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      Sir Alex Ferguson ‘snapped big time’ at Man Utd legend after misunderstanding as icon admits ‘you could never read him’

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON is well known for his hairdryer treatment of stars.And that furious temper extended to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who explained how a misunderstanding led to a big row between them.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has recalled how a misunderstanding saw him in the firing line of Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyHowever, Solskjaer praised Ferguson for imposing his edge on the situationCredit: GettyRecalling the incident in an interview for Bring on United, the super sub explained how an interview he did in the Norwegian press was misinterpreted by an English newspaper.He said: “In December 2000, I was in form and scored in four different league games.”Then we played Newcastle away in the final game of the year. It was one I didn’t score in. We got a penalty and I should have taken it. Becks took it and put it in the top right corner.”I was thinking that I might be player of the month. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I did an interview with the Norwegian press that was translated into some of the British newspapers and spun into headlines that were way worse than what I’d said. “The question to me was: ‘Now that you are a regular…’ and I answered, ‘No, not really, I’ll probably be on the bench soon and I don’t look at myself as a regular.'”The gaffer came to see me and he snapped big time because it was on the back of all the newspapers that I’d said he’d probably leave me out soon. I think he only read the headlines.”Ferguson was not best impressed with Solskjaer’s attitude, leading to the row.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlthough Solskjaer credits the Scot for setting the standards even in that situation.”He then looked at me as a defeatist who accepted being a sub instead of pushing on and saying that I should play every game.Sir Alex Ferguson ECSTATIC as his horse Spirit Dancer makes history with back-to-back wins in $1million Bahrain race”But, for me, it was a way of saying that I’m loyal to whatever the gaffer does and doing whatever I’m asked to. One of the beauties of the manager was that you could never read him.”Solskjaer spent 11 years at Old Trafford as a player.He then returned as a manager initially on an interim basis before being given the job full-time.The 51-year-old failed to win a trophy but secured back-to-back top-four finishes, something no other manager has done for United since Ferguson.He was sacked in November 2021 and replaced by Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.Erik ten Hag then took over on a permanent basis, leading the club to the FA Cup and League Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a poor start in the league this season saw club chiefs pull the plug on his time and replace him with Ruben Amorim.The former Sporting Lisbon boss takes charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich tomorrow. More

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      Seven Man Utd stars who should be fearing for their future in January as Ruben Amorim already knows who he doesn’t want

