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Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography

by Alex Ferguson

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 4,738 ratings · 461 reviews

A história apaixonante da carreira de treinador de sucesso europeu de Sir Alex Ferguson tem início em Govan, passa pelo Aberdeen e tem o seu expoente máximo nas 27 épocas triunfantes à frente do Manchester United. Foi a visão de Ferguson, aliada à sua energia e competência, que permitiu construir equipas dentro e fora do relvado. Treinador de qualidades extraordinárias, Si ...more

Hardcover , 416 pages

Published October 24th 2013 by Hodder & Stoughton (first published January 1st 2013)

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Oct 30, 2013 Azhan rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you're a Manchester United fan, read this book. If you're a Liverpool or Manchester City fan, read this book. If you're a football fan regardless of the team you support, READ THIS BOOK

Most fans only see what happens on the pitch. Very few actually know what's going on behind the scenes. To know what actually happened (from Sir Alex's view at least) that lead to the departures of quality players such as Beckham, Keane, van Nistelrooy etc, why at times he would bench some of his best players w If you're a Manchester United fan, read this book. If you're a Liverpool or Manchester City fan, read this book. If you're a football fan regardless of the team you support, READ THIS BOOK

Most fans only see what happens on the pitch. Very few actually know what's going on behind the scenes. To know what actually happened (from Sir Alex's view at least) that lead to the departures of quality players such as Beckham, Keane, van Nistelrooy etc, why at times he would bench some of his best players were very interesting for me along with all the other aspects of managerial duty.

Being an autobiography, this book also tells the story of Alexander Chapman Ferguson; the boy, the husband, the father, the friend, the footballer, the pub owner and the manager. This book focuses more about his career at Manchester United. I would have loved to read more about his time in the shipyards of Govan and his time at Aberdeen.

This book is not organized as I thought it would be. For a few chapters he would talk about football, and the next, he talks about family followed by a few more chapters on football. Chapters 8 and 9 are dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane, in chapter 10 he talks about wine and horse racing followed by chapter 11 which is about Ruud van Nistelrooy. In a chapter about Jose Mourinho, he talks more about his own players than he talks about Mourinho himself

It's not as complete as I hoped it would be. But then again, he's already had another autobiography published in 2000 titled 'Managing My Life: The Autobiography'. I haven't read that book yet, so I'm guessing that much of what's incomplete here is covered in that book.

From here, it's my reaction to the headlines made
As always, the media will always try to grab a headline when it comes to Sir Alex. This time exaggerating his criticism of a few individuals, especially Liverpool's Steven Gerrard. He wrote 'And I am one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player. When Scholes and Keane were in our team, Gerrard seldom had a kick against us.'

He continues 'With England, Michael Carrick suffered in the shadow of those two big personalities (Lampard and Gerrard)' As always, the media chose to conveniently ignore the fact that he believed Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard were better better choices for England rather than Michael Carrick.

Going along with the criticism of Gerrard, the media also chose to highlight his criticisms of other individuals. If you actually read this book, you will know that Sir Alex spoke highly of others on perhaps every other page. This even extends to rival players, teams and managers (Rafa Benitez included) The ratio of people he praises and thanks compared to those he criticises is 10:1. Ok, I just made that number up, but he does praise people A LOT more than he criticises.

Thanks to the negative media, people who have never read this book think that it's the rants of a bitter old man. I would say it's more towards the opposite; it's the appreciation and gratefulness of a thankful old man.

Conclusion
My last words for this review, forget what the media wrote about this book, read it yourself and be the judge. It's a window into the mind of one of the most successful managers in football. Whether you admire or despise the man, this is indeed a good read. ...more

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Mar 06, 2015 Andrew Smith rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sport , memoirs-biographies , non-fiction

Cards on the table, I'm not a Manchester United fan. I've never particularly warmed to Alex Ferguson either - he's too gruff and lacking in humour for my personal taste - but I do admire what he has achieved at the club in his 25 years at the helm.

