A new two-part documentary about Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer this Boxing Day.
- The documentary will be available in two episodes, sharing Ferguson’s remarkable career and life story.
- Additional access comes via a six-part podcast series titled ‘Sporting Giants: Sir Alex Ferguson,’ featuring personal insights.
- Former players and rivals provide firsthand accounts of their experiences with Ferguson, highlighting his influential career.
- Ferguson’s story delves into his early life, career beginnings, and legendary achievements in British football.
A new documentary focusing on Sir Alex Ferguson, the celebrated Manchester United manager, will be available for viewing on BBC iPlayer starting this Boxing Day. This two-part series offers an in-depth look at Ferguson’s illustrious career. It will also be broadcast on BBC Scotland and later on BBC One at the beginning of 2025. With Ferguson being the most decorated football manager in British history, this series is highly anticipated among football fans.
In addition to the documentary, a six-part podcast series, ‘Sporting Giants: Sir Alex Ferguson,’ will be accessible on BBC Sounds starting December 26. The podcast series, narrated by Kelly Cates and Jonathan Northcroft, will further explore Ferguson’s journey, providing deeper insights into his influence and the principles that guided his storied career. Listeners can tune in via BBC Radio 5 Live, with a special bonus episode airing on January 3.
The documentary features testimonials from renowned players such as Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, offering a detailed narrative of what it was like to play under Ferguson’s stewardship. These accounts shed light on Ferguson’s formidable managerial skills and his ability to cultivate talent, which enabled him to build a footballing dynasty around figures like David Beckham and Paul Scholes, culminating in Manchester United’s 1999 triumph as European champions.
Furthermore, the documentary examines Ferguson’s strategic rivalries with key figures such as Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger and Chelsea’s Jose Mourinho, touching on how Ferguson adeptly adapted his approach to secure continued success. This era saw the rise of prominent players like Cristiano Ronaldo and the re-establishment of Manchester United as a formidable force in European football by 2008.
Ferguson’s origins in Glasgow, his early playing career, and his transformative success at Aberdeen—including the unexpected victory over Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup—form a unique backdrop to his extensive career. Firsthand stories from peers, players, and coaches present a nuanced portrait of Ferguson’s journey from a working-class background to one of football’s most influential figures. BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, emphasizes the significance of documenting such a pivotal career.
The documentary and podcast series provide a comprehensive exploration of Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable influence in the world of football.
