Sir Alex Ferguson once again opens the book of his life through his new autobiography, selecting 21 matches from a career spanning nearly seven decades. Although he experienced countless memorable nights and won almost everything with Manchester United, he insists that the memories that linger the most aren’t always about the result. “The games that really come to mind have more to do with the people than with the games themselves,” he explains.
His philosophy on managing players was always deeply human, especially when it came to young soccer players. Ferguson recalls that he often called the young players into his office, talked to them, and used stories to instill courage and self-confidence in them. “I liked having the players in my office. I liked talking to them,” he says, explaining that staying true to his principles was crucial. “I never wavered in my beliefs about young players. I believed it was right to give them opportunities.”
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At the same time, the Scot makes no secret of the fact that discipline and high standards were the foundation of his work. From the team’s appearance to their behavior on the field and in the locker room, he wanted everyone to understand the weight of the jersey they wore. “When we walked through an airport, I wanted people to realize that these are Manchester United,” he recalls. At the same time, he rejects the image of a coach who won solely through fear and intensity, emphasizing that success could not be built on shouting alone.
He also speaks with particular emotion about his personal life, especially about Kathy, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage before her death in 2023. “I may have managed Manchester United, but Kathy managed Ferguson United,” he says characteristically. He describes her as an exceptional wife, mother, and excellent judge of character, emphasizing that she never interfered in his professional life but served as the family’s rock.
Ferguson also refers to his serious health scare in 2018, when he suffered a brain hemorrhage and required emergency surgery. His recovery was difficult, especially when he temporarily lost the ability to speak, but a few months later he returned to Old Trafford. Today, at 84, he continues to follow soccer closely, attend games, and admire, above all, the dedication of United’s fans. “75,000 every week. There can’t be a more loyal fan base,” he notes.
Looking back on his career as a whole, Ferguson emphasizes adaptability, managing personalities, and the authority he considers essential for a coach. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona to David Beckham, Roy Keane, and Wayne Rooney, he had to manage different personalities and eras. As he once replied to Keane when Keane told him he had changed: “You’re right, I’ve changed. If I hadn’t changed, I wouldn’t still be here.”
*photo source: AP
