Sir Alex Ferguson’s “biggest skill” during his legendary reign at Old Trafford didn’t even involve the iconic former Manchester United manager talking to his players.
That is according to former Manchester United defender Phil Neville, who came through the club’s youth academy alongside ‘Class of ‘92’ alumni Gary Neville.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who is one of the best managers of all time, has been out of management since 2013 after he called it time on his illustrious career at United.
United’s last Premier League title came under Ferguson’s reign, with the Scotsman capturing an incredible 13 top-flight league trophies with the Red Devils.
Ferguson was well known for his leadership and ensured his presence at Old Trafford towered above his players, with the iconic Scot enjoying a prolific career.
The 82-year-old Scotsman wasn’t afraid to put people on blast with his ‘hairdryer treatments,’ with Ferguson pulling no punches towards underperforming players.
Rio Ferdinand is among the former United players to have spoken out about the culture at Old Trafford when ex-Red Devils boss Ferguson was in charge.
The 45-year-old United legend previously revealed the two important reasons why Ferguson would ever summon a player to his office at the Premier League club.
Rio Ferdinand, who spent the majority of his United career under Ferguson, shared the other side of the Scot and how he allowed one person to make fun of him.
Neville on what Ferguson ‘did so well’ at Man Utd
Phil Neville enjoyed success under Sir Alex Ferguson and lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League and three FA Cups during his run at Old Trafford.
The 47-year-old former full-back, who made 383 appearances for Manchester United, left the Red Devils in 2005 and spent the rest of his career at Everton.
Neville has spoken highly about his time under Ferguson and shared incredible insight into the former Aberdeen and United boss’ demeanour at United.
The ex-United defender admitted that Ferguson was deeply involved in his players’ lives both on the pitch and off it, knowing “every facet” about them.
Former United star Lee Sharpe recently echoed similar sentiments to Neville after telling the story of Ferguson reprimanding him and one United legend at his home.
Speaking to The Coaches’ Voice, Neville said: “Not everybody can be spoken to in the same tone – in the same type of language.
“You have to learn very quickly about each individual player. It was something that Sir Alex did so well.
“He knew every facet of every player’s life, so he could relate to every single one as an individual. That made you feel so special.”
Neville reveals Ferguson’s ‘biggest skill’ at Man Utd
According to Neville, Ferguson’s biggest skill allowed him to completely read one of his United players without even speaking to them.
The former United and Everton star, who is the manager of Portland Timbers, believes Ferguson “knew” exactly how players felt by simply looking into their eyes.
Neville suggested that United legend Ferguson’s biggest skill came down to him “knowing” the individual both as a player and as a person.
“His biggest skill was that he could walk into a room and, without even speaking to you, know how you were,” he continued.
“He could just look into your eyes and he knew.
“He had a feel for it. That comes from not only knowing the player; that comes from knowing the person, too.”
