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The proof that without Fergie, Aston Villa were better than Man United

After two decades of unrivalled success under Sir Alex Ferguson, it may seem as though success will be neverending for Manchester United, but those with a memory beyond the Premier League era will know it isn't set in stone. Until Fergie arrived at Old Trafford, Aston Villa had actually won more than Man United, including the 1957 FA Cup final (above), when the Busby Babes lost to Eric Houghton's side. No club has a divine right to win trophies, so make the most of it while it lasts, United fans

After two decades of unrivalled success under Sir Alex Ferguson, it may seem as though success will be neverending for Manchester United, but those with a memory beyond the Premier League era will know it isn't set in stone. Until Fergie arrived at Old Trafford, Aston Villa had actually won more than Man United, including the 1957 FA Cup final (above), when the Busby Babes lost to Eric Houghton's side. No club has a divine right to win trophies, so make the most of it while it lasts, United fans

By talkSPORT magazine | Saturday, November 10, 2012

 

Two decades ago Manchester United were without a top flight title in 26 years and the pressure was on Sir Alex Ferguson, after they blew a brilliant chance the season before. As the 1992/93 season reached its conclusion, with six games to go Aston Villa - runners up three years earlier - were leading United in the title race and glory beckoned for Ron Atkinson's team.

Fortunately for United fans, the Red Devils held their nerve and pipped the Villa to top spot. United never looked back, while the midlanders' fortunes took a somewhat different turn, but it was a close run thing that campaign.

To supporters raised in an era when Aston Villa wouldn't dream of challenging Manchester United for the title, let alone boasting a superior honours list, this may seem like irrelevant history, but it serves as a reminder that no club stays on top forever, no matter how impregnable they may seem.

Despite Alex Ferguson's spell in charge at United now stretching to a phenomenal 26 years, that represents only a fifth of the club's history. In other words, for the majority of Man United's history they were in the shadow of Aston Villa's success.

Fergie was offered the job at Arsenal, Tottenham, Rangers and even Wolves before he decided to join Man United, but what if he had gone elsewhere? The Scot will not always be in the Old Trafford hotseat, so take a look at those stats above, United fans, and savour every moment your manager is in charge because, one day, you may be the ones clinging to a great history.

Can Aston Villa ever hope to challenge Man United again? Have your say by commenting below and tune in to live commentary of Aston Villa v Manchester United on talkSPORT (1053/1089AM, DAB and online) from 5.30pm on 10 November 2012.