MX23RW : Saturday, May 25 13:59:29| >> :120:8812:8812:

On this day: Rio Ferdinand scores Sir Alex Ferguson's last Old Trafford goal

Two years ago today, Rio Ferdinand's late goal secured a victory for Manchester United on what was Sir Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of the club.

Throughout his 27-year stint in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson oversaw countless victories which were achieved thanks to late goals.

Indeed, Ferguson's finest moment at the helm - the 1999 treble - was secured thanks to two stoppage-time goals in the Champions League final at Camp Nou.

So, it seemed somewhat fitting that the Scot would bow out at Old Trafford two years ago today in similar fashion.

Having announced his impending retirement in the wake of a 13th Premier League title triumph, Ferguson's final home game as manager of United would be against a Swansea City side that had impressed under the guidance of Michael Laudrup.

On what was an emotional afternoon in Manchester, the deadlock was broken in the 39th minute by United frontman Javier Hernandez.

Swansea defender Ashley Williams made a hash of clearing Robin van Persie's cross and Hernandez pounced to fire a low shot beyond the reach of Gerhard Tremmel.

Yet the Welsh visitors had not come to make up the numbers, and looked to have played the role of party poopers when Michu turned in Nathan Dyer's cross in the 49th minute.

However, with just three minutes left to play, United centre-back Rio Ferdinand ensured that his manager, who had signed him for £30m back in 2002, would have the perfect send-off.

The away side failed to clear a corner and when the ball dropped kindly for Ferdinand six yards from goal, he powered his shot into the net, much to the delight of all those inside Old Trafford.

Addressing the crowd after the final whistle, Ferguson said: "Everyone at the club and you the fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life.

"Thank you. I have been very fortunate to manage some of the greatest players in the country. These players have won the championship in fantastic fashion. Well done to them."

Meanwhile, match-winner Ferdinand added: "The manager leaving after all this time, he deserves this type of send-off. It was nice to get on the scoresheet. Everyone else has scored, so I just smashed it home."

The game also marked a final Old Trafford appearance for veteran midfielder Paul Scholes after 19 years of distinguished service.

Man United: De Gea; Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Jones; Carrick, Scholes (Anderson), Kagawa, Welbeck (Valencia); Hernandez (Giggs), Van Persie

Swansea: Tremmel; Taylor, Chico, Williams, Tiendalli; Hernandez, Britton, De Guzman, Routledge, Dyer; Michu

ID:221273: cacheID:221273:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4724:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Swansea City's Portuguese striker Nelson Oliveira celebrates with teammates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle and Swansea at St. James' Park stadium in Newcastle, north east England on April 25, 2015
Read Next:
Swansea heap more misery on Newcastle
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CManchester CityMan City38287396346291
2Arsenal38285591296289
3Liverpool382410486414582
4Aston Villa382081076611568
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs382061274611366
6Chelsea381891177631463
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle381861485622360
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd38186145758-160
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham381410146074-1452
10Crystal Palace381310155758-149
11Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton381212145562-748
12Bournemouth38139165467-1348
13Fulham38138175561-647
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves38137185065-1546
15Everton38139164051-1140
16Brentford38109195665-939
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3899204967-1832
RLuton TownLuton3868245285-3326
RBurnley3859244178-3724
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd38372835104-6916


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!