Sir Alex Ferguson showed his deep-seated admiration for one former Manchester United player by fostering the right “environment” for him at Old Trafford.
The 83-year-old Manchester United legend is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time after his sensational impact in England and Scotland.
Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed incredible success with Aberdeen in the late 1970s and 1980s before he made the move to Old Trafford in 1986.
The former United manager replaced Ron Atkinson in the dugout and overcame a tough start to life in England before ushering in an incredible period of success.
During his time at the Premier League club, Ferguson led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
The iconic Scotsman called it time on his legendary managerial career in 2013 after he led United to their last Premier League title in the 2012-13 campaign.
Ferguson’s message to ex-Man Utd signing
Sir Alex Ferguson brought a star-studded roster of talent to Old Trafford, including Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona.
The legendary Scot was also a huge admirer of Louis Saha and brought the Frenchman to Old Trafford from Premier League side Fulham in 2004.
Gary Neville previously admitted that Ferguson broke his own transfer rules before he signed United striker Louis Saha for a £12.8m transfer fee.
Saha spent four seasons at Old Trafford and the 46-year-old former United striker lifted two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and a League Cup.
The former France international made 124 appearances for United and scored 42 times for the Red Devils, but Saha’s career was plagued by a knee injury.
Speaking to The Athletic, Saha revealed that Ferguson “protected” him and told him how much he meant to him when injuries began to curtail his career.
“Sir Alex Ferguson protected me and made me feel very special. He always wanted me in that environment,” he said.
“I remember once I was injured, once again, it was maybe my eighth injury in two or three years… I asked him to let me come back as an academy player.
“I didn’t want to be part of this first team until I was fully back. He could give me time, but I knew his position, and he had to make choices.
“And basically, he said to me, ‘No, no, no. Louis you are very important to me and when you come back, you come back and that’s it. Don’t speak silly.’”
Saha talks Ferguson’s impact on him
Louis Saha’s run at Old Trafford came to an end in 2008 and the former United star went on to sign for Premier League side Everton.
The ex-Fulham and United striker later played for Tottenham, Sunderland and Lazio before he called it time on his playing career in 2013.
Saha spoke highly of his time under Ferguson and said that the former United manager was “like a father” to him on some days and his “best friend” on others.
“He was the best,” he said.
“Because he was able to have the right communication with different types of players.
“He knew how to motivate you, or knew ways to challenge you. He knew ways to put you on the spot.
“He could play with your ego. There were days when he could be almost like a father.
“He could also have days where he was like your grandad. The next day could be your best friend.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/tZ7TBIA