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      RUBEN AMORIM will want to stamp his mark on his new Manchester United squad as soon as possible.The former Sporting boss replaced Erik ten Hag and is preparing to take charge of his first match in charge at Ipswich on Sunday.Ruben Amorim will be weighing up which players he will be willing to let go in JanuaryCredit: GettyHe must make do with the current crop of players for the first few weeks of his tenure until the January transfer window opens.However, even then, it is understood he may not have an abundance of cash to splash to bring in his top targets straight away.And that could therefore see Amorim try and raise some funds by selling off some of the United players that fail to impress or fit into his favoured 3-4-3 system.But who is most at risk of facing the chop and could be heading out of the Old Trafford exit door early in 2025?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLJOSHUA ZIRKZEEJoshua Zirkzee may have only joined United in the summer but may already find himself as the third-choice striker under Amorim.The new manager’s preferred style favours the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund and there are concerns Zirkzee won’t fit the mould. It has been a tough start to life at Old Trafford for the Dutch striker, who has just one goal in his opening 17 appearances and allegedly was not even wanted by former boss Erik ten Hag before his £36.5million arrival. United and Zirkzee may decide this has not worked out and allow the 23-year-old to move elsewhere to continue his career before things turn sour. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJoshua Zirkzee’s United spell could be over within six monthsCredit: AlamyCHRISTIAN ERIKSENThe Danish midfielder, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and was linked with leaving last summer. Ten Hag kept Christian Eriksen on but the reality is his game time will be very limited in the Amorim formation and selling the veteran would mean United can get a fee for him.Ruben Amorim gives first Man Utd interview and reveals number one priority to revive fallen giantsChristian Eriksen might be on his way outCredit: AlamyCASEMIROCasemiro’s United career has been turbulent to say the least – but could it be about to fizzle out?The experienced Brazilian, 32, has struggled to have the impact he would have wanted and his impact was waning under Ten Hag.And that could reduce even further if Amorim opts for a midfield duo of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. He is under contract until 2026 but is United’s top-paid player on a staggering £375,000 per week – meaning shipping him out to the Middle East would be an ideal solution.Casemiro may find his game time limited in the new Amorim systemCredit: ReutersALEJANDRO GARNACHOThis one could ruffle a few feathers but Alejandro Garnacho, 20, could be on his way of Old Trafford, too.The new 3-4-3 formation will likely see two supporting playmakers in behind the main striker – with wing-backs instead of wingers.And that could spell bad news for the Argentine.He is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents in the Red Devils squad and fans would hate to see him leave.But a big offer for an unfancied star who could generate a huge profit may be appealing for Amorim and his boardroom bosses.Alejandro Garnacho is one the most valuable men in the Red Devils squadCredit: RexAMAD DIALLOSimilarly, Amad Diallo, 22, could find himself out of favour under Amorim.The winger’s contract is also expiring next summer and if Amorim does not want to use him, he may try and convince the club to sell him in January – rather than offer a new contract or let him go for free.Incredibly, Antony could be handed a lifeline at Old Trafford – with early training sessions hinting he could get a new lease of life as a wing-back. Amad Diallo’s future is up in the airCredit: ReutersHARRY MAGUIREAmorim is keen for a 3-4-3 formation with three centre-backs.The reality is Harry Maguire, 31, can play in a back three and has done so previously – including for England at the World Cup.But the reality is also that he will be behind Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro in the pecking order – plus potentially Luke Shaw if he moves into a left centre-back role.Maguire has been on the cusp of leaving several times and shaving his £190,000 off the weekly wage bill would help the finances. Harry Maguire may be on his way out of the clubCredit: EPAVICTOR LINDELOFOne could be forgiven for forgetting Victor Lindelof, 30, was still on the books at Old Trafford – more than seven years after arriving in 2017.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will surely not get an extension on his current deal which expires at the end of the season.So trying to flog him in January would present the final chance to get anything for the Swedish defender. Victor Lindelof is way down the pecking order among the centre-backsCredit: Getty More

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      Marcus Rashford takes up new sport to keep in top condition for Man Utd

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      FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford is fighting fit — after taking up boxing and mixed martial arts.The Manchester United and England striker, 27, has been working out in a boxing gym.Marcus Rashford is taking up martial arts to get in peak conditionCredit: GettyHe has also had sessions with a trainer who specialises in Muay Thai, a form of martial arts favoured by cage fighters.Rashford was left out of the England squad for this month’s Nations League games. Instead, he went to New York and watched a UFC cage fight and basketball game.A source said: “Marcus has really started to get into fighting in recent years. READ MORE MARCUS RASHFORD“He’s always enjoyed watching boxing with his mates but he’s also developed an interest in MMA as the sport has become more popular.“The club know and have no problem with it.“They just think it’s great extra fitness training.”Rashford is hoping to win the favour of new head coach Ruben Amorim, who backed his recent trip to New York.Most read in FootballThe Manchester United forward is looking to impress his new bossCredit: PAHow Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change More

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      I played for Man Utd legend and ex-Premier League manager – he taught me absolutely nothing

