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      What happened to the 16 former Sir Alex Ferguson players who went on to become managers including Carabao Cup hero

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S 26-year tenure of Manchester United made him one of the greatest managers of all time.The Scot racked up a stunning 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
      Sir Alex Ferguson has many disciples in the gameCredit: Getty
      So it’s no wonder that his leadership inspired many of his former players to go into management.
      Michael Carrick is the latest of his ex-players to catch the eye in the dugout as Middlesbrough boss.
      His side are just one match from Wembley after a 1-0 win over Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday.
      Here’s we take a look at those who tried to following in his footsteps – to varying degrees of success…
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      Wayne Rooney
      Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham earlier this monthCredit: Getty
      MANCHESTER UNITED’s all time record goalscorer is currently out of work after his disastrous spell with Birmingham.
      He was controversially given the job in October when the club’s new American owners sacked John Eustace despite being in the play-off places.
      However, after winning just two of 15 matches in charge, and the Blues dropping to 20th, Rooney was sacked following the New Year’s Day loss to Leeds.
      Michael Carrick
      While Michael Carrick is enjoying cup success at MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      ANOTHER one of Fergie’s disciples managing in the Championship at Middlesbrough – Carrick is known for his brand of attacking football.
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      He narrowly missed out on guiding Middlesbrough to the Premier League last season when he took them to the play-offs despite the club being 21st when he took over in late October.
      This season, he has overseen a fairytale Carabao Cup run that has left Boro on the brink of a first final in 20 years.
      His side take a 1-0 advantage to Stamford Bridge for the second leg on January 23 as they eye a place at Wembley next month.
      Ruud van Nistelrooy
      Van Nistelrooy is out of work despite a successful spell as PSV managerCredit: Getty
      VAN NISTELROOY had an excellent spell in charge of PSV last season, guiding them to a Dutch Cup victory and finishing second in the league.
      But he resigned in the summer, citing a lack of support from the board over transfers.
      Prior to that he’d worked as an assistant for the Dutch national team having retired from playing back in 2012.
      Gabriel Heinze
      Heinze most recently managed Newell’s Old BoysCredit: AFP
      THE former left-back is something of a cult legend on the United terraces.
      He was most recently the manager of Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where he started his career and has previously managed in the MLS for Atlanta United.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
      Solskjaer hasn’t worked since his spell in charge of UnitedCredit: Getty
      ENJOYED three years in charge of United from 2018 until 2021 when he was sacked following a poor run of form.
      Guided United to a Europa League final as well as a second placed finish – their joint highest finish in the league since Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
      History is beginning to look back more kindly on Solskjaer’s tenure given the club’s current struggles under Erik ten Hag.
      Gary Neville
      Neville had an ill-fated spell in charge of ValenciaCredit: Getty
      A STALWART of Fergue’s defence, Neville’s foray into management was less fruitful.
      He won just three of his sixteen league games after surprisingly being made Valencia manager in the 2015-16 season.
      He made a rapid return to punditry following his dismissal.
      Phil Neville
      Phil Neville is back in management at Portland TimbersCredit: Twitter @SkySportsNews
      HAD a semi-successful spell in charge of England’s women team between 2018 and 2021 which ended in dismissal following a run of seven defeats in 11 games.
      His successor Sarina Wiegman took the side to Euro 2022 glory and the 2023 World Cup final.
      Was sacked by David Beckham’s Inter Miami in June but now has another MLS management role as the coach of the Portland Timbers.
      Ryan Giggs
      Giggs is currently out of managementCredit: Reuters
      HAD a spell as player-manager of Manchester United following David Moyes’ dismissal in 2014.
      Took over Wales in 2018 but stepped down in June 2022 after he faced trial over allegations of using controlling behaviour and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
      Giggs was cleared of domestic abuse allegations.
      He was also cleared of attacking her sister Emma Greville on the same date and controlling or coercive behaviour against Kate over a three-year period.
      The 50-year-old was recently linked with the vacant Salford job before Karl Robinson’s appointment as manager.
      David Healy
      Healy has found success at LinfieldCredit: Pacemaker
      MADE just one league appearance under Fergie after coming through the academy.
      Healy has won five Northern Irish championships and two Northern Irish cups with Linfield.
      Michael Appleton
      Appleton is the current manager of CharltonCredit: Getty
      APPLETON came through the United academy and was limited to cup appearances for the Red Devils between 1994 and 1997.
      He is currently in charge of Charlton Athletic in League One.
      Has also enjoyed spells at Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn, Oxford, Leicester and Lincoln.
      Mark Robins
      Robins narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last seasonCredit: PA
      ROBINS is widely credited with the goal that saved Fergie’s job in a 1-0 FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in 1990.
      Led Coventry to the brink of the Premier League last season, where they lost in the play-off final to Luton on penalties.
      Also been in charge of Rotherham, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Scunthorpe.
      Laurent Blanc
      Blanc recently lost his job as Lyon managerCredit: Getty
      ARRIVED as a 35-year old veteran at United in 2001 having won the World Cup and Euros with France.
      Had a decent start to life as a manager with spells in charge of France and PSG, winning the league three times with the latter.
      But the manager has lost his way recently, and was most recently sacked by Lyon in September.
      Mark Hughes
      Mark Hughes was sacked by Bradford in OctoberCredit: Alamy
      A STALWART of mid-2000s Barclays, Hughes enjoyed good spells in charge of Wales, Blackburn and Fulham.
      He was Manchester City boss in 2008 when the club were taken over by Sheikh Mansour but was dispatched soon after.
      His career has dwindled over the last decade and he was most recently sacked by League Two Bradford City.
      Steve Bruce
      Bruce wants the Ireland jobCredit: PA
      ANOTHER manager who suffered at the hands of a takeover – Bruce was sacked by Newcastle shortly after they were bought by Saudi Arabia.
      An unhappy period as West Brom manager followed on from that.
      Has gone on record saying he would be interested in taking the Ireland job.
      Darren Ferguson
      Ferguson is in his fourth stint as Peterborough managerCredit: Getty
      FOLLOWED his father’s footsteps into management after spending four years in the United first-team.
      Currently on his fourth stint as Peterborough manager.
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      Jaap Stam
      Jaap Stam is currently out of workCredit: Alamy
      CURRENTLY out of work after most recently managing Cincinnati in the MLS in 2021.
      The former defensive colossus, who famously had a huge fall-out with Fergie and was sold to Lazio, previously managed Reading in the Championship. More

