Mark Clattenburg has shared what it was like to serve as fourth official during Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game in charge of Manchester United.
It’s hard to believe that nearly 15 years have passed since Sir Alex stepped away from the dugout.
Ferguson called time on his 26-year reign at Old Trafford back in 2013, leaving David Moyes with the impossible task of following him. Moyes lasted less than a year, and it was only the start of a turbulent era for the club.
United haven’t lifted the Premier League trophy since Ferguson left, and their standards have dipped considerably. They finished 15th last season before losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Now, Ruben Amorim is trying to restore some pride. He took over in November 2024 but has yet to find any real momentum.
Clattenburg on working Sir Alex Ferguson’s Final Game at Manchester United
Mark Clattenburg, one of the Premier League’s most recognisable referees, was no stranger to high-profile fixtures throughout his career. Many of those involved Manchester United.
In 2016, Clattenburg became the first referee to officiate three major finals in a single year: the FA Cup final between United and Crystal Palace, as well as the Champions League and European Championship finals.
Across his career, Clattenburg took charge of 40 matches involving Manchester United. One of those games was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last in charge – a memorable 5-5 draw against West Bromwich Albion.
“I remember being the fourth official for his very last match,” Clattenburg told Beyond The Back Four.
“Standing there looking at that team, I thought: ‘How the hell have you just won the Premier League with this side?’
“I mean no disrespect to the players who were in that squad, but they weren’t the world-class superstars he’d had in the past. To achieve what he did and leave at that perfect moment was the icing on the cake.
“It’s interesting now, Sir Alex Ferguson if he was managing in this current situation, probably would have been sacked. Started off his Manchester United career so badly, but he was allowed to be given time.”
The squad that season included several ageing players like Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Others in the starting XI were Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young and Jonny Evans.
Clattenburg also pointed out that when Ferguson first took over in 1986, he was given time to build something special – something rarely seen today.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game for Manchester United hit a major milestone
Ferguson’s final game as United manager marked his 1,500th match in charge. It was a memorable end to an era, finishing 5-5 with four different United players finding the net.
Shinji Kagawa, Alexander Buttner, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez all scored. There was also an own goal from Jonas Olsson that didn’t help West Brom’s cause.
The 5-5 result is still the only one of its kind in Premier League history.
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