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      MARK HUGHES was a huge disappointment as Bradford boss and lacked people skills.That is the damning view of Bantams midfielder Richie Smallwood, who has revealed how underwhelmed he was by the Manchester United legend’s spell at the club.Richie Smallwood was expecting much more from Mark HughesCredit: RexHughes was an Old Trafford hero as a striker and managed Man CityCredit: AlamyHughes had an illustrious playing career which also took in Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn.He also managed Rovers, Manchester City, Southampton, Stoke, Fulham and QPR in the Premier League as well as his home nation, Wales.But he had 19 months in charge at Valley Parade before he was sacked in October 2023 with the club sitting 18th in League Two.Smallwood, 33, took a two-division drop in 2022 having just racked up 42 Championship appearances as Hull captain because of the lure of Hughes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut Sparky could only lead the Bantams to play-off semi-final agony in his only full season in charge.Asked if he enjoyed working for the former star striker, Smallwood said: “To be honest, no. We didn’t get the job done despite having a good enough team.“I didn’t learn anything from him. I was expecting a lot more. That’s how it is in football sometimes.“Hughes was the big draw for people to come here.Most read in FootballHughes, who was a popular frontman for the Red Devils, hasn’t managed since being sacked by Bradford in October 2023Credit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Because of the player he was and the capabilities he had you think that’s going to transfer over as a manager.“But sometimes it didn’t and that led to us not getting the job done. That was the way it was. I didn’t learn too much from him.”Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers Smallwood even hit out at his lack of man-management and communication skills.He added: “That wasn’t one of his strengths. That’s my honest opinion.”Bradford sit ninth, two points behind the play-offs and five off the automatic places ahead of entertaining Accrington on Saturday.And Smallwood believes the team are heading in a better direction under Hughes’ successor Graham Alexander.The former Salford, Scunthorpe, Fleetwood and MK Dons boss may not have had the glittering career of Hughes but he has played at all levels from League Two to the Premier League.Smallwood, who played for Alexander at Scunny, said: “He’s intense and gets to work. He’s always early doing his analysis, research and getting his stats together.“Graham got to know the players when he replaced Hughes and has put his stamp on things during the summer. It has paid off.“The big thing is our home form, that’s improved hugely this season. We all respect him greatly.”Bradford has been a tough job to crack in recent years.The Bantams get almost 17,000 fans at home and yet this is their fifth season stuck in League Two — and it has been 20 years since they were in the second tier and 24 since the Prem.Bradford chief Graham Alexander, seen dishing instructions to loan defender Jay Benn, has been praised by SmallwoodCredit: RexSmallwood said: “People look from the outside and see we get big crowds and have a big  stadium.“There is a big expectation that comes from that but we’ve not been able to deal with it.“We’ve had a lot of players here who haven’t played in front of those sorts of crowds before. That might be a factor.“Also opposing teams set up to keep the crowd quiet and frustrate us — and they can get edgy if we don’t score.“But things are changing. And there is a great stat that is consistent now — when we score first, we go on to win the game. We’re scoring the first goal more often.”Smallwood’s drop into the fourth tier from being a Championship captain did seem a strange one from the outside — even with the lure of  Hughes.Yet Smallwood said: “Hull went through a takeover and you find new owners want to get their own people in.“Often the captain bears the brunt of that.“But I was excited by the project here. The head of recruitment, Stephen Gent, is a relative of my missus and he sold it to me.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My partner was also expecting at the time and while some players who left Hull were patient to wait for an offer, I wasn’t. “I don’t regret it and, hopefully, we can be promoted this season.”Smallwood is now targeting promotion under AlexanderCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Amorim makes Man Utd transfers vow as new boss wastes no time in stamping authority on new employers

