SIR ALEX FERGUSON says Ryan Giggs was his first big win over Manchester City.
Fergie’s dismissive taunt about the “noisy neighbours” after the Abu Dhabi takeover has gone down in football history.
But the former United boss told Tony Pulis in Sky’s “Chasing the Dream” documentary that prising Welsh wizard Giggs out of City’s clutches was a key moment in his Old Trafford success story.
Ferguson recalled: “At United, our first-team squad there were quite a few over 30.
“City were getting all the best young players at the time, absolutely. They would win the Youth Cup.
“We had to put a stop to that, so we increased the scouting and worked really hard at that, particularly in Manchester.
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“We got the Phil and Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt. David Beckham was the only one from down south.
“With Ryan Giggs, we had a steward at the club who came to me and said ‘there’s a young boy training at City, but he’s a United fan. You need to get hold of him.’
“We got him down the training ground right away, they played a practice match against Viv Anderson, and Viv was screaming: ‘Can I kick him? Can I tackle him?’
And I said: ‘Don’t you dare touch him! He’s only 14.’”
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Giggs and Co were part of the group known as “Fergie’s Fledglings” when they broke into the first team squad.
The Scot added: “When you get a gem like Giggs or Scholes, it’s staring you in the face.
“Scholes was an incredibly young player. You get diamonds like that, whereas Beckham was a late developer..
“The Nevilles – always hard working, always making great sacrifices to be footballers.
“Nicky Butt – determined young lad, always going to make it.
“You have a responsibility too, to give them the right guidance, to be strong in terms of the path you’re taking them through.
“Playing for Manchester United, playing in front of 75,000, playing in cup finals, playing for your country – these are all the stepping stones that you’re guiding them for.”
What Man Utd said on hiring EACH of their post-Fergie managers
David Moyes
“All the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy.”
Louis van Gaal
“One of the outstanding managers in the game today.”
Jose Mourinho
“Quite simply the best manager in the game today.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
“A wealth of experience, with a desire to give young players their chance and a deep understanding of the culture of the club.”
Erik ten Hag
“One of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe.”
Ruben Amorim
“One of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
