This Is The One: Sir Alex Ferguson - The Uncut Story Of A Football Genius

by Daniel Taylor

When Manchester United deposed Chelsea as Premiership champions at the end of the 2006-07 season Sir Alex Ferguson described it as the 'greatest achievement' of his twenty years in charge. A year earlier his managerial career had reached its nadir amid speculation he would be forced out of Old Trafford. He was taken to the limit over the Roy Keane scandal, his volatile relationship with the media, the political fallout of Malcolm Glazer's takeover and a miserable six-month run in which the team were humbled in Europe, embarrassed by the Conference side Burton Albion and barracked by their own fans. Ferguson, it is claimed, came close to quitting. But the great man has used his inimitable managing skills and bloody-minded determination to turn it around yet again and remind everyone he is still the most formidable manager in the business.

Written over the course of two hugely eventful, diverse and controversial seasons, "This Is The One" offers a unique, warts-and-all portrait of Ferguson from a privileged behind-the-scenes position. As a football writer for the Guardian, Daniel Taylor has been there from day one and seen every side of Ferguson, from the flint-faced authoritarian to the kind, quick-witted man with the heart the size of the Old Trafford trophy room. Entertaining, revelatory, sometimes shocking but always affectionate, this is the close-up look at one of the most talked-about figures in sport, in good times and bad, and culminating in the glory of his ninth tittle win.

Genres: Football, Sports, Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Daniel Taylor is a British journalist and author. He was the chief football writer for The Guardian and The Observer from 2012 to 2019, having joined the newspaper in 2000; in October 2019, he joined The Athletic. In March 2017 he won news reporter of the year and sports journalist of the year at The Press Awards for his series of stories about the United Kingdom football sexual abuse scandal.

Reviews

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the One is Daniel Taylor's riveting account of what it was like to cover Alex Ferguson from a journalist's perspective. It takes place during 05–07. It's written in Diary form, giving the reader a Fly-on-the-wall view of a Ferguson press conference. Using these press conferences as his starting point, Taylor weaves together a gripping week-by-week narrative of the two seasons mentioned.

One of the most unique and informative football books I've read.

[Dipankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to sum up in one word, I'd say - fascinating. Not because it was written spectacularly but because it had spectacular content.

Make no mistake, I'm not taking anything away from Daniel Taylor, who rose higher in my opinion with his excellent writing in this book. Many a times was I pulled into it with his gripping story-telling. But the ultimate worth of the book lies in the criminally exclusive stuff about the legendary Ferguson. And reading it all through a series of press conferences, a concept I liked, filled with extremely lovable details about behind-the-curtain exchanges and through the eyes and minds of a reputed journalist makes it all the more appealing.

For every United fan, and for most fans of football, this is an absolute must-read. An experience out of which you can only come out richer and mightily satisfied.

[Debanjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into what makes the Worlds Greatest Sports Manager tick. It's a glorious read thats main focus is on events off the pitch while still keeping an eye on events on the pitch.

[Charlie Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rival United? Arsenal? Never! They will need three stadiums and thirty-three teams to rival us as a club. Nobody is as big as Manchester United. Nobody ever will be either.”

For two seasons between 2005 and 2007, Taylor enjoyed fantastic access to Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United. He followed United home and away, developing a definitive portrait of Ferguson through two immensely challenging seasons.

His assessments are fair and developed with eloquence and it was supremely easy to read his account. There was variation, depth and comedy throughout. The anecdotes were fabulous and the level of access which Taylor had was built upon by his excellent ability to tell stories within a wider narrative. This is much more than purely a journalistic account of those two seasons.

Taylor’s depiction and explanation of Ferguson’s feud with the BBC is fascinating and delivered with fine balance. He demonstrates a superb knowledge of Manchester United and Ferguson at the time and also a journalistic passion, which definitely brings the book alive.

Taylor was also spot-on in foreshadowing Ferguson’s eventual retirement and the void he would leave at the club. As a United fan, reading those words from 2008 did bring a smile, to remember how Ferguson would add Premier League titles again in 07/08, 08/09, 10/11 and 12/13 as well as his second Champions League triumph in 07/08.

Overall, this is perhaps the best book related to Manchester United that I have ever read (it is very hard to choose between this and Fergie’s ‘Managing My Life’).

Taylor has no agenda, no overt bias, and offers such unique insight that it was near-impossible to put down. He is a terrific writer, storyteller and judge of character. His insight was phenomenal.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read about 2005-2007, featuring two trophies but lots of questions asked by loyal fans of their manager, who was putting together his third great team. Danny's description of the toughest job in football journalism (covering the cranky conferences of Ferguson) are excellent, as is his portrait of a club, a man and a team.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic account of a huge two year period in the Premier League. Brought back memories of another under rated gem "Football - Bloody Hell!" by Patrick Barclay.

Well worth a read, I recently signed up for The Athletic just to continue to follow Daniel Taylor's journalism.

[Lanko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Misleading title. Good material, but covers like 3 seasons.

[Justin Lehmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is graded on a "Soccer Books Scale". If you're a United fan, very enjoyable. Sometimes you've gotta take a book off.

[latrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book This Is the One delves into Sir Alex Ferguson's visionary leadership, showcasing how his dedication and hard work transformed Manchester United into a legendary club.

[Miikka Lehtonen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. Sir Alex Ferguson is, without a doubt, the greatest manager in the history of football. Taylor's book offers a rare view behind the curtain in the form of a diary which covers the 05/06 and 06/07 seasons. During the first season Ferguson is under increasing media pressure as it seems time has finally caught up with him and the game has passed him by. Of course, as every football fan knows, the next season proved this was far from being the case. Fergie's tumultuous relationship with the media, and even his own players, make for a good story.

In retrospect it was also extremely interesting to see and hear Fergie and Taylor's opinions on Jose Mourinho, which have since then proven true time and time again.

Overall one of the best football books I've read and one that made me sorely miss Sir Alex. We'll never see the likes of him again.

[Paranjaya Nepal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely finish books in one sitting but this book was an exception- and a worthy one too. I have idolized Sir Alex since I learned about the sport and till a few years ago, he was the only manager I had seen at Old Trafford. I have read several of his books- most told from his Point of View but this book provided a different outlook on his rein. Daniel Taylor narrates two seasons of Sir Alex's reign at United- one a disappointing one that led to a passionate demand for his departure and another which buckled all odds by reversing every opinion about his decline. Daniel Taylor has perfectly encapsulated how the journalists viewed him- a gruff figure who they feared and revered. A delightful narration of the events.

[Alistair Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engrossing book on Sir Alex Ferguson, particularly focussing on his relationship with the press. It covers two seasons - the first has his Manchester United team failing to win the league by some distance, but then the second season shows them regaining their Premier League crown. The story of those two seasons is told against the backdrop of his spiky relationship with the press and is extremely well told. The book offers insights into the man's character and his need for complete control over all issues concerning Manchester United. At times, this almost borders on paranoia. But the drive, determination and aggression all come through.

[Aaron Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book about a side of Sir Alex Ferguson that we don't get to see very often.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read and an insight into how Ferguson ticks.

[Sayak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different insight to the magnetic persona of sir Alex Ferguson,"a MAN" in true sense.

[HyunJun Lim]

Good book but Manchester is the baddest soccer team in the world