I'd heard a few snippets from the book, but just the headline pieces. Also, having read Roy Keane's autobiography which covers some of the same period, I'd read one side of some of the incidents. So, I had a reasonable idea what to expect. What I foun ...more

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Nov 22, 2013 Vincent rated it 1 of 5 stars

Following all the publicity surrounding the book and the chapters relating to Beckham and Roy Keane, I looked forward to an interesting story. It should indeed be an interesting story. Why wouldn't it be? He is manager of the arguably the greatest footballing institution in the world. The problem is, that the story is written in such a convoluted and scattered manner that I found it difficult to follow. Alex drops names and flits from one character to another with such frequency that all we get ...more

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Dec 04, 2013 Abhinav rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-reading-saga , autobiographies , i-own-an-ebook , non-fiction , the-cj-library , humour , favorites

It's hard for me to express in words what Sir Alex Ferguson meant to me as a Manchester United fan, for he made a huge influence on our lives as lovers of the Beautiful Game. And trying to do so is in vain, so I'll keep it short.

First up, the book is a cracking read. ('Cracking' is one of my favourite words when I talk about sports biographies.) Sir Alex picks up from where he left 'Managing My Life', his first autobiography written some time after the 1998-99 Treble-winning season. He discusses ...more

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Nov 03, 2013 Paul Fadoju rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013 , autobiography

I don't like reading Footballers' Autobiography. I decided to read Alex Ferguson' s controversial book based on his standing in the game and his experience of 25 years leading a Well oiled football club. I was disappointed to say the least; it lacked depth and insight. The writing was basic, the story cheap and for a man of his standing in my opinion should have written a book that will be useful outside the world of sport.

It seems from other reviews He has done this in his previous book but I w ...more

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Nov 09, 2013 Graham rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was pleased to see that this book wasn't Managing My Life part II and for the most part only focused on the last 10 years of Sir Alex's career seeing as most of his life previous to that was covered in his first book. I enjoyed reading his thoughts about some of the main events in his Manchester United career over the past ten-twelve years or so and the inside stories he had on such influential people at the club such as Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

I enjoyed reading the inside information ...more

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Nov 04, 2013 Neil Fox rated it 3 of 5 stars

As a lifelong Manchester United supporter I felt compelled to read this book by United's most successful Manager of all time even though I've never read a sport biography or autobiography before.

Ferguson's account is devoid of controversy or new revelation for a man who was often shrouded in controversy during his illustrious career. The book tells us nothing we don't already know - his visions of the game, his likes/dislikes, his psychological tactics and his values incorporating loyalty, hard As a lifelong Manchester United supporter I felt compelled to read this book by United's most successful Manager of all time even though I've never read a sport biography or autobiography before.

Ferguson's account is devoid of controversy or new revelation for a man who was often shrouded in controversy during his illustrious career. The book tells us nothing we don't already know - his visions of the game, his likes/dislikes, his psychological tactics and his values incorporating loyalty, hard work, honesty and absolute control are all as we already know them. No new side to the man is revealed. He is surprisingly gracious and mild towards some of the bogeymen of his career - referees, the Press - as he is to the players whose falling out with him became legendary - Keane, Beckham, Jaap Stam, Tevez, Van Nistelrooy. He is equally generous towards old adversaries like Liverpool, Arsenal & Barcelona, and toward rival managers such as Wenger & Mourinho. Likewise, he oozes with affection for his known favorites - Gary Neville, Scholes, Giggs, Ronaldo, Carrick, Cantona and Van Persie.

If one was cynical one could see in Ferguson's use of Management-speak a nod toward a retirement filled with the promise of lucrative after-dinner and corporate conference speaking engagements in the U.S. sponsored by his friends the Glazers.

Ferguson's achievements at United are indisputable, but the strength of what he passes on to this successor David Moyes is questionable. Sir Alex contends that the squad he hands on is strong and capable of great things. Others may disagree. Time will tell if this is rock on which a great new cathedral will arise, or whether Moyes has inherited a poison chalice. One thing to remember though from the Masters' own story - Sir Alex was 4 years in the job before winning a trophy, and it took him 7 years before winning the Premiership. In today's relentless news cycle let's hope David Moyes is afforded the same patience. ...more

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Jul 05, 2015 Leslynn rated it 1 of 5 stars

When I reached what was apparently the end of this book, I was stoked to write a scathing review of this book. In all fairness, it wasn't the writing style which presented the problem. Rather, the content of the book was scattered: I feel as though Alex Ferguson dictated his thoughts and they were then typed and bound into this and it's like looking into a tumble-dryer -- how do you do that and not feel either 1) drowsy or 2) nauseated? But, I persevered and read till the wall of stats - this bo ...more

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Apr 09, 2014 Indah Threez Lestari rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: biography-memoirs , indonesian , punya , favorites

398 - 2014

Hah? Lima bintang? Nggak salah nih? Bukannya buku ini boleh dibilang lebih mendekati kumpulan kenangan, opini, dan curcol Sir Alex Ferguson ketimbang sebuah buku autobiografi?

