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memory lane

20 years ago today some bloke told Alex Ferguson he'd won the title on a golf course

It’s the anniversary of a little piece of Premier League history.

ON THE VERGE of clinching a first league title, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson opted to play a round of golf instead of watching his nearest rivals play on May 2, 1993.

Aston Villa were hosting struggling Oldham Athletic at home at 4pm and, rather than watch the game, the Scot travelled to Chesire’s Mottram Hall golf course and, on the 17th green, was approached by a man named Michael Lavender, who had just jumped out of his car.

A man I didn’t know came over the hill with a huge smile on his face and said: ‘Excuse me Mr Ferguson, you are the champions. Oldham have won at Villa,’” the BBC report Ferguson as saying.

David Allison’s goal on 30 minutes had earned Oldham a 1-0 win meaning United welcomed Blackburn to Old Trafford the following day (a game they won 3-1) as champions.

Credit: Phil O’Brien/EMPICS Sport

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