Sir Alex Ferguson “turned up” on the doorstep of a former Manchester United star and convinced him to move to Old Trafford ahead of one club.
That is according to Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin, who revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson personally hijacked one transfer in his Manchester United career.
Ferguson is widely considered one of the best managers of all time after his prolific impact in England with United and in Scotland with Aberdeen.
The 82-year-old Scotsman bowed out of Old Trafford as a manager in 2013 after he secured United’s last Premier League title in the 2012-13 season.
Ferguson has remained an ever-present figure at Old Trafford after his retirement, with the iconic Scot often spotted in the stands watching matches.
The legendary former United manager had a long-lasting impact on English – and world – football after his legendary spell in the Old Trafford dugout.
Ferguson was known for being hands-on during his tenure at the Red Devils and the United legend wasn’t afraid to personally intervene on transfers.
The former Aberdeen boss wanted the best in class at United and did everything in his power to make important signings, despite missing out on some transfers.
Ferguson scuppered one club’s transfer
Jim Goodwin has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson ensured the signing of former Manchester United defender John O’Shea through his personal touch on the transfer.
John O’Shea, who is currently the caretaker manager for the Republic of Ireland, spent his entire United career under Ferguson and relished in the silverware success.
The 43-year-old former United star lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
O’Shea made 394 appearances for the Red Devils before the ex-Republic of Ireland international left Old Trafford and went on to sign for Sunderland.
The former United and Sunderland player was part of the United youth academy in the late 1990s before Ferguson elevated him to the first team.
Goodwin has revealed that O’Shea was initially meant to link up with him at Celtic before Ferguson travelled all the way to the former United star’s home for a visit.
“John was geared up to come to Celtic with me,” he told The Courier.
“But Sir Alex Ferguson turned up on his door in Waterford, completely out of the blue.
“His father nearly had a heart attack when he opened the door. He convinced John to go to Manchester United instead of Celtic.”
O’Shea on Man Utd legend Ferguson
John O’Shea revealed that he missed a call from Ferguson after he was appointed to his caretaker post for the Republic of Ireland’s national team.
The Republic of Ireland caretaker manager said that the iconic ex-United manager remains in touch with him and keeps an eye on what he is doing in coaching.
“I had a missed call from a no-caller ID on Thursday evening and the only one who still calls me on ‘No Caller ID’ is Sir Alex,” O’Shea said in March.
“Anytime I’ve gone into a club or got involved with something, he’s always got in touch. I still would be in contact with him now and again.
“I know he’s in good form and jet-setting around the world winning trophies still – but within the thoroughbred industry.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/AeWyGUw