THE renowned hairdryer remained unplugged as Alex Ferguson found himself in the cramped away dressing room at the Manor Ground.

After delivering a few measured words to the Manchester United players who had just suffered a 2-0 defeat against Oxford United, he was on his way back to his family home in Aberdeen that Saturday night in November 1986.

Ferguson — who is organizing a special dinner at Old Trafford on Saturday to commemorate Friday as the 40th anniversary of his tenure — had just taken over from the dismissed Ron Atkinson.

His inaugural match in charge was a test in numerous respects.