Replicate Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary rebuild in FM24 by taking over the 19th-placed Premier League club on 6 November. Survive. Build. Dominate.
Sir Alex Ferguson Challenge in FM24: Can You Rebuild a Dynasty?
Let me guess—you’ve just finished another FM save where you spent millions, dominated the league in two seasons, and got bored. Sound familiar? Then it's time to switch gears. It's time to embrace chaos, pressure, long-term vision, and a little dose of history. Welcome to the Sir Alex Ferguson Challenge—the most authentic, rewarding, and patience-testing save you’ll ever play in Football Manager.
The Backstory: November 6, 1986
So, what if you had taken over instead?
How to Start the Challenge in FM24
- Start a new save in FM24.
- Simulate the season until 6 November 2023.
-
Look at the Premier League table and find the club in
19th place—the modern-day equivalent of United in 1986.
-
Take over that club immediately, without waiting for the
end of the season or for a stable job opportunity.
This is your United now. You're the next Fergie. Let’s see if you can handle it.
Your Mission: The Ferguson Blueprint
Here’s your long-term to-do list. Think of it as your footballing bucket list.
| Season | Objective |
|---|---|
| 1 | Avoid relegation at all costs |
| 2 | Secure mid-table stability |
| 3-4 | Win a domestic cup (FA Cup or Carabao Cup) |
| 5-6 | Win the Premier League |
| 7+ | Win the Champions League and build a lasting legacy |
Optional bonus: develop a youth academy class to rival the Class of '92.
Here is a total list of trophies that he won during his managerial career;
- Premier League (13)
- FA Cup (5)
- League Cup (4)
- Community Shield (10)
- UEFA Champions League (2)
- UEFA Europa League (1) (Replaces the Cup Winners Cup)
- UEFA Super Cup (1)
- FIFA Club World Cup (2) (One Replaces Intercontinental Cup)
Fergie's Philosophy: How to Play It Right
If you're going to do this challenge properly, play it the way Sir Alex would have:
-
Prioritise Youth Development: Promote from within. Find
your own Giggs, Scholes, or Neville.
-
Discipline Matters: No egos bigger than the club.
Ruthlessly cut deadweight.
-
Build a Core of British Talent: You don’t need to, but it
adds flavour.
-
Adapt Your Tactics: Fergie wasn’t a tactical ideologue—he
evolved. So should you.
Fergie's Rules (Optional but Hardcore)
Want to make it even more immersive? Try playing with these self-imposed rules:
- You must stay at the same club throughout the save
- You can only sign players under 21 unless filling urgent gaps
- You must develop at least 3 homegrown starters
- No use of the in-game editor or instant result button
- Target 20+ years at the club to truly build a dynasty
Need Help Surviving Season 1?
You’re not alone—Fergie nearly got sacked in year three. Here are some tips:
- Use low-block formations early if your defence is leaky
-
Look for free agents and loan deals instead of buying big
-
Focus on team cohesion over individual brilliance
-
Invest in youth coaching right away—long-term gain starts
now
Real-Life Inspired Bonus: Youth Academy Challenge Combo
Want to take it to the next level? Combine this with a Youth Academy Only Challenge. Only use players who come through your youth intake. Now you’re truly simulating the long-term rebuild.
Who Are the Candidates?
This depends on your save. Some common 19th-placed clubs in FM24 by November:
- Luton Town
- Sheffield United
- Burnley
But remember: you must simulate to 6 November and take whoever is in 19th place. No cheating.
Final Thoughts
This challenge isn’t about quick wins. It’s about building something that lasts. The early years will be painful. The board might hate you. Fans will question you. But if you stick with it, this might just become your most rewarding FM save ever.
So... who’s your United?