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      RUBEN AMORIM insists he will have the final say on all transfer comings and goings at Man Utd.The new manager held his first press conference today – and wasted no time in stamping his authority on the club.Ruben Amorim has insisted that transfer business in manager’s businessThings haven’t worked out yet for new signing Joshua ZirkzeeAmorim, 39, replaces Erik ten Hag as manager appointed by part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new senior management team of Omar Berrada, Sir David Brailsford, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox.The board have overseen a calamitous summer of bungling in their dealings with former boss Ten Hag and with some questionable recruitment.For example they lumbered Ten Hag with frontman flop Joshua Zirkzee believing he was a good investment when the former boss did not ask for him.But the new man says that he won’t be a pushover.READ MORE ON MAN UTDFormer Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim revealed: “The final word should be the manager’s.“Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility.“Because in the end, the results are down to me. “I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”Amorim insisted the senior management team will have to help him improve the club’s transfer activity but said the buck stops at his desk.Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before He said: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process on recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want, but I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach, I know how to play.”The new head coach conducted his first press conference as United boss at The Carrington Training Ground.He was full of confidence about how he can be different to David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ten Hag in getting the club right back to where they were under Sir Alex Ferguson.He said: “You had here different type of coaches.“So the guys who won everything like Van Gaal and Mourinho, you had new ones who knew the club inside out like Solskjaer, and one of the best that there will ever be outside the five strongest leagues was Ten Hag.“You have different type of coaches, the same result. We will try to do it our way, the Ineos way, and my way.”The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult.”There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do.”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment.”I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that.”I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.“In two years you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years you can understand if you want to continue on this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.”Ruben Amorim leaves Sporting on a highBy Charlie WyettRUBEN AMORIM would have preferred to leave Lisbon in a blaze of glory after winning a third Primeira Liga title.Yet football does not work like that. And in what was surely his final game before taking charge of Manchester United, Amorim prepared to say his goodbyes at a half-empty Estadio Jose Alvalade in a League Cup quarter-final against Nacional.Sporting won 3-1 thanks to  second-half goals by captain  Morten Hjulmand and Viktor Gyokeres, who scored two.Luis Esteves pulled back for Madeira-based Nacional.The stadium  will be a good deal more lively on Tuesday when Manchester City are here for  a Champions League match — although Amorim should by then have his feet firmly under his desk at Old Trafford.Liverpool and Aston Villa were both interested in Europe’s most sought-after coach. Even City could have been a possible destination post-Pep Guardiola.Yet the United job is one Amorim, 39,  could not turn  down — even if not everyone saw it that way at Sporting last night.There is clearly a huge split in the Portuguese club’s fan base over their coach leaving at this stage of the season with many believing he should have seen the job through.Yet Amorim, along with the three-man coaching team who are expected to follow him, leaves a club in a much better state than when he arrived here in 2020.Inside the stadium, there was applause — albeit muted — when his name was read out before the game along with the line-ups.And there did not appear to be any jeers when Amorim shuffled out from the tunnel awkwardly towards the dugout.So, while his departure is hard to take for some, none of the fans will forget his legacy.This is a club which is back as the dominant force in Portugal. Even this term, Sporting have won their first nine league games, scoring 30 goals and conceding just two.They are also eighth in the Champions League table, which is one hell of an effort.In contrast, Lisbon was not exactly hit by League Cup fever last night.Amorim made lots of changes, which saw Sporting’s star man Gyokeres, the former Coventry striker, start on the bench.There was, however, a first appearance in six weeks for former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards. He is certainly one player who has been transformed by Amorim since arriving at the club from Vitoria in 2022 and will be sorry to see the coach leave.While he changed his team, Amorim stuck with his tried and trusted formation of a back three.It will certainly be something Manchester United’s fans will have to get used to over the  coming months.But looking at the Premier League table, none of them will be complaining about the change. More

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      Man Utd ‘transfer plans revealed as Ruben Amorim eyes Jarrad Branthwaite and Champions League-winning dream target’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are drawing up plans to return to land No1 defensive target Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim’s teamCredit: GettyThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: AlamyJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a “radical” move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some “hard moments”.Regardless, United transfer chiefs look set to press on with plans to sure up the defence despite landing three defenders in the summer.According to the Daily Mail, United are considering whether to return to Everton’s doorstep with an offer for Branthwaite.They saw two bids for the Englishman, 22, rejected in the summer, with the latter reaching £50million including add-ons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBraithwaite’s arrival would serve to bolster the defence for a three-player defence, with Amorim’s style seeing him play a 3-4-3 shape rather than the 4-3-3 previously seen under Erik ten Hag.However, the report says United will need to sell players if they want to make this move in January or next summer.Elsewhere, United remain in the race to land Bayern Munich left wing-back Alphonso Davies.The Canadian’s contract with the Bavarians expires in the summer, and according to AS he has made no decision over his future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLa Liga giants Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of Davies, 24, and are reported by the outlet to have transferred their offer to the player’s agent.This being said, with Ferland Mendy at the Bernabeu, strengthening the position is not a priority and they are not willing to get into a battle with other clubs.Jarrad Branthwaite talks about his history of playing for Everton Bild reports the offer for the Champions League winner is worth just under £10m per year.But Davies’ agent Nedal Huoseh has dismissed talk of an agreement and claimed it is actually Man Utd who are “bidding hard” to sign Davies.With Luke Shaw’s fitness once again proving to be unreliable this season and Tyrell Malacia only recently returning from a long-term injury, moving for Davies would make sense as an aggressive wing-back option for Amorim.SunSport have taken an extensive look into how Amorim is expected to get the team playing in the latest edition of our Tactics Exposed series.A win can put Man Utd seventh in the table if results elsewhere go in their favour.Alphonso Davies is in talks with Real Madrid and Man UtdCredit: RexThree Sporting stars Amorim could swoop for after joining Man UtdRUBEN AMORIM has ruled out poaching any of his Sporting Lisbon players in the January transfer window.But the Portuguese side’s chiefs expect Amorim will come calling in the summer – with his cheque book wide open.Here’s are three Sporting starts United could swoop for… but they won’t come cheap:VIKTOR GYOKERESAge: 26Position: StrikerCost: £84millionSwede has shone since joining Sporting last summer from Coventry — catching the eye of all Europe’s top clubs.Hit 43 goals in 50 games last season and boasts 18 strikes already this term.GONCALO INACIOAge: 23Position: DefenderCost: £50millionBall-playing centre-back was handed his debut by Amorim and has since become a key figure in Sporting’s recent title successes.Can also slot in at left-back if required and has 12 caps for Portugal.MORTEN HJULMANDAge: 25Position: MidfieldCost: £40millionDane is one of the top holding midfielders in Portugal — and made skipper by Amorim.He could be the man to replace Casemiro. More

