Paul Inces appointment as Blackburn Rovers boss sees him join a growing list of top-flight managers who once played at Old Trafford under Sir Alex.
Last season saw Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes and Roy Keane take on their former United boss, with only Hughes avoiding defeat in both games.
This time theres another contender, as Ince takes the reigns at Ewood Park for his first spell in top-flight management.
Which former Stretford End heroes have had a crack? And how did they fare?
PAUL INCE
Club: Blackburn Rovers
Ince joins Blackburn after cutting his teeth with Macclesfield Town and Milton Keynes Dons in League Two. Although three tiers below the Barclays Premier League, Ince proved his winning qualities as a player still serve him well now he occupies a position in the hot seat. He led the MK Dons to victory at Wembley in the Johnstones Paint Trophy before securing the league title (and promotion to League One) on the final day of the 2007/08 season.
Record v Sir Alex:
n/a
08/09 meetings:
4 October (a)
21 February (h)
ROY KEANE
Club: Sunderland
Keane made more of a splash than a ripple when he turned his hand to management in 2006/07, taking Sunderland from the relegation zone to the Premier League in his first season in charge. The dramatic turnaround won him admirers around the country, as did his strict approach to discipline and willingness to speak his mind. Keanes second season at the Stadium of Light didnt quite reach the heights of his first, although he led Sunderland to a respectable 15th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Record v Sir Alex:
Played 2 Won 0 Lost 2
08/09 meetings:
6 December (h)
11 April (a)
STEVE BRUCE
Club: Wigan Athletic
An integral member of Uniteds first Premiership-winning side, Steve Bruce has yet to get his hands on silverware as a manager. Of course, thats not to say hes been a flop at either Birmingham City or Wigan Athletic. Far from it. Against the odds, Bruce kept Wigan Athletic in the Premier League last season after taking over at the JJB Stadium in November. He actually succeeded in guiding them to 14th and laid solid foundations on which to build during 2008/09.
A strong motivator, Bruce tends to get the best out of limited resources.
Record v Sir Alex:
Played 11 Won 0 Lost 9 Drawn 2
08/09 meetings:
20 December (h)
18 April (a)
MARK HUGHES
Club: Manchester City
Hughes began his managerial career with the Welsh national team, despite never having taken charge at club level. It didnt matter: Sparky is a natural leader, albeit quieter off the pitch than he was on it! A calming influence on the touchline, Hughes nevertheless encourages his teams to mix brains with brawn. In his eyes, theres no reason why attractive football cant go hand-in-hand with bone-crunching challenges. Perhaps the most successful former pupil of Sir Alex, Hughes has just taken over at Manchester City after four seasons with Blackburn Rovers.
Record v Sir Alex:
Played 9 Won 2 Lost 4 Drawn 3
08/09 meetings:
29 November (a)
9 May (h)
BRYAN ROBSON
One of the most influential players to ever pull on a United shirt, Bryan Robson has returned to Old Trafford to take on a new role as club ambassador. In doing so, Robbo leaves behind (for now) a management career that saw him take charge of Middlesbrough (1994 to 2001), Bradford City (2003 to 2004), West Bromwich Albion (2004 to 2006) and Sheffield United (2007 to 2008). It was rollercoaster ride for much of Robsons life as a boss, beginning with promotion to the Premier League with Middlesbrough before the 1996/97 season saw the club relegated, despite reaching two Wembley cup finals. A spell at Bradford ended in relegation, as did his time at West Bromwich Albion. Robsons tenure at Sheffield United last season didnt work out either, with Robson leaving the club in February 2008.
Record v Sir Alex:
Played 11 Won 1 Lost 8 Drawn 2
GORDON STRACHAN
Fiery Scot Strachan is one of footballs great characters and was never shy of speaking his mind during his time in English management. Now top boy at Celtic, Strachan faced Ferguson in England during spells at Coventry City and Southampton. He began at Highfield Road as player-manager in November 1996 and engineered an unlikely final-day escape act to preserve the Blues top-flight status. Strachan kept Coventry in the Premier League until 2001 and was sacked shortly after the beginning of the 2001/02 campaign. But it was back to the Premier League for Strachan, who took over at Southampton in October and led them to 11th in the league. They finished eighth and reached the FA Cup final the following season before Strachan stepped down in March 2004.
Record v Sir Alex:
Played 16 Won 2 Lost 14 Drawn 0
Round up by Nick Coppack
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