leadership qualities of Sir Alex Ferguson (Ferguson), manager of Manchester United Football Club (MUFC). The case discusses his career as a player and manager with different football clubs, detailing his 25-year tenure at MUFC. It also discusses some of the leadership qualities of Ferguson and his role in changing the fortunes of the clubs he managed. The case details some of the hallmarks of Ferguson’s leadership and explains how he motivated the team members, how he maintained discipline in the team, how he provided the required support to the players, how he reared young players and turned them into stars, and how his decisions helped the team at several crucial junctures. The case concludes with a discussion on Ferguson’s leadership style.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Study Ferguson’s leadership and management style
• Examine the role played by Ferguson in the success of MUFC
• Understand the role of a leader in creating winning teams
• Evaluate the importance of leadership and role of a leader in the area of sports
• Study Ferguson’s style, system, and management and how these have contributed to the success of Manchester United.

Keywords

Manchester United Football Club, Alex Ferguson, MUFC, Premier League, First Division, UEFA Champions League, Aberdeen Football Club, Matt Busby, Relegation zone, Leadership style, Training programs, MUFC Youth program, Double, Treble, Hair dryer treatment