8. The First Trophy (1989/90)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkrTEYSTLQs Its hard to believe, but once upon a time there was a period when Sir Alex was a hate figure amongst elements of the United faithful, who voiced displeasure at his continued employment. Having finished eleventh in the league in 1988/89, it was heavily rumoured that the Scotsman would be sacked after his team finished thirteenth the following season. Sir Alex seemingly had one chance to save himself from a trip to the job centre, as his team had managed to reach the FA Cup final. Up against a Crystal Palace side led by the formidable forward partnership of Ian Wright and Mark Bright, United drew 3-3 before winning a replay 1-0 (penalty shootouts were not yet implemented as a way of deciding games that were still even after extra time). It had taken four years, but Sir Alex delivered on his promise to bring silverware to Old Trafford once more. As he followed the triumph with the acquisition of at least one trophy in all but two of the next twenty three seasons, nobody ever speculated on him being sacked again.