St. Mirren have the distinction of being the only club ever to sack him. A tribunal concluded that he was "particularly petty" and "immature". It was claimed during the tribunal by St. Mirren chairman that he had "no managerial ability". Following an early season run of six defeats and two draws in eight games, a banner declaring "Three years of excuses and it's still crap ... " was displayed at Old Trafford, and many journalists and supporters called for him to be sacked Following a run of seven games without a win, Manchester United were drawn away to Notts F in the third round of the FA Cup and it was expected that United would lose the match and he would consequently be sacked; but United won the game 1–0. This cup win is often cited as the match that saved his Old Trafford career,