Gary Neville has revealed that legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson upheld a strict rule during his illustrious time at Old Trafford.
The 49-year-old former Manchester United right-back was one of the famed ‘Class of ‘92’ players who broke into the first team in the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Gary Neville spent his entire playing career at Old Trafford and enjoyed incredible success under United legend Ferguson.
The former United and England star lifted eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and three League Cups.
Neville ascended to the United captaincy in his legendary career after Ferguson ruthlessly axed Roy Keane from the Premier League club in 2005.
The Sky Sports pundit became a key locker-room figure for Ferguson before he called it time on his prolific playing career in 2011.
Neville talks Ferguson rule
Speaking on the Stick to Football show, Gary Neville opened up about his surprise at the time that players had off before they returned to club football.
Erik ten Hag was without several first-team Manchester United players during the pre-season due to the 2024 Copa America and Euro 2024 in Germany.
But the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot all featured in the Community Shield defeat against Manchester City on Saturday.
“When I saw lads on social media going back into training on day one about 10 days, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I was only watching him two weeks ago,’” Neville said on The Overlap.
“I thought, ‘No, that’s not right.’”
Neville revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson had a “rule” in place that all United players had 28 days off if they were representing their countries at major tournaments.
However, the former United defender has now staunchly claimed that players only receive 21 days off rather than the 28 days during his time as a player.
“So, the boss’ rule was 28 days, but you had to get 28 days,” Neville said.
“I got told that they’re getting 21 now. No, we were 28 [in response to Jamie Carragher’s pushback].
“We would always get four weeks off. He would always give us four weeks off.”
Ferguson on international football
Ferguson famously disliked international friendlies and the former United manager even refused to let players leave on international duty during his time in charge.
One such occasion included the 82-year-old Scotsman not letting United players represent England in 1997 under former Three Lions boss Glenn Hoddle.
“This summer will be a rest for Manchester United players,” Ferguson said at the time.
“Some of them will be playing in World Cup qualifiers on 8th June. We can’t do anything about that but we can about the others.
“Over the last few years, we’ve played an average of 50 games and this season will be no different.
“Then there are internationals and friendly internationals. It’s such a strain and with young players it can’t be done.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/Rxu4cCh