Yah, mau bagaimana lagi. Pemberian rating dariku untuk buku ini memang luar biasa bias sih, karena aku memang penggemar Fergie. Dan tentunya pemerhati dan penggemar Manchester United selama di bawah binaan beliau. Okelah, tidak benar-benar sejak beliau pertama kali bertahta di MU, karena waktu itu masa-masanya aku 398 - 2014

Hah? Lima bintang? Nggak salah nih? Bukannya buku ini boleh dibilang lebih mendekati kumpulan kenangan, opini, dan curcol Sir Alex Ferguson ketimbang sebuah buku autobiografi?

Yah, mau bagaimana lagi. Pemberian rating dariku untuk buku ini memang luar biasa bias sih, karena aku memang penggemar Fergie. Dan tentunya pemerhati dan penggemar Manchester United selama di bawah binaan beliau. Okelah, tidak benar-benar sejak beliau pertama kali bertahta di MU, karena waktu itu masa-masanya aku masih menggemari AC Milan dengan trio Belandanya. MU baru menarik perhatianku setelah Liga Inggris beralihrupa menjadi FA Premier League. Iya, baru pada tahun 1992-93. Iya, baru setelah MU akhirnya menjadi juara setelah tujuh tahun ditangani Fergie.

Seperti pendapatku di atas, buku ini penuh kenangan, opini, dan curhat Fergie tentang berbagai macam topik. Urutannya suka-suka, dan tidak lengkap karena terasa baru dimulai sejak Fergie batal pensiun dua belas tahun yang lalu. Mungkin untuk melengkapinya, aku perlu mencari dan membaca buku biografi Fergie sebelumnya, Managing My Life .

Mengapa kubilang urutannya suka-suka? Dari daftar isinya saja sudah kelihatan. Fergie tidak membagi curcolnya dalam topik-topik utama. Setelah bicara tentang masa lalu di Glasgow sebagai pengelola pub, pengelola para pemain di St Mirren dan Aberdeen, tiba-tiba cerita tentang waktu ia batal pensiun tahun 2002, terus loncat cerita tentang Beckham, Rio, Ronaldo, dan Keane, sebelum melipir ke hobi, lantas loncat lagi ke topik tentang pelatih klub lain yang jadi saingan utama...

Tapi santai saja, tak usah dipikirkan. Anggap saja kita berada di ruang keluarga, dan mendengarkan ayah atau kakek kita bercerita mengenang masa lalu. Lompat-lompat. Mengulang-ulang semua kenangan yang berkesan. Memuji sekaligus mengkritik mantan anak buah atau saingan. Opini satu arah spesial dari sudut pandang beliau. Tentu saja selalu ada alasan kuat mengapa ia memburu dan merekrut para pemain spesial meskipun di kemudian hari ia membiarkan pemain-pemain bintang meninggalkan MU (terus terang aku sependapat dengan beliau dalam hal itu, meskipun dulu termasuk yang menyesali keputusannya).

Untuk pemain favorit MU, kebanyakan seleraku sama dengan Fergie. All-time favoritku sampai saat ini masih tetap Peter Schmeichel dan Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Waktu Schmeichel pindah dan MU terpaksa gonta-ganti kiper memang merupakan masa-masa yang sulit, bak high quality jomblo tidak juga ketemu jodoh. Untung akhirnya ada van der Sar.

Selain membicarakan para pemain bola MU, para pelatih dan tim lawan, Fergie juga bicara blak-blakan tentang media (yang selalu asal kutip demi headline yang heboh, seperti biasa), wasit, dan ini yang aku suka... psikologi. Dari cara memperlakukan para pemain binaannya sampai psywar (dari yang sengaja sampai tak sengaja) dan cara menakut-nakuti tim lawan hanya dengan mengentuk-ngetuk jam tangannya menjelang permainan berakhir.