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      Gary Neville slams Man Utd signing that ‘never should have gone through’ and will cost Old Trafford side ‘in long term’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville insists Casemiro should have never been signed by his former club.The midfielder joined United in the summer of 2022 at the age of 30 following a £70million deal with Real Madrid and signed a four-year contract.
      Manchester United shouldn’t have signed Casemiro, claims Gary NevilleCredit: PA
      Neville claims Casemiro doesn’t fit Man Utd’s long-term plans
      The Brazil international has since put together a series of impressive performances and amassed a total of 11 goals and seven assists in 63 appearances.
      However, Neville still believes the experienced No6 doesn’t fit the Red Devils’ long-term plans or the wage structure.
      And that is why the Sky Sports pundit is adamant that this United signing should have never gone through “a good sporting director, a good owner, and a good head of recruitment”.
      And that is also why the ex-England international believes the manager of a club, such as Erik ten Hag, shouldn’t have the final saying on signings as he is focused on the short-term.
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      Neville said on the latest edition of Stick to Football as per Sky Bet: “Coming in from an owner’s perspective, you employ a head of recruitment who you think is the best guy out there at spotting talent, that will bring value to your club.
      “You’ve got a sporting director equally, who will be thinking the same way – their loyalty is to the club and to make sure we win games.
      “A manager’s job is purely to think about the immediate short term and getting results for himself.
      “Casemiro is perfect example of a short-term signing that is going to cost in the long term.
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      “That signing never should have gone through a good sporting director, a good owner, and a good head of recruitment.
      “That signing should have never gone through, it should have been a veto.
      “He doesn’t fit the long-term, the wage [structure]… The wages are crazy and the length of contract is crazy.” More

