BARCELONA Sporting Director Jordi Cruyff has been looking back on his time at Old Trafford ahead of the first leg of the two clubs’ Europa League clash.
The Dutchman signed for Manchester United back in August 1996 for £1.4m having made 41 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Catalan giants.
The son of footballing legend Johan Cruyff was at a crossroads in his career, his dad had just been sacked as coach of Barcelona and although he wanted to stay he knew he would be compared to his father.
The midfielder wasn’t short of options with Atletico Madrid interested and a deal with Ajax was very close until United swooped in.
Speaking to Marca Cruyff has been looking back on his time with the Old Trafford club.
He said: “Alex Ferguson travelled to Barcelona accompanied by two senior United leaders.
“That detail was already very special. He came to my house and convinced me of his project .
“He had a young team and wanted to recruit more young people. I liked the project, I liked the contract and that he came to my house.”
At the time it may not have been clear but Cruyff arrived in what would be a golden generation for United culminating with the treble in 1999 although he spent the second half of that season on loan at Celta Vigo.
Cruyff was surrounded by quality players during his time in Manchester but two that stood out were Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
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The Dutchman had fond memories of Cantona during their time as team mates.
He said: “He was the veteran who took care of the young newcomers. Poborsky, Solskjaer and I were a bit lost at first.
He added: “Well, he came to pick us up at the hotel and when training was over he waited for us and brought us back and so on for a few weeks. I didn’t expect it from a person like that”
The former Barcelona player also recalls a bet he lost with Cantona.
He said: “One day, talking about our future, we bet on who would leave United first. I was very clear that it would be me.
“He, being a god in this club, could stay for the rest of his life. We bet and I lost. I realized then that he had already taken the decision to retire.”
As well as his ability Cruyff was really impressed by Beckham’s professionalism.
He said: “Another one who stayed another half hour, three or four times a week, doing exercises to improve.
“He had talent, yes, but he worked. He had that professional mentality that made him become a star. He was a hard worker.”
Cruyff, now Barcelona’s sporting adviser, had some words of warning about Old Trafford ahead of the Catalan side’s trip there in the second leg.
He said: “When you play at Old Trafford you realize that the stadium roars. It’s a cliché, but it’s true; United don’t play with 11, they are 12.“
He continued: “We’ll see it in the second leg now that the team is improving after difficult years. The fans will not speak in the two days before to have their voices ready and not stop shouting during the game”.
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Manchester United travel to the Nou Camp for the first leg on Thursday, February 16 with the return leg at Old Trafford on Thursday, February 23.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
