Wem-ber-Lee: The Goal that Kickstarted Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United Dynasty

John McNicoll's latest offering, "Wem-ber-Lee," arrives as his fourth football book, following his successful trilogy that includes "An Ode to Four Four Two," "An Ode to the Chosen Few," and "It's Coming Home (Probably)." In this compelling narrative, McNicoll zeroes in on what many consider the most pivotal season in Manchester United's modern history: 1989/90.
The book's title cleverly plays on the hallowed ground of Wembley, where United's FA Cup triumph would ultimately unfold, weaving it with the transformative legacy that was about to begin. McNicoll masterfully reconstructs the tension of that winter period when Sir Alex Ferguson's position hung precariously in the balance. The pressure for change from fans at that time was immense, with United struggling in the league and Ferguson still seeking his first trophy after three years at the helm.
What makes this book particularly engaging is McNicoll's ability to capture the dramatic irony of the moment. The club would finish a disappointing 13th in the First Division, yet from this nadir would rise the most successful period in the club's history. The author's extensive research shines through in his use of newspaper archives and interviews with players and managers from the era, providing an authentic voice to this crucial chapter in football history.
The narrative particularly excels when detailing the FA Cup campaign that would save Ferguson's job. That fateful January day in 1990, when Mark Robins headed in a Mark Hughes cross, is brought to life with vivid detail and context. McNicoll doesn't just tell us what happened; he helps us understand why it mattered so much.
Where the book truly distinguishes itself is in its broader historical context. Rather than simply focusing on the matches themselves, McNicoll explores the boardroom dynamics, fan sentiment, and wider football landscape of the time. The inclusion of a foreword by respected United author Wayne Barton adds another layer of authority to the work.
However, the book's greatest strength lies in its understanding of football's beautiful unpredictability. McNicoll shows how a single goal, a single match, or a single decision can alter the course of history. The goal that "triggered something and turned the corner" would indeed prove to be the catalyst for two decades of unprecedented success.
For Manchester United fans, this is essential reading, offering fresh insights into a season they may think they know well. For the wider football audience, it's a fascinating study of how close greatness can come to never happening at all. McNicoll has produced a work that stands as both historical record and compelling narrative, proving once again his ability to find fresh angles on football's most significant moments.
The book's only minor shortcoming might be its occasional tendency to lean too heavily on the "what if" scenarios, though this is perhaps unavoidable given the nature of the story being told. Nevertheless, it remains a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of a season that changed football history.
"Wem-ber-Lee" is more than just another football book; it's a reminder that sometimes the greatest dynasties are built on the finest of margins. For anyone interested in football history, Manchester United, or the art of leadership under pressure, this is a worthy addition to their library.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: May 5, 2025
Price: £18.99
Hardcover: 288 pages
ISBN-10: 1801509999
ISBN-13: 978-1801509992
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)