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      Arsene Wenger flew me to Paris to tell me to leave Arsenal – I had absolutely no idea it was coming

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      IAN WRIGHT has recalled the emotional moment he was told to leave Arsenal.The former striker left Highbury in 1998 following a sensational seven-year spell.
      Ian Wright left Arsenal in 1998 – shortly after the Gunners won the doubleCredit: Getty
      Arsene Wenger flew Wright out to Paris to tell him about his departureCredit: AFP
      He scored 185 goals in 288 appearances for the Gunners and established himself as a club legend.
      However, then-manager Arsene Wenger and vice-chairman David Dein called time on Wright’s Arsenal career just two years before the ex-England star planned to retire.
      Speaking on Sky Sports’ Stick to Football podcast, the ex-England international opened up about the moment he was told about his departure.
      He said: “I remember David Dein calling me and saying ‘me and the boss are in Paris, come and meet us for a chat’.
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      “The naivety of me was like ‘ah yeah I’m going to see the boss and Mr. Dein, it’s cool’.
      “And so I go and see them, I walk into the room and as soon as I sit in the room and see the boss’s face and I see David Dein almost welling up, I thought I’m out the door.
      “I didn’t expect to leave because I was always going to retire in 2000.
      “So then I went to West Ham, then Forest on loan and then Celtic.”
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      Wright then went on to explain why his move to Burnley felt like a “full circle” moment following his devastating Arsenal exit.
      He added: “But it was when I got to Burnley with Stan Ternent, he was the first coach – when I was at Palace – who really used to sit me down and draw it out what runs you’re meant to make, why you have to hold the ball here, why you have to hit the target – all this sort of stuff.
      “He said ‘I know it’s not going too well at Celtic, I’ve got a good bunch of lads here. I think if you come I think we can do it.’
      “I went there and it was the best six-seven months of my career. It went full circle for me because all of a sudden you’re back down to getting changed in not-great changing rooms, it was like proper football.
      “The thing with it was the players and the camaraderie of that, for me to end. I had four clubs in one season, just getting ready to leave. And so by the time I finished we got promotion at Burnley.
      “This was why I got such a nice vibe with Burnley, they gave me something at the end. Because the way I got hit at Arsenal – even when I left Palace – I didn’t instigate any move, it all happened so quickly.” More

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      Man Utd offer Facundo Pellistri in swap transfer for Christian Eriksen’s close friend with £69m release clause

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have offered Facundo Pellistri in a swap deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.But the bid has been rejected by the Portuguese club as they wait on the Red Devils to trigger his £69million release clause.
      Morten Hjulmand is being closely monitored by Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hjulmand, left, is close friends with Manchester United man Christian Eriksen, rightCredit: AFP
      Man Utd have been to watch defensive midfielder Hjulmand at least six times already this season.
      Old Trafford scouts have seen him play in both the Primeira Liga and Europa League.
      And Erik ten Hag’s men also have the additional lure of Christian Eriksen who is Hjulmand’s close friend.
      Eriksen is understood to be a mentor to the 24-year-old when they play together for Denmark.
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      And Rasmus Hojlund is another Danish international at Man Utd.
      But the offer of Uruguayan international Pellistri – who has featured nine times in the league this season – is not being entertained by Sporting.
      Hjulmand arrived at Sporting from Lecce for around £15m.
      He has featured in all but one of the Portuguese side’s 24 games since joining the club.
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      Facundo Pellistri has been offered as part of a swap deal for HjulmandCredit: Getty
      Hjulmand has been a rock in midfield for Sporting this season
      And he has contributed one goal and two assists in all competitions.
      It is not the first time Hjulmand has been linked with a move to the Premier League.
      While at Lecce, the midfielder was mooted as a potential target for Southampton.
      But Man Utd will be a more attractive proposition for the Sporting man as Ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield options.
      Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have struggled since arriving in the summer.
      And Casemiro also struggled at the start of the season before suffering an injury.
      Man Utd are languishing in eighth in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of the top four.
      And they are heading into a tough run of fixtures against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham and Aston Villa.
      Pellistri has struggled to make an impact for Man Utd so far this season More

