The FA Cup is one of the oldest and most famous football competitions in the world. It started in 1871-1872, and since then, many clubs and managers have won it. Arsenal holds the most titles with 14, followed by Manchester United with 13.
Top five football managers who have won the most FA Cup Titles
5. Bill Nicholson – 3 FA Cup Titles
Bill Nicholson is a legendary figure in Tottenham Hotspur’s history. Tottenham may not have won any major trophies since 2008, but it was different in the 1960s. Nicholson, a former player for the club, led Tottenham to several victories.
He won his first FA Cup with the team in the 1960-1961 season. That year, Tottenham also won the league title, achieving a “double.” Nicholson then won another FA Cup in the 1961-1962 season. His third FA Cup win came in the 1966-1967 season when Tottenham beat Chelsea in the final. This was the first time two London teams faced each other in an FA Cup final.
4. John Nicholson – 4 FA Cup Titles
John Nicholson was a key figure for Sheffield United during a period of great success. From the 1890s to 1925, Nicholson helped Sheffield United become one of the top teams in England. Interestingly, Nicholson was not technically a “manager.” He worked as the club secretary because Sheffield United did not employ a manager at that time.
Despite this, Nicholson led Sheffield United to six FA Cup finals and won four of them. His team won the FA Cup in 1899, 1902, 1915, and 1925. Some of his biggest wins were in the 1899 final. Sheffield United beat Derby County 4-1. In 1915, they won against Chelsea 3-0.
3. Sir Alex Ferguson – 5 FA Cup Titles
Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time. He had an extraordinary career at Manchester United, winning numerous trophies, including five FA Cups.
Ferguson’s first FA Cup victory came in the 1989-1990 season. Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in a replay after the first match ended in a 3-3 draw. This win was crucial as it was Ferguson’s first major trophy after three years at the club.
Ferguson won his second FA Cup in 1994, with Manchester United beating Chelsea 4-0 in the final. He continued his success by winning the FA Cup in 1996, 1999, and 2004.
2. George Ramsay – 6 FA Cup Titles
George Ramsay was the mastermind behind Aston Villa’s golden era. Under his management, Aston Villa won six FA Cups and reached eight finals. This makes him one of the most successful managers in English football history.
Ramsay’s first FA Cup victory came in the 1886-1887 season when Aston Villa beat West Brom 2-0. He went on to win more FA Cups in 1895, 1897, 1905, 1913, and 1920. These wins solidified Ramsay’s place in football history, with Aston Villa becoming a dominant force during his time.
1. Arsène Wenger – 7 FA Cup Titles
Arsène Wenger is the most successful FA Cup manager in history, with seven titles to his name. During his time at Arsenal, Wenger helped the club become one of the most successful in English football.
Wenger won his first FA Cup in 1998. He became the first foreign manager to win the “double.” This means he won both the league and the FA Cup in England. He won again in 2002, beating Chelsea 2-0 in the final. Wenger led Arsenal to another FA Cup victory in 2003 and went on to win it in 2014, 2015, and 2017.
Summary Table of FA Cup Titles by Top Managers:
| Rank | Manager | FA Cup Titles | Clubs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsène Wenger | 7 | Arsenal |
| 2 | George Ramsay | 6 | Aston Villa |
| 3 | Sir Alex Ferguson | 5 | Manchester United |
| 4 | John Nicholson | 4 | Sheffield United |
| 5 | Bill Nicholson | 3 | Tottenham Hotspur |
These managers have made their mark in football history by leading their teams to FA Cup victories. Each has a unique story, but they all share a passion for winning and guiding their clubs to glory. The FA Cup remains a prestigious competition, and these managers will always be remembered for their success.
