Alex Ferguson - Alex Ferguson_ My Autobiography

About the Author SIR A LEX FERGUSON Sir A lex Fer g u son w a s bor n in 1 9 4 1 in Gov a n , Scot la n d. A g oa l-scor in g cen t r e-for w a r d, h e w a s la t er t r a n sfer r ed t o Ra n g er s, t h e clu b h e su ppor t ed fr om boy h ood, for a Scot t ish r ecor d fee of £6 5 ,0 0 0 . En t er in g m a n a g em en t in 1 9 7 4 , h e ser v ed Ea st St ir lin g sh ir e a n d St Mir r en befor e g u idin g A ber deen t o v ict or y in t h e 1 9 8 2 –8 3 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p. A r r iv in g a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed in 1 9 8 6 , h e br ou g h t t h em 3 8 t r oph ies, in clu din g t h e Clu b W or ld Cu p, t w o Ch a m pion s Lea g u es, 1 3 Pr em ier Lea g u es a n d fiv e FA Cu ps. His ov er a ll h a u l of 4 9 t r oph ies m a de h im t h e m ost su ccessfu l Br it ish m a n a g er of a ll t im e. Kn ig h t ed in 1 9 9 9 , Sir A lex a n n ou n ced h is r et ir em en t in 2 0 1 3 , w h en Un it ed w er e a g a in cr ow n ed Pr em ier Lea g u e ch a m pion s. A t t h e a g e of 7 1 , h e con t in u es t o ser v e Un it ed a s a dir ect or . PA UL HA YWA RD Pa u l Ha y w a r d is t h e Daily Telegraph’s Ch ief Spor t s W r it er . He w a s t w ice n a m ed Spor t s W r it er of t h e Y ea r in t h e Br it ish Pr ess A w a r ds a n d is t h e cu r r en t Spor t s Jou r n a list of t h e Y ea r in t h e Spor t s Jou r n a list s’ A ssocia t ion (SJA ) ca t eg or y . He h a s cov er ed m ost of t h e w or ld’s m a jor spor t in g ev en t s. In 2 0 0 4 h e co-w r ot e t h e a u t obiog r a ph y of t h e foot ba ller Mich a el Ow en a n d a y ea r la t er w or k ed w it h Sir Bobby Robson on h is life st or y , Farew ell but not Goodbye.

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Fir st pu blish ed in Gr ea t Br it a in in 2 0 1 3 by Hodder & St ou g h t on A n Ha ch et t e UK com pa n y Copy r ig h t © Sir A lex Fer g u son 2 0 1 3 T h e r ig h t of Sir A lex Fer g u son t o be iden t ified a s t h e A u t h or of t h e W or k h a s been a sser t ed by h im in a ccor da n ce w it h t h e Copy r ig h t , Desig n s a n d Pa t en t s A ct 1 9 8 8 . A ll r ig h t s r eser v ed. No pa r t of t h is pu blica t ion m a y be r epr odu ced, st or ed in a r et r iev a l sy st em , or t r a n sm it t ed, in a n y for m or by a n y m ea n s w it h ou t t h e pr ior w r it t en per m ission of t h e pu blish er , n or be ot h er w ise cir cu la t ed in a n y for m of bin din g or cov er ot h er t h a n t h a t in w h ich it is pu blish ed a n d w it h ou t a sim ila r con dit ion bein g im posed on t h e su bsequ en t pu r ch a ser . A CIP ca t a log u e r ecor d for t h is t it le is a v a ila ble fr om t h e Br it ish Libr a r y ISBN 9 7 8 1 8 4 8 9 4 8 6 3 1 Hodder & St ou g h t on Lt d 3 3 8 Eu st on Roa d Lon don NW 1 3 BH w w w .h odder .co.u k

T o Br idg et , Ca t h y ’s sist er , r ock a n d best fr ien d

About the Author Title Page Copyright Dedication Ack now ledgem ents Introduction Preface 1 . Reflect ion s 2 . Gla sg ow Root s 3 . Ret ir em en t U-T u r n 4 . A Fr esh St a r t 5 . Beck h a m 6 . Rio 7 . Lea n T im es 8 . Ron a ldo 9 . Kea n e 1 0 . Ou t side In t er est s 1 1 . V a n Nist elr ooy