Buat yang biasa membaca apa yang dikatakan media yang mengikuti seluruh gerak-gerik Fergie sepuluh tahun terakhir, mungkin isi buku ini tidak ada yang baru. Tapi minimal, buku ini bercerita dari sudut pandang Fergie yang bisa jadi sama atau malah sangat bertolak belakang dengan apa yang dikabarkan media, termasuk hubungannya dengan para pemain MU dan para pelatih lawan. Mau percaya versi yang mana, dikembalikan saja pada pembaca.

Sebenarnya dalam buku terjemahan ini banyak typo bertebaran yang sedikit mengganggu kenikmatan baca. Tapi kumaafkan sajalah, toh bukan salahnya Fergie :) ...more

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Jan 03, 2015 Bella Baghdasaryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: autobiography-memoirs , favorites

“Leadership is a quality that your personality transmits itself to everyone.”
Sir Alex Ferguson

I recommend this book not only to Manchester United fans, but also to any football fan. You can agree or disagree with Ferguson's opinion about football players, trainers, referees, but you will enjoy reading. It's not really a book about Ferguson as a person, it's a great book with short, sharp and honest statements on his perspectives, insecurities and character traits that made him the best ever.

...more

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Nov 19, 2014 Kimizono rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sir Alex Ferguson is the best manager in the world, winning 13 Barclays premier league champion, 5 FA cup and 2 UEFA Champion’s League. This book is an autobiography written by himself about his feelings on some of his best players. When he is still a manager of Manchester United, he never spoke anything negative about his players. But this book is different, Ferguson talks about everything behind the scene and on the pitch. The stories in this book are really surprising. As a soccer fan, I resp ...more

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Nov 18, 2013 Damian Dubois rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

So no doubt people are going to think me a Man U supporter for having read Alex Ferguson's autobiography. No, no, no. I would like to point out I go for a rather sad club, one that is very well supported but are run more like a comedy club than anything else. Yes, I support the Toon and unless Sheikh-el-Billionaire comes in and buys out that clown Mike Ashley, we'll never win a damn thing! At least our jail-bird shirts look cool, eh? ;)

The first thing that popped into my head while reading this So no doubt people are going to think me a Man U supporter for having read Alex Ferguson's autobiography. No, no, no. I would like to point out I go for a rather sad club, one that is very well supported but are run more like a comedy club than anything else. Yes, I support the Toon and unless Sheikh-el-Billionaire comes in and buys out that clown Mike Ashley, we'll never win a damn thing! At least our jail-bird shirts look cool, eh? ;)

The first thing that popped into my head while reading this was "I wonder how many managers we've had in Alex's 26 years in charge at United?"

Well, according to Wikipedia we've had 23 managers (some for less than two games, some repeat offenders like good old Kevin Keegan). I actually thought we might have had more considering how much of a carousel the post actually resembles. As good as Fergie was as a manager I wonder how long he would have lasted at Newcastle...

Oh, my review seems to have delved more into my issues with Newcastle rather than the great man, Alex Ferguson, himself. Yeah, well I can't say there were many revelations in this book that I didn't know already but it was interesting to read some of his inner thoughts on some of the ~~divas~~ players that he has coached over the course of his career. Over the years I have come to hate Man U less (mainly due to the rise of Chelsea and Mercenary City who I hate even more) but this book still brought back feelings I had when I was younger. Man U never lost a match because the other team was better than them, it was always due to Man U having a bad match, or the ref making a howler of a decision that went against them. Anyway, water under the bridge and all that now...

Overall, not a bad read but I think I was expecting a lot more than what we actually got. Also, having not read many autobiographies I'm not where this one stands in comparison to others. Some of the chapters seem to go off on strange tangents only to arrive back at the chapters contents at the end which were a wee bit off-putting.

Rated as 3 stars but closer to 2.5 in my book.

Edit: Bumped down to 2 but still actually rated as 2.5.

...more

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Nov 04, 2013 janghir Chowdhury rated it 2 of 5 stars

The best extracts of this book you can read in the tabloid press. This book isn't really worth bothering with. It just reinforces what we already knew:
-Rooney's a fat lazy oaf.
-Roy Keane's a cunt.
-Ruud Van Nistelrooy is a just a bigger cunt with a good scoring record.
-Beckham is fame hungry and he didn't like his haircuts.
-Liverpool are shit and won't win anything too soon
-about his drive and will to win yadda, yadda, yadda!

