We had so many injuries. So him and his assistant have to kit on and play. Both Alex Ferguson and his Assistant scored. It was unbelievable.”- FANS ARE SHOCKED after just realising that Sir Alex Ferguson made one appearance as a Man Utd player.

Sir Alex Ferguson is celebrated as the greatest manager in Manchester United’s illustrious history, with a staggering 38 trophies won during his 26-year reign. But did you know that Ferguson once played a game for United?

Yes, back in November 1987, during Ferguson’s first full season as manager, United traveled to the Caribbean for two mid-season friendlies. The games included a 4-1 victory over the Bermuda national team and a clash with Bermudian Premier Division side Somerset Trojans. It was in the latter match that Ferguson made an unexpected appearance on the pitch.

The story unfolded after United suffered multiple injuries in their game against Bermuda, leaving them short on players for the Somerset game. To fill the gaps, both Ferguson, then 45, and his assistant Archie Knox, 40, came on as second-half substitutes. Reports suggest Ferguson came close to scoring with a header, while Knox managed to net a long-range goal.

Former Somerset Trojans goalkeeper Llewellyn Simmons recalled the experience in a 2013 interview with the Bermuda Sun. “It was humorous because he was in his 40s, and we teased him about how easy it would be to get past this old man,” Simmons said.

Interestingly, these friendlies were reportedly tied to the transfer of Bermudian footballer Shaun Goater to United. Although Goater later left United and became a Manchester City legend, the games in Bermuda remain a curious chapter in Ferguson’s career.

A fan on Reddit once shared: “When Fergie came on, the Trojans bench mocked him relentlessly for being slow. Later that evening, he got into a heated debate at a cocktail party with my Scottish friend, who called out Fergie for his rough playing style back in his Falkirk days.”

This wasn’t Ferguson’s only cameo as a player-manager. In his autobiography, he recounted a similar moment during a tour of the Caribbean with St. Mirren. Frustrated by a lack of protection for one of his players, Ferguson subbed himself on to confront an opposing defender. He later admitted he took matters too far and was sent off after exacting “a bit of revenge.”

Despite his legendary status as a manager, Ferguson’s brief forays onto the pitch offer a glimpse into the fiery personality and competitive spirit that defined his career. As one fan put it: “How did I not know this?!”

The story of Sir Alex Ferguson stepping onto the pitch as a Manchester United player is one of those delightful, lesser-known anecdotes that highlight the legendary manager’s fiery spirit and adaptability. While Ferguson’s greatness is almost universally tied to his managerial achievements, tales like these add a personal and playful dimension to his legacy.

### Key Details:

– **November 1987 Caribbean Tour**:
– During his first full season as United manager, Ferguson made a surprise appearance against Bermudian side Somerset Trojans due to an injury crisis in the squad.
– Both Ferguson (45) and his assistant Archie Knox (40) played as substitutes.
– Ferguson reportedly came close to scoring, while Knox did manage to net a long-range effort.

– **Banter and Boldness**:
– Bermudian goalkeeper Llewellyn Simmons humorously recounted how the Trojans mocked Ferguson’s age and speed, a moment that showed Ferguson’s willingness to join in despite being past his playing prime.

– **Shaun Goater Connection**:
– The friendlies may have been linked to negotiations involving Bermudian player Shaun Goater, who later became a Manchester City icon.

### Fergie’s Player-Manager Antics:
This wasn’t Ferguson’s first (or last) time taking to the pitch as a manager:
– **St. Mirren in the Caribbean**:
– Ferguson once substituted himself on to protect a player, only to be sent off for “a bit of revenge” on an opposing defender—a classic example of his uncompromising attitude.

### Why This Matters:
These stories emphasize the traits that made Ferguson legendary:
– **Competitive Fire**: Even in casual games, Ferguson’s drive to compete and protect his team shone through.
– **Adaptability**: His willingness to step in when needed reflects the hands-on leadership style that defined his managerial career.

This quirky chapter of Ferguson’s career enriches the tapestry of his story at Manchester United, reminding fans that even the greatest figures in football history have moments of spontaneity and humor. As the Reddit fan aptly put it: *“How did I not know this?!”*