1 2 . Mou r in h o – T h e ‘Specia l’ Riv a l 1 3 . Com pet in g w it h W en g er 1 4 . T h e Cla ss of ’9 2 1 5 . Liv er pool – A Gr ea t T r a dit ion 1 6 . A W or ld of T a len t 1 7 . On e Nig h t in Moscow 1 8 . Psy ch olog y 1 9 . Ba r celon a (2 0 0 9 –1 1 ) – Sm a ll Is Bea u t ifu l 2 0 . T h e Media 2 1 . Un it ed’s 1 9 t h T it le 2 2 . Ma n Cit y – Ch a m pion s 2 3 . Fa m ily 2 4 . Roon ey 2 5 . T h e La st Ca m pa ig n Career Record Index Picture Section Photographic Ack now ledgem ents

T HERE a r e

a n u m ber of people I w a n t t o t h a n k for t h eir h elp in pu t t in g t og et h er t h is book . Fir st ly , I m u st pa y t r ibu t e t o Roddy Bloom field, m y edit or , a n d h is a ssist a n t Ka t e Miles. Roddy ’s w ea lt h of ex per ien ce, a lon g w it h h is su ppor t , w a s a g odsen d t h r ou g h ou t . Com bin ed w it h Ka t e’s dilig en ce, t h ey m a k e a for m ida ble t ea m . Pa u l Ha y w a r d w a s r em a r k a bly ea sy t o w or k w it h a n d a r ea l pr ofession a l. He k ept m e on t r a ck a n d I feel h e h a s don e a g r ea t job of collect in g m y t h ou g h t s a n d pr esen t in g t h em in a w a y t h a t I a m m or e t h a n h a ppy w it h . Ph ot og r a ph er Sea n Pollock ca pt u r ed a n u m ber of im a g es ov er a fou r y ea r per iod, a n d h a s don e a fa n t a st ic job. His la idba ck m a n n er a n d discr et ion en su r ed t h a t h e g ot w h a t h e w a n t ed w it h ou t bein g in t r u siv e in a n y w a y . Les Da lg a r n o, m y la w y er , g a v e sou n d g u ida n ce ov er t h e cou r se of pr odu cin g t h e con t en t ; h e is t h e m ost t r u st ed a n d loy a l of a dv iser s a n d a g r ea t fr ien d. Ov er a ll, t h er e w er e a la r g e n u m ber of people w h o pu t in m a n y h ou r s in or der t o g et t o t h is poin t . T h eir effor t s h a v e been m u ch a ppr ecia t ed by m e a n d it h a s

been a plea su r e t o h a v e h a d su ch a t a len t ed t ea m beh in d m e.

SEVERAL

y ea r s a g o I beg a n g a t h er in g m y t h ou g h t s for t h is book , m a k in g n ot es in t h e spa r e t im e m y job a llow ed m e. It w a s a lw a y s m y pla n t o a ssem ble a st or y t h a t people in side a n d ou t side t h e g a m e w ou ld fin d in t er est in g . So, a lt h ou g h m y r et ir em en t t ook t h e in du st r y by su r pr ise, t h is a u t obiog r a ph y h a s been in m y h ea d for m a n y y ea r s. It com plem en t s Managing My Life, a n ea r lier v olu m e. A n d t h er efor e, w h ile br iefly r eflect in g on m y y ou t h in Gla sg ow a n d life-lon g fr ien ds m a de in A ber deen , it focu ses on m y m a g ica l y ea r s in Ma n ch est er . A n a v id r ea der m y self, I w a s ea g er t o w r it e a book t h a t ex pla in ed som e of t h e m y st er ies in m y lin e of w or k . In a lifet im e’s jou r n ey in foot ba ll, y ou w ill h a v e dips, low s, defea t s a n d disa ppoin t m en t s. In m y ea r ly y ea r s a t A ber deen a n d Ma n ch est er Un it ed, I decided r ig h t a w a y t h a t in or der t o bu ild t r u st a n d loy a lt y w it h t h e pla y er s, I h a d t o g iv e it t o t h em fir st . T h a t is t h e st a r t in g poin t for t h e bon d on w h ich g r ea t in st it u t ion s t h r iv e. I w a s h elped by m y a bilit y t o obser v e. Som e people w a lk in t o a r oom a n d don ’t n ot ice a n y t h in g . Use y ou r ey es; it ’s a ll ou t t h er e. I u sed t h is sk ill in m y a ssessm en t of pla y er s’ t r a in in g h a bit s, m oods a n d