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      Ruben Amorim tells Man Utd fans to expect ‘really hard moments’ as he admits it’s ‘a different world’ to anything before

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      RUBEN AMORIM has warned Manchester United fans to expect some ups and downs over the next few years.The 39-year-old was officially announced as Erik ten Hag’s successor earlier this month.Ruben Amorim was officially appointed as Manchester United’s new manager earlier this monthCredit: GETTYThe 39-year-old gaffer replaces the recently-axed Erik ten HagCredit: GETTYThe Portuguese has warned United fans to expect some turbulent times over the next few yearsCredit: GETTYAmorim’s first assignment will be a trip to Portman Road on Sunday to take on Ipswich Town.The Portuguese is looking forward to the challenge ahead and implementing his philosophy on the team and club as a whole.But the former Sporting Lisbon chief has warned the Old Trafford faithful not to expect him to perform miracles straight away.He said: “It’s Manchester United, you feel the weight of history despite the last few years and you want to be part of it. READ MORE ON AMORIM”If you win here, it will be different from any other club in England.”The responsibility is enormous. It will be difficult. “There will be very difficult moments, but I really believe we will succeed.”The Old Trafford hotseat arguably has the most eyes on it in world football.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS’I was expecting this’ – What Ruben Amorim said about Man Utd job linksRUBEN AMORIM has responded to being linked with a move to Manchester United.The Sporting Lisbon coach, 39, is reportedly closing in on a deal worth £8million to become Erik ten Hag’s successor.Just hours after Ten Hag’s dismissed on Monday morning, it emerged Man Utd chiefs were in talks with Amorim as they zero in on the Sporting boss.But the ex-Braga coach remained tight-lipped on negotiations when quizzed by the media.He said: “I was already expecting this question [about Man Utd].“Obviously I’m not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I’ll always have to comment.”I’m very proud to be Sporting coach, that’s all.”But Amorim is ready for all the extra attention and scrutiny which comes with the job.He said: “It’s a different world here. There’s a lot to do. How Ruben Amorim will resurrect Marcus Rashford’s Man United career with subtle position change”You’re not just a coach. It’s different, but I’m prepared.”Amorim is United’s SIXTH permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.His successors have all FAILED to win the Premier League, although there has been a sprinkling of FA, Europa League and League Cup success.And Amorim is confident he can end the club’s long wait to return to the summit of the English top flight.He said: “Call me naive. But I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. “I could be wrong but the world still will turn [and] the sun will rise again, I don’t worry about that. “I truly believe I’m the right guy for this job.”Confidence aside, Amorim knows he’ll face the same fate as his predecessors if he doesn’t start filling Old Trafford’s trophy room.He said: “I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games.”So I will not tell you I need a lot of time. “It’s a great league, the strongest in the world, and we have to improve a lot. “We have to win games and then to win titles.”Amorim is confident his stint at the Theatre of Dreams won’t be a nightmare and insists he should leave the club if he doesn’t deliver on his promises within two years.He said: “In two years, you will understand if I am the right man to be in this process.READ MORE SUN STORIES“In two years, you can understand if you want to continue in this path or you want to change.“I know if you are at Manchester United you have to win games, so I will not tell you I need a lot of time.” More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson reveals Ryan Giggs would have ended up playing for MAN CITY if it wasn’t for Man Utd steward

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      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.Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Ryan Giggs nearly played for Man CityCredit: GettyA steward told Sir Alex about Giggs’ talent when he was a kidCredit: Times Newspapers LtdBut 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.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“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.’”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGiggs 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.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduates“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 managersDavid 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.” More