“HAD Ferguson’s men played the way Evans’ players did and won 2-0, the new United boss would have been heralded as the new Old Trafford saviour.”

That was John Ley’s assessment in the Oxford Mail of Oxford United’s win against a Manchester United side managed for the first time by Alex Ferguson in November 1986.

It is safe to assume none of the 13,545 inside the Manor Ground that day could have foreseen the Scot would be at the reins for another 26 years.

‘Fergie’, who was under the media spotlight, was not thrilled with his first assignment, saying: “The photographers didn’t help and it was one place I didn’t want to come for the first game.”

While it is remarkable now, considering where the two clubs are, the result at the time did not register as a shock.

The U’s had won the Milk Cup seven months earlier and under manager Maurice Evans had made a good start to their second season as a Divsion 1 club.

Their previous home league game had seen a 2-1 victory over Brian Clough’s high-flying Nottingham Forest. By contrast, Manchester United had been dumped out of the League Cup 4-1 by Southampton four days before their trip to the Manor, which spelled the end for manager Ron Atkinson.

The 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from John Aldridge (penalty) and Neil Slatter, saw the U’s move tenth in the table – a full ten points ahead of the Red Devils.

Les Phillips played in midfield that day and admitted it just felt like a routine result. “We played ever so well, but to be fair, they weren’t at their best,” he said.

“There were cameras everywhere. We just happened to be playing them, I don’t think we got much of a mention. But you’ve got to remember Man Utd weren’t a force then.”

Ferguson’s temper became legendary, but U’s full back Dave Langan said he remained level-headed at the Manor.

He said: “My best friend, Frank Stapleton, was playing for Man Utd. He said that after the game Alex was very pleased, even though they had lost.

“There was no hairdryer. He was quite calm and laid out his ideas and what he expected.”

Oxford: Parks, Langan, Slatter, Phillips, Briggs, Shotton, Houghton, Aldridge, Leworthy, Trewick, Brock. Sub not used: Reck. Manchester: Turner, Duxbury, Albiston, Moran, McGrath (Olsen 77), Hogg, Blackmore, Moses, Stapleton, Davenport, Barnes.