“If Ferguson was coaching right now, he’d probably end up in jail” - Patrice Evra makes big revelation about ex-Manchester United boss
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has made bold claims about legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson, detailing his coaching methods at Old Trafford. The Frenchman played most of his time at Manchester United under the Scottish manager. He won five Premier Leagues, one Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup, among other honors.
Sir Alex Ferguson is widely considered the best manager Manchester United have ever had. The Scottish maestro took charge of the Red Devils in November 1986 and held his position for almost 27 years before leaving in 2013. Under his tutelage, the club won a plethora of trophies including two Champions League titles, one FIFA Club World Cup, and 13 Premier Leagues.
Patrice Evra detailed his experience with Sir Alex in a conversation with Rio Ferdinand and Joel Beya on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel (premiered on October 28). Evra revealed that he was scared of Ferguson during his time as a manager.
“I can swear on my kids, in nine years, Ferguson never told me anything tactically. He brings the best out of people by just managing them, by the way he talks to them. I always say I’ve never been scared of Sir Alex Ferguson, but I was always scared to disappoint him. That’s the difference.," said the Frenchman.
Recalling what compatriot Bacary Sagna told him about life at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, Evra said:
“Bacary Sagna told me Arsene Wenger says ‘come on my friend, we can do better than that my friend’ when Arsenal were trailing at half time. If it was Ferguson, he’d be like, ‘stop playing with my money man’ or ‘you don’t want me to end your contract’.
He concluded by comparing coaching methods during his time versus managers at present, saying:
“If Ferguson was coaching right now, he would probably end up in jail. There’s no way this new generation will handle someone like him.”
Sir Alex Ferguson currently serves as the board member of the club, having assumed the position post his managerial stint in 2013.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes slams the club's new part-owners over Sir Alex Ferguson decision
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has slammed the club's new part-owners INEOS over their decision to cut off payments to Sir Alex Fergusson. INEOS has reportedly decided to stop paying £2 million per year to the Scottish maestro for his longstanding role as the club's ambassador (via GOAL).
In an interview with TNT Sports (quoted by GOAL), Scholes highlighted that Manchester United were a successful unit because of Sir Alex. He further explained that the timing was poor because of the club's string of underwhelming performances this season.
"I thought it was a little bit distasteful for what that man has done for the club. Almost a little bit disrespectful but they're new owners and new owners makes changes and they think what they're doing is best for the club. If they think they can save whatever money I know it's been talked about £2m, if they think they can use it elsewhere then so be it. This club owes a lot to Sir Alex Ferguson," said Scholes.
He added:
"It's where it is now mainly because of the success he had for so many years. The timing of it was poor because you think they're in a really bad run of form, could you have waited or done it before the season started, at the end of the season. The publicity wasn't great around but Sir Alex Ferguson will be fine he will go on and still be the best ambassador the club has had."
Manchester United are indeed in a bad state, groveling at number 14 on the Premier League table with 11 points in nine matches. They also sacked their manager Erik ten Hag on October 28.