A former footballer under Manchester United and Aberdeen legend Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken about a “surreal” moment that he experienced under the Scotsman.
Sir Alex Ferguson made a real name for himself in his native homeland during his remarkable reign at Aberdeen before his move to Manchester United in 1986.
The 83-year-old legendary former United manager was able to challenge Celtic and Rangers’ dominance over Scottish football when he was the Aberdeen head coach.
During his managerial spell at the Pittodrie Stadium, Ferguson led Aberdeen to three Scottish Premier Division titles, four Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup.
A defining moment during Ferguson’s prolific managerial spell at Aberdeen came with the Scottish side lifting the European Cup Winners’ Cup under him in 1983.
Ferguson briefly served as Scotland manager after Jock Stein tragically passed away in 1985 before he replaced Ron Atkinson as United manager in 1986.
The former Aberdeen boss is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time and Ferguson had incredible success with United during his 26-year reign.
Ferguson retired from football management in 2013 after he successfully led United to their last Premier League title in the 2012-13 campaign.
Bryan Gunn admits what he did to Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson after Aberdeen’s Cup Winners’ Cup win vs Real Madrid
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men reached the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in the 1982-83 season and Aberdeen came up against La Liga outfit Real Madrid.
Eric Black opened the scoring for Aberdeen inside 10 minutes of the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup final before Juanito equalised for Real Madrid in the 15th minute.
John Hewitt scored in the second half of extra time at the Nya Ullevi in Gothenburg to seal a famous 2-1 win for Aberdeen in the Cup Winners’ Cup final.
Ferguson’s victory over Madrid with Aberdeen in Sweden is the last time that Los Blancos have lost in the final of a European tournament.
Bryan Gunn was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win and he admitted that he ‘tripped up’ Ferguson when the Manchester United legend rushed onto the pitch.
Speaking to World Football Index, the 61-year-old former Aberdeen ‘keeper said: “It was amazing.
“Beating Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal was the turning point – suddenly, we believed we could go all the way. The final in Gothenburg was surreal.
“We arrived a few days early to a village outside the city, and then the heavens opened – everything was flooded, including the red ash track around the pitch.
“Despite the conditions, we adapted better than Real Madrid and came out deserved winners. I still remember the final whistle, and even tripping up Alex Ferguson as we both rushed onto the pitch to celebrate!
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that team. It is an achievement that I do not think will ever be repeated again.”
Bryan Gunn drops his biggest praise possible for legendary former Man Utd and Aberdeen manager Sir Alex Ferguson
According to Bryan Gunn, Ferguson had already established himself as an “incredible manager and coach” during his time at Aberdeen before his move to United.
“At that time, he was just Alex rather than Sir Alex [laughs], but even then, he was ahead of his time,” he said.
“He was an incredible manager and coach — miles ahead of many others in the UK.
“I also learned so much, not just from him but also from Archie Knox and playing alongside the likes of Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish, and Willie Miller.
“Even though I only made 25 first-team appearances, I gained great experience in cup competitions and in Europe.
“It was a fantastic apprenticeship, and I left Aberdeen ready to be a first-choice keeper.”
Ferguson’s trophy haul at Old Trafford included 13 Premier Leagues, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups, four League Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup.
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