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      Premier League side give Under-8s squad a day to remember as youngsters take on first-team stars in training friendly

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      WOLVES manager Gary O’Neil surprised some of the club’s academy youngsters with a friendly against the first team last week.O’Neil invited Wolves Under-8’s to Compton Park where they met the likes of Hugo Bueno, Max Kilman, Jose Sa, Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto.

      Wolves’ Under-8’s were invited to take part in a friendly against the first team last weekCredit: @Wolves
      Gary O’Neil organised a five-aside gameCredit: @Wolves
      Max Kilman, Jose Sa, Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto were all involvedCredit: @Wolves
      They watched a first team training session before taking to the pitch themselves for an unforgettable match.
      Discussing the special day, pre-academy and development centre recruitment officer, Calvin Smith, told the official Wolves website: “They didn’t know they were going.
      “We didn’t tell them until the end of our training session so when I sat them down to say they were going to meet the first-team, they couldn’t believe it.
      “They wanted to know who they were meeting, who was going to be there – is Gary O’Neil there, is Cunha there? As soon as I told them they couldn’t wait to get over there and interact with their idols.
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      “The players were like big kids which was fantastic for our boys because that’s what they want. They were sliding around the pitch, screaming when they scored, celebrating when the younger ones scored and having chats with them during the game.
      “The interactions were fantastic and Gary O’Neil himself called the boys down and said they were going to be playing against the big kids which is great because it just makes it all relatable.
      “Gary was high-fiving all of the boys and made everyone feel really comfortable.
      “Matt Hobbs also introduced himself to everyone and shook their hand, again reiterating that ‘one pack’ mentality from the youngest players to the sporting director.”
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      Football fans hailed the gesture as “pure class”, with one person tweeting: “Class act is Gaz, lucky to have him.”
      Another added: “This is beautiful. Memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.”
      A third wrote: “Well done to all involved, nice and wholesome.”
      While a fourth commented: “Brilliant initiative from Gary O’Neil this…an experience these lads will never forget.”
      Wolves’ mid-season break will be cut short next week when they face Brentford again in an FA Cup third round replay.
      O’Neil’s side held the Bees to a 1-1 draw on Friday. More

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      Radu Dragusin flying to London to complete Tottenham transfer as Djed Spence swap deal agreed despite late hijacking

