The day Alex Ferguson left Aberdeen for Manchester United

Football broadcaster Roddy Forsyth revealed the news that Alex Ferguson was moving to the English First Division on 6 November 1986. His editor had instructed him to travel to Aberdeen to investigate reports that the Dons manager was negotiating with Manchester United.

While travelling from Glasgow, the journalist noted that most other reporters on the flight were heading to Shetland to report on a Chinook helicopter disaster that claimed 43 lives. Upon arriving in Aberdeen, Forsyth located Ferguson and United chairman Martin Edwards at an airport hotel by asking the receptionist to connect him with a Mr Edwards from Manchester.

"I heard some voices and made my way to them," Forsyth said. He recalled finding the pair in the restaurant area, where he directly asked Ferguson if he was the new manager of Manchester United, to which he replied "yes".

According to Forsyth, the pair were sharing a bottle of champagne at the time. "They had a bottle of champagne which they were drinking and Fergie poured me a little champagne in a wine glass, and I toasted him as the new manager," he stated. Following their discussion, Forsyth contacted his office to verify the appointment.