An evening with Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson spoke last week at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester to promote the launch of his new book ‘Leading,’ with the help of BBC Sport presenter, Dan Walker.

All in all it was just over an hour of cringe back-patting, ego-stroking and United fans clapping too much, with some insightful anecdotes coming up every now and then. It was enjoyable all the same and you can read about the good parts here.

The event began with Dan Walker starting his introduction with his microphone off. The Manchester crowd were quick to point out what an idiot he was and he subsequently turned his microphone on, before re-introducing himself as an idiot. Well played.

The first issue of contention came when Dan Walker probed Ferguson about his controversial comments about there being only four world class players that he had worked with. Ferguson reiterated his point but conceded that many players were world class from time to time but he was talking about players who were world class “over a period of time.”

This goes some way to explaining his statement but will still leave fans wondering about Peter Schmeichel and Roy Keane. Ferguson sarcastically re-assured us that he thinks he is suitably “qualified to judge players.” It was all very droll, as if to say to Dan Walker, ‘don’t question anymore things I say, boy.’

Sir Alex took great pleasure in re-telling the story of turning down the England job on two occasions. “I wouldn’t be allowed back into Scotland” he joked, before telling the crowd what they wanted to hear: “Why would I leave Manchester United?”

There was a genuinely touching moment when Ferguson told a story of a dedicated fan who would come to training every day without fail, helping to collect balls and just generally taking it all in. After doing this for years he then passed away the night United secured their 20th league title; after all, his “life was now complete,” Ferguson explained.

It was lovely to hear about what he missed about life at Old Trafford. He spoke with great fondness about the family feeling around the club. It was revealing of his sincerity in that statement that he was able to tell stories about Cathy on reception and Denise in laundry.

Denise’s anecdote drew the most surprise as Ferguson told of how she came up to him one day and said “where the f*** is my money?” He had fallen a few weeks behind on payment for his lottery tickets.

“I cannot believe they felt comfortable enough to speak to you like that” said a bemused Walker. Well said Denise would be my take on it.

Many commentators were amused that Ferguson says in the book that he now has a penchant for watching managers’ press conferences. When probed on this he confirmed that he is often left with his head in his hands saying “Christ, don’t say that son!” at the television screen.

Ferguson re-told the story of him ringing up Alan Pardew when he was in the midst of turmoil at Newcastle United. Ferguson told him to liven up in front of the press, to show some of that passion he demonstrates on the touchlines (sans the head-butting of players and throwing the C-bomb at Manuel Pellegrini, presumably).

“He has done great ever since,” remarked Ferguson, as if his phone call was the sole reason for Pardew recovering from the nadir of his managerial career.

He was looking to take the credit for Leicester’s survival last season too, after a call to Nigel Pearson, who he also told to liven up. I’m guessing that call came right before Pearson had his little wrestling match with James McArthur.

A highlight of the night for United fans looking forwards came when Ferguson spoke of his admiration for Anthony Martial:

“The boy Anthony Martial, he can be anything,” said Ferguson. “What I like about the boy is that he doesn’t panic. I don’t think you can teach that. He’s been through on goal three times now and he’s never panicked once.”

He reasoned that it is possible to coach strikers on what runs to make and when to make them but you cannot teach composure. One wonders whether Danny Welbeck was on his mind…

The discussion ended with rapturous applause after Ferguson suggested that with De Gea in goal, United can go on to win the title. Ever the crowd-pleaser.