Congratulations. You've just saved yourself 25!

Book was pretty tame, his ...more

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Oct 01, 2015 Abhinav Athreya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Honest assessment of Alex Ferguson's time in charge at Manchester United. You have to read between the lines but his account at the helm of United for 26 years presents a great lesson in organizational management. The book highlights Ferguson's ability to evolve with time and adapt to change while maintaining absolute control at the organization.
The manner in which he transformed a dwindling brand into a global superpower is outstanding and this book gives an account of the various decisions th ...more

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Jul 10, 2014 Michael Scott rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: sports , bio

You don't get much more straightforward, as an autobiography, than Alex Ferguson 's My Autobiography . This is the autobiography I've wanted for a long, long time to read and that turned out really, really disappointing.

Overall, don't buy and don't read this tabloid-like book. I know I was disappointed, and Sir Alex Ferguson is my football hero.

Alex is my hero manager: Sir Alex Ferguson, the Scot who won for Manchester United everything there was to win, consistently, over 26 years. Alex who took You don't get much more straightforward, as an autobiography, than Alex Ferguson 's My Autobiography . This is the autobiography I've wanted for a long, long time to read and that turned out really, really disappointing.

Overall, don't buy and don't read this tabloid-like book. I know I was disappointed, and Sir Alex Ferguson is my football hero.

Alex is my hero manager: Sir Alex Ferguson, the Scot who won for Manchester United everything there was to win, consistently, over 26 years. Alex who took Liverpool off their *$%#$ perch. Alex who created an attacking team out of dozens of hard-working but rarely talented players. Alex whom I've always played in football management games. A remarkable career, this lad has had.

In twenty-five chapters, Sir Ferguson (aided by the Daily Telegraph's chief writer) rambles on a variety of topics, with chapters named aptly such as Beckham, Keane, van Nistelrooy, Rooney, Mourinho, Liverpool, Barcelona, etc. But don't get fooled by the titles; each chapter is a ramble on its own, in every direction possible. Think you're gettin' Rio, lad? No, you're getting dirt on Graeme Hogg, praise for and dirt on Pallister, and an ending about Alex's own view on racism. There's plenty more in this book in terms of dirt, rambling, and Alex's one-line and incredibly insensitive zingers about the deep areas of life.

I also disliked how self-servient this book is. Sir Ferguson pretty much declares himself right, always the brain or intuition behind each great move, always the victim of bad transfers, unapologetic and defensive about every possible side (this, when the book is rife with dirt spread on others). A hatchet job and show of poor character, this.

...more

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Apr 30, 2014 Steven S rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Refleksi kehidupan manager terbaik di ranah Inggris

Buku ini sungguh luar biasa, mengapa? GPU berhasil menangkap momentum dengan menerbitkan edisi terjemahan buku ini. Sekedar informasi buku asli berbanderol 450 ribu. Selain itu penerbit sekali lagi menghadirkan buku yang berkualitas bagi pembaca Indonesia. Buku ini memperkaya buku olahraga yang jarang beredar. Buku Alex Ferguson, Autobiografi Saya merupakan refleksi kehidupan manager terbaik di ranah Inggris.

Membaca buku ini seperti menonton da ...more

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Dec 18, 2014 Hristo Karastoyanov rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sir Alex Ferguson is probably the greatest football manager of all time after Brian Clough and perhaps Jose Mourinho. As such, the prospect of reading his autobiography seemed quite enticing. The book is decent, but it won't light the world on fire.
The book reveals quite a power hungry man behind the calm gum chewing face: "The most important thing in my job is control. The minute they [the players] threaten your control, you have to get rid of them" (Ferguson 32%). This reveals a controlling as ...more

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Jan 15, 2014 Mohd Nordin Che Omar rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography-famous-people

Brilliant. Alex is irreplaceable. The best ever coach cum manager for the Red Devils. Glory Glory Man United. A master tactician and psychologist. A leader who knows to pick up the talent and star and controlled the unruly. A father figure to the players.

