Fergie's first-ever United team sheet up for sale

The official team sheet Alex Ferguson’s first game in charge at Manchester United is to be sold at auction - and it features three Irish stars.

Hand-written ahead of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Oxford United on November 8 1986, the historic item is being sold in Devizes, Wiltshire, and is expected to reach between £2,000-3,000.

The list, which is signed by the manager, reveals that the squad Ferguson inherited was not as strong as the collection of global superstars he has handed over to successor David Moyes.

Republic of Ireland trio Paul McGrath, Kevin Moran and Frank Stapleton feature, as well as stalwarts such as Arthur Albiston and Mike Duxbury, alongside less-remembered players like goalkeeper Chris Turner and Graeme Hogg.

The starting XI was:

1. Chris Turner

2. Mike Duxbury

3. Arthur Albiston

4. Kevin Moran

5. Paul McGrath

6. Graeme Hogg

7. Clayton Blackmore

8. Remi Moses

9. Frank Stapleton

10. Peter Davenport

11. Peter Barnes

Substitute: Jesper Olsen

The team sheet is being sold by Henry Aldridge & Son on behalf of an Oxford United fan who was given it by former player Peter Rhoades-Brown.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said: “The team in November 1986 was a little different to the star-studded affair for Sir Alex’s last game in charge that included global stars such as Robin Van Persie.

“The first match included names such as Chris Turner in goal, Paul McGrath at centre back and Peter Davenport up front.

“The present owner is a life-long Oxford fan and it was given to him by Peter Rhoades-Brown, an Oxford player, as a souvenir.”

The item will go under the hammer on June 22.