Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson proved that he would “put his money where his mouth was” after a powerful message he sent to one Manchester United legend.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a long-lasting impact on football after his remarkable spells in England with Manchester United and in Scotland with Aberdeen.
The 82-year-old Scotsman left Aberdeen in 1986 and arrived at Old Trafford as United manager after Ron Atkinson was axed from the club.
Ferguson weathered a difficult start to life at the Red Devils before the legendary former United boss ushered in a dynasty at Old Trafford.
The iconic Scot enjoyed incredible success at United, including lifting 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
Ferguson also became the first manager to lead an English club to a continental treble after United’s famous triumph in the 1998-99 season.
The former Aberdeen boss bowed out of Old Trafford as a manager after he led United to their last Premier League title at the end of the 2012-13 season.
Ferguson’s message to Man Utd legend
Speaking on the UTD Podcast, Gary Neville opened up about his time under Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville was one of the famed ‘Class of ‘92’ members who broke into the United first team in the 1990s under former manager Ferguson.
The 49-year-old Sky Sports pundit spent his entire playing career at United and achieved incredible success during the Ferguson era at the club.
Neville, who became captain under Ferguson, lifted eight Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and three League Cups with United.
The United legend recalled how Ferguson once said that youngsters would “amaze” people if they had the chance and would show their determination to succeed.
Neville insisted that Ferguson’s comments to him proved the former United manager would “put his money where his mouth was” when he made an important point.
“I remember him saying once: ‘Give young people a chance and they’ll amaze you, and they’ll run through barbed-wire fences,’” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“And I always remember him saying that to me and he did put his money where his mouth was.
“A lot of people sort of have a ‘pathway for young people’ and stuff, but he did bring young players through and trusted them. And he said that, if you give them belief and confidence, they’ll amaze you.”
Neville on Man Utd mentality under Ferguson
Neville revealed the impact that Ferguson would have on his players and how the Scot would create a “siege mentality” of ‘them against the world.’
“There was always this idea that it’s us against the world,” he said.
“He created a siege mentality [that was] like: we hate everybody!
“So, he created that, he’d build that up. It could be referees; it could be the opposition manager. It could be the opposition players. It could be the media.”