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Jan 15, 2015 Haider Hussain rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not a fan of Manchester United (contrary is true, actually). I loved it when Southampton recently beat them 1-0 in their own home ground. But, having said that, nobody can deny the influence and impact Alex Ferguson had on Manchester United in particular and on Football in general for 26 years. He was truly world class manager, leader and decision maker; no other manager would be able to match his achievements for a long time to come. So, not reading what the Master of the Game has to say wo ...more

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Jan 05, 2015 Yaser maadat rated it 4 of 5 stars

كتاب ممتع للغاية بالذات في التفاصيل التي يذكرها السير اليكس فيرغسون حول مسيرته العظيمة مع المان يونايتد،بالامكان ملاحظة كتابة هذه السيرة من وحي الذاكرة القريبة للسير من خلال تركيزه على فترة ما بعد العام 2000 مع التعريج على سنوات البدايات في اسكتلندا،عدم ترتيب الافكار و المواضيع بشكل جيد كان اهم عيوب الكتاب رغم ثراء هذه المواضيع،أمّا عن المحتوى فبامكاننا التأكد من ملامح شخصية فيرغسون الجادة اصارمة التي لم تجامل أحدا سواء من المدربين المعاصرين أو اللاعبين العظام الذين قام بتدريبهم في مانشستر يوناي ...more

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Jun 19, 2015 Anil Swarup rated it 4 of 5 stars

Don't know much about football. Haven't played the game either. Yet, enjoyed reading the book. It is difficult to relate to some parts of the book if you have not passionately followed the game but what impresses the reader is the clarity of thought and articulation by a manager who had mastered the art of management.........managing the celebrities like Beckhem. Succeeding in a highly competitive world. He is also candid in confessing his failures and tiff with the celebrities. He acknowledges ...more

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Aug 31, 2014 Mohamed Samy rated it 4 of 5 stars

As a manchester united fan and supporter, I was really sad when Sir Alex Ferguson left because from the moment I started watching Manchester United he was the manager of them. This was the main reason behind me reading this book and also I've wanted to know more about the most successful manager of the team.
The book talks about his roots back in Scotland and how he was raised. How he survived during his years and what moved him. His leadership and managerial skills, how he looked into life and w ...more

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Jul 19, 2015 Bookhuw rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2014 , football-bloody-football

Why do I keep getting drawn to these mediocre ghostwritten football autobiographies? Well, in this case, I suppose due to my age I have grown up with Ferguson; he has been an ever present of all my conscious memories of top flight football, and like it or not, he is a big deal.
But this is a disjointed and fairly shallow affair, and even Paul Hayward hasn't managed to hammer Ferguson's thoughts in much of a coherent order; as an example, the chapter titles can be largely irrelevant to much of wh Why do I keep getting drawn to these mediocre ghostwritten football autobiographies? Well, in this case, I suppose due to my age I have grown up with Ferguson; he has been an ever present of all my conscious memories of top flight football, and like it or not, he is a big deal.
But this is a disjointed and fairly shallow affair, and even Paul Hayward hasn't managed to hammer Ferguson's thoughts in much of a coherent order; as an example, the chapter titles can be largely irrelevant to much of what then follows. Throughout the book, there are somewhat bizarre instances of Ferguson launching into a poorly told anecdote with no clear relevance, which then tails off without explanation – what was Hayward being paid for?!
In parts, this book contains exactly what is required. Scores are resoundingly settled with Van Nistelrooy, Beckham and Keane, which whilst not especially dignified, is what you want to read. But other elements of the book are all too hollow. His working-class background is briefly touched upon, as are his subsequent left-wing credentials and contempt for the Tories, but a superior autobiography would surely allow him to expand on this now he is safely retired, rather than just lightly probing his irrelevant interest in the assassination of JFK. Could this have been a purposeful omission by the Telegraph-employed Hayward? In fact, much of this book is selective, with a lot of the big issues of Fergie's career skirted around (the Rock of Gibraltar, his role in appointing a successor, the Glazer takeover). For such a long and eventful career, the book is actually quite short – although looking weighty, the font size verges on being suitable for the visually impaired – and I couldn't help but wonder if this would have benefited with being worked on and released a year or so later, rather than rushed off no sooner than he'd left Old Trafford.
...more

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Nov 03, 2013 Khamneithang Vaiphei rated it 4 of 5 stars