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      TOTTENHAM have agreed a deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin.Spurs’ offer of £21.5milllion plus Djed Spence on loan looked set to get the transfer over the line.
      Radu Dragusin has chosen Tottenham over Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      Dragusin has attracted attention following his impressive displays for Genoa
      But German champions Bayern then made an improved offer of £26.7m as they looked to steal him away from Ange Postecoglou.
      However Spurs have now reached “total agreement” with Genoa as their offer was accepted overnight.
      Dragusin is expected to travel to London on Wednesday morning to complete the move.
      The deal is worth £21.5m plus £4.3m in add-ons.
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      As part of the transfer, right-back Spence will join Genoa until the end of the season after his Leeds loan was terminated.
      Tottenham will still pay Spence’s wages after the player was convinced of the temporary move to Serie A.
      It came after Leeds boss Daniel Farke was unimpressed with the 23-year-old’s attitude, and it is understood there was little interest from Championship clubs borrowing Spence this month.
      The loan to Genoa includes an option to sign the wing-back permanently for £8.6m in the summer.
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      Djed Spence’s Leeds loan was terminated last weekCredit: Getty
      Should Dragusin complete his move before midday on Friday he could make his Premier League debut at Manchester United on Sunday.
      It is a huge coup for Postecoglou who always prioritised a new centre-back in this window to bolster his options.
      Full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal have had to play in the middle of defence while first-choice pair Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have been injured in recent months.
      Ashley Phillips, 18, who signed from Blackburn for £2m in the summer, was deemed not ready and loaned out to Plymouth earlier this week.
      And Eric Dier is set to join Bayern Munich after a decade in North London.
      Dragusin made his professional debut for Juventus in 2020 but struggled to establish himself as a regular first team player.
      He was subsequently loaned out three times to Sampdoria, Salernitana and Genoa.
      The defender completed a permanent move to Genoa in January of last year and has made 62 appearances.
      Dragusin will be Tottenham’s second signing of the January window after they brought Timo Werner in on loan from RB Leipzig. More

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      Chelsea star Cole Palmer reveals he NEVER wanted to leave Man City until club dropped bombshell ultimatum

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      COLE PALMER claims he wanted to stay at Manchester City for his whole career – until they gave him a shock ultimatum last summer.Etihad chiefs told the exciting attacker he must stay or leave permanently – ruling out the loan move he wanted.
      Cole Palmer is now thriving with ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Mancunian wanted a season’s loan not a permanent moveCredit: PA
      So the 21-year-old switched to Chelsea for £42.5million – and admits his rapid rate of progress since then has “surprised” even himself.
      Palmer has gone on to win two full England caps, with Blues’ boss Maurico Pochettino believing he could become as good as Argentinian wing legend Angel Di Maria.
      The Mancunian has notched eight goals and four assists in 16 Premier League matches this season, although he missed two glorious chances in Tuesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg loss at Middlesbrough.
      And any despair at leaving Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners has turned to delight over his success with Chelsea.
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      Palmer told Sky Sports: “My thing was to never leave City.
      “I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team.
      “But they said I couldn’t go on loan, either stay or you get sold.
      “So then, Chelsea rang me. I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I’m really happy to be here. I’m very glad I made the decision to come here.”
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      Palmer has emerged as one of the few regular bright lights for the mid-table Blues.
      But he insisted: “To get in the team straight away and hit the ground running has surprised me, to be fair.” More

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      Man Utd injury boost with three stars set to return on Sunday – but summer transfer still out injured

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      ERIK TEN HAG is hopeful Manchester United’s injury woes will soon start to ease – with at least three players set to return on Sunday.Christian Eriksen, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are all in with a chance of playing against fellow top four hopefuls Tottenham at the weekend.
      Erik ten Hag has offered a fitness update ahead of SundayCredit: Reuters
      Christian Eriksen missed the trip to Wigan through illnessCredit: PA
      And key defender Lisandro Martinez is also closing in on a return after more than three months out with a foot problem.
      Ten Hag was without 11 of his squad for the FA Cup win at Wigan but said: “I think there will be some players back.
      “I think it’s hopeful they can be back at the weekend.
      “I’m talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw.
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      “Harry too maybe. But Mason Mount needs some days more.”
      Eriksen missed the short trip to the DW Stadium with illness while winger Antony also pulled out with a minor tweak.
      Asked if all the absences was making his job difficult, Ten Hag said: “It is – but I don’t want to be frustrated because it will not help to support the team.
      “So we have to get the best performance and best results with the players available and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
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      United are not expecting to do much business this month but Ten Hag has not ruled out having a look if their absentees do not return quickly.
      He said: “We consider everything, so what is the best interests of the players and also the best interests for us, the team, for Manchester United.
      “So we’ll see how we progress during the window.”
      Lisandro Martinez could make his long-awaited return on SundayCredit: Getty More