MANCHESTER United fans arriving at St Mary's on Saturday should shake all the home fans' hands warmly.

Because, unwittingly, it was us that started the wheels in motion that saw Alex Ferguson arrive at Old Trafford back in November 1986. And the rest, as they like to say, is history.

It would be unfair to blame it all on Saints, however.

Ron Atkinson arrived for a League Cup replay on November 4 1986 at the Dell under intense pressure.

He had won the FA Cup at United, in 1983 and 1985, but it was the league title they wanted and he couldn't deliver it.

Saints had gone to Old Trafford a week before and drawn 0-0 in front of only 23,639 fans - a month after being trounced 5-1 in the league at the same venue.

It would be a night to remember for Saints fans.

George Lawrence put us ahead with a 25-yard screamer right on the break before Danny Wallace added a second on 71 minutes.

Then it was the time for the New Kid On The Block to wield the axe for the Old Head on The Block ... in Ron's case, the chopping block.

This wasn't Matt Le Tissier's debut, but his chip over the keeper on 74 mins was his first goal for the club.

He followed that up on 84 minutes with a header - not something we would see very often over the years.

United were in disarray, though they manager a late Peter Davenport reply.

It was, however, no consolation for Ron Atkinson - 36 hours later he was sacked.

No-one at that time realised the implications of what had happened.

United would appoint Alex Ferguson and after a few false dawns would start their domination of English football.

Southampton Football Club have still, to this day, not issued an official apology to the rest of the country.

Calling all Saints fans - we want to hear from you. Have you got a great away trip tell to tale, do you want to be featured in our Fan of the Week slot, is there a particular game or player you want to see us recall? E-mail: echosport@soton-echo.co.uk with all your ideas.