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One of the best managers the game of football has ever had, Alex Chapman Ferguson marshaled a band of rugged players into a team of champions during a career spanning over 27 years, winning the English Premier League thirteen times. With his no-nonsense attitude, he turned Manchester United into one of the best clubs in the world. Without an iota of doubt, he’s a manager par excellence. And look where’s the team is today without him. Though strengthened with the addition of some players, it is l One of the best managers the game of football has ever had, Alex Chapman Ferguson marshaled a band of rugged players into a team of champions during a career spanning over 27 years, winning the English Premier League thirteen times. With his no-nonsense attitude, he turned Manchester United into one of the best clubs in the world. Without an iota of doubt, he’s a manager par excellence. And look where’s the team is today without him. Though strengthened with the addition of some players, it is languishing at the 8th place after 10 games under David Moyes.

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson is not one of those fine autobiographies we sometimes come across. Nevertheless, it is still a good read. Written after he has gone out in a blaze of glory, the book contains interesting chapters which reflects his personality: reflections, Glasgow roots, retirement u-turn, a fresh start, lean times, outside interests, the class of ’92, Liverpool – a great tradition, a world talent, one night in Moscow, psychology, Barcelona (2009-11 – small is beautiful), the media, United’s 19th title, Man City – champions, family and the last campaign.

The autobiography is an interesting one with two chapters devoted exclusively with two of his greatest rival managers: Mourinho – The ‘Special’ Rival and Competing With Wenger. It also sheds light on his relationship with some of the biggest names to have ever played under him, devoting six chapters : Beckham, Rio, Ronaldo, Keane, Van Nistelrooy, and Rooney.

As a life-long fan of the Gunners, I love the book as Fergie has some kind words for Arsene Wenger and admired him as a manager of one of the best teams in the world. But as a huge, huge fan of David Beckham, I was a bit disappointed as I feel the former Manchester United manager was a bit too harsh on him.

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography is not a sensational one. Fergie confines himself mostly within the ambit of the game. It is a good read for football fans, irrespective of club colors.

What is missing is Fergie’s relationship with the Glazers who owns the club. It would have been nice if the former manager had written something about them. And I feel the chapters are poorly organized, and badly titled. The book would have been much better if these aspects had been taken care of. ...more

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Nov 02, 2013 Luffy Monkey D. rated it 2 of 5 stars

This autobiography is around as bad as Eric Cantona's book. The best bio I've read was Stephen Gerrard's. There are fan mails that are funnier, more insightful, more daring, and much more impartial than this dreck. Ferguson took his time to mention some people. He also doesn't mention, among his pastimes, his stint of learning the piano. I guess that hobby was filed under the Bebe level of abortions. I also couldnae understand the jokes. So Fergie goes into a bar(which he owns) and says that Li This autobiography is around as bad as Eric Cantona's book. The best bio I've read was Stephen Gerrard's. There are fan mails that are funnier, more insightful, more daring, and much more impartial than this dreck. Ferguson took his time to mention some people. He also doesn't mention, among his pastimes, his stint of learning the piano. I guess that hobby was filed under the Bebe level of abortions. I also couldnae understand the jokes. So Fergie goes into a bar(which he owns) and says that Liverpool need 9 players to win the title. "Nine?" came the disbelieving echo. No, said Alec, seven then. Cue hilarious laughter. Am I missing pages here?

Something grated about the style and vocab of this book. Some words were finely used, but the combination of English words produced a half baked idea of a book. It's as if the man simply cobbled together his notes and glued them with a hefty thesaurus. There was absolutely no insight into the man's psyche. Can we really believe that he kicked a boot that happened to land on Beckham's eye? Can he really make us believe that he doesn't hound referees? Does he think he can make us forget the way Arsenal were stopped in their invincible mindset? How can he not address ignoring Mourinho in favor of fellow compatriot Moyes?

As a bored football watcher, I found few bits of info that was unknown to me. All of which I've forgotten. I was so geared up for this book. I knew this book would be a bigger success than United's season. The book 'Champions At Last' was so fun to read. It helped that the football on show was exciting. It's a book I recommend. It's also rueful that no chapter was reserved for Eric Cantona. But we do get one for Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Hillsborough has more coverage than the Munich Air Disaster. Ferguson left it late to both retire and write his book. He wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth nor is he silver tongued. Verdict; somethings definitely rotten in the kingdom of Mancunia. ...more

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Nov 12, 2013 Tim rated it 5 of 5 stars

My brother recently bought this for me as a birthday present, and I must say it was marvelous.

