Ferguson's toughest challenges, and the men who could replace him

Alex Ferguson will retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the season and become a director and club ambassador. He has faced some tough tests at Old Trafford since taking the job in 1986, so here are the toughest…

:: EARLY SURVIVAL AND ESTABLISHING HIMSELF

Ferguson may have had a strong reputation in Scotland when he arrived but that would not have saved him had the troubles of his first few seasons continued much longer. United flirted with relegation in 1989-90 but crucially kept the season alive by shining in the FA Cup. They went on to win the trophy with victory over Crystal Palace in a replayed final and Ferguson’s reign gathered momentum.