What was refreshing, I thought, was that this autobiography wasn't organized chronologically in that boring way - but rather, in thematic chapters. So chapters on 'Rooney', 'Ronaldo', 'Keane', or on rivalries with certain managers. This kept it focused and above all, highly enjoyable. It read very well, in a conversational tone (attribute that to Ferguson or Paul Hayward as you wish) with a bluntness an ...more

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Nov 20, 2013 Sam Arnold rated it 4 of 5 stars

It is fair to start this review by saying I am a huge Manchester United fan so for me this book has a special feel. The book shows a unique sense of humour to Sir Alex Ferguson which was never very evident in his time on TV during interviews and matches.

This book has been well quoted in the media. I have to say after reading it the quotes of course are accurate but highly taken out of context. The well quoted opinions on Beckham and Rooney although accurate are largely taken out of context. What It is fair to start this review by saying I am a huge Manchester United fan so for me this book has a special feel. The book shows a unique sense of humour to Sir Alex Ferguson which was never very evident in his time on TV during interviews and matches.

This book has been well quoted in the media. I have to say after reading it the quotes of course are accurate but highly taken out of context. The well quoted opinions on Beckham and Rooney although accurate are largely taken out of context. What is missing from these quotes are the other highly supportive and complimentary opinions which Sir Alex includes. Of course positives don't sell as many papers and in all honestly may not have sold so many copies of the book itself.

The book details certain players and events in Sir Alex's managerial career. Although not chronological this is a fascinating insight to one of the most successful mangers ever. Mixed within the fact and opinions about Manchester United are antidotes and facts that will keep any football fan interested irregardless of which team you support.

This book took me longer to read than normal mainly because of the wealth of information that has to be digested. There were moments when I found myself realising that Sir Alex was talking about a match I had actually seen. As well as events you expect to be covered such as The Class of 92 and The David Beckham Boot Incident there are also other smaller events that are just as entertaining and were never reported in the media.

This is an amazing insight into one of the most successful football clubs and one of the most successful managers ever. For anyone who is interested in management, football or the man himself, this is a must read. ...more

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Mar 28, 2015 Talm rated it 4 of 5 stars

My autobiography by Alex Ferguson follows his time at Manchester united and constantly shares the tricks to his genius in football managing. the format is not strictly chronological. the whole book essentially starts in Scotland and finishes in the end of Alex's last season at Manchester united. the chapters focus on parts of the job, players, rival managers, etc. the book also shows the toll managing players can take because of the versatility of the attitudes of the players towards he game.

My ...more

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Nov 14, 2013 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2013 , favorites

As a Manchester United fan it's fair to say that the day Sir Alex announced his retirement it was a bleak one - how can Man Utd be a team without Sir Alex? Answer: it's flipping hard as this season has proven. He's an irreplaceable manager.

When his autobiography was announced I pre ordered it immediately and it was a brilliant look into a man I so admire. I learnt things about his relationship with players I never knew, I learnt about how caring a manager he is, how despite the fact he's won so ...more

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Aug 17, 2015 Marco Pavan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sport , non-fiction

The book gets 3 stars because i really love football and, even though i am not a Man Utd. fan, I can't avoid acknowledging the stature of Sir Alex Ferguson and what he has done for the sport. He has set an impeccable example in many occasions and i profoundly admire him and his work at Man Utd.

Stylistically the book could have been better organized in terms of how the content was structured and presented. There were chapters about key figures mixed up with chapters about time windows. I would ha ...more

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About Alex Ferguson

a former Scottish football manager and player who managed Manchester United from 1986 to 2013. His time at the club has led to Ferguson being regarded as one of the most successful, admired and respected managers in the history of the game.
Ferguson managed East Stirlingshire and St. Mirren before a highly successful period as manager of Aberdeen. After briefly managing Scotland following the death ...more

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“With young people you have to try to impart a sense of responsibility. If they can add greater awareness to their energy and their talents they can be rewarded with great careers.” — 1 likes

“There was no way I could contemplate taking the England job. Can you imagine me doing that? A Scotsman? I always joked that I would take the position and relegate them: make them the 150th rated country in the world, with Scotland 149.” — 1 likes

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