beh a v iou r pa t t er n s. Of cou r se I’ll m iss t h e ba n t er of t h e dr essin g r oom a n d a ll m y oppon en t s in m a n a g em en t : t h ose w on der fu l ch a r a ct er s of t h e old sch ool w h o w er e t h e g r ea t s of t h e g a m e w h en I ca m e dow n t o Un it ed in 1 9 8 6 . Ron A t k in son sh ow ed n o bit t er n ess a ft er lea v in g t h e clu b a n d h a d n ot h in g bu t pr a ise for u s. Jim Sm it h is a fa n t a st ic ch a r a ct er a n d a g ood fr ien d. His h ospit a lit y w ou ld k eep y ou t h er e a ll n ig h t . W h en I did g et h om e, m y sh ir t w ou ld be speck led w it h cig a r a sh . Big Joh n Sillet t , w h o m a n a g ed Cov en t r y Cit y , w a s a n ot h er g r ea t com pa n ion , a n d I ca n n ev er for g et t h e la t e Joh n Ly a ll, w h o g u ided m e t h r ou g h m y ea r ly y ea r s a n d w a s so g en er ou s w it h h is t im e. My fir st en cou n t er w it h Bobby Robson w a s in 1 9 8 1 w h en A ber deen k n ock ed ou t Ipsw ich in t h e UEFA Cu p. Bobby ca m e in t o ou r dr essin g r oom a n d sh ook ev er y pla y er ’s h a n d. Sh eer cla ss, a n d h is v a lu ed fr ien dsh ip w a s n ev er for g ot t en . He w a s a big loss t o ou r liv es. T h er e w er e ot h er s of t h e old sch ool w h o w er e su r v iv or s beca u se t h ey h a d a w or k et h ic y ou h a d t o a dm ir e. If I w en t t o a r eser v e g a m e, Joh n Ru dg e a n d Len n ie La w r en ce w ou ld be t h er e, a lon g w it h on e of t h e big per son a lit ies of t h e g a m e w h ose Oldh a m t ea m s br ou g h t a fr esh n ess t h a t w ou ld n ev er be r epla ced. I m ea n big Joe Roy le. Oldh a m g a v e u s som e sca r y m om en t s. Y es, I’ll m iss a ll t h a t . Ha r r y Redk n a pp a n d T on y Pu lis a r e ot h er g r ea t ch a r a ct er s of m y g en er a t ion . I w a s blessed t o h a v e h a d w on der fu l, loy a l st a ff a t Un it ed. Som e of t h em w or k ed for m e for ov er 2 0 y ea r s.

My P.A . Ly n La ffin , h a s follow ed m e in t o r et ir em en t a n d is st ill m y P.A ., in m y n ew office; Les Ker sh a w , Da v e Bu sh ell, T on y W h ela n a n d Pa u l McGu in n ess. Ka t h Ph ipps on r ecept ion , w h o a lso r a n m y a ft er -m a t ch lou n g e a t Old T r a ffor d, h a s w or k ed a t Un it ed for ov er 4 0 y ea r s. Jim Ry a n , w h o h a s n ow r et ir ed, m y br ot h er Ma r t in w h o scou t ed a br oa d for 1 7 y ea r s (a v er y difficu lt job), a n d Br ia n McCla ir . Nor m a n Da v ies: w h a t a m a n . A loy a l fr ien d w h o pa ssed a w a y a few y ea r s a g o. His r epla cem en t a s k it m a n , A lber t Mor g a n , is a lso a big per son a lit y w h o n ev er w a v er ed in h is loy a lt y . Ou r doct or , St ev e McNa lly , ou r h ea d ph y sio Rob Sw ir e a n d a ll h is st a ff, T on y St r u dw ick a n d h is en er g et ic bu n ch of spor t s scien t ist s, ou r la u n dr y g ir ls, a ll t h e k it ch en st a ff; t h e g en er a l office of Joh n A lex a n der , A n n e W y lie a n d a ll t h e g ir ls. Jim La w lor a n d a ll h is scou t in g st a ff. Er ic St eele, g oa lk eepin g coa ch . Sim on W ells a n d St ev e Br ow n of t h e v ideo a n a ly sis t ea m . Ou r g r ou n d st a ff, led by Joe Pem ber t on a n d T on y Sin cla ir . Ou r m a in t en a n ce t ea m , w it h St u a r t , Gr a h a m a n d T on y : a ll h a r dw or k in g m en . T h er e a r e m a y be on e or t w o I’v e m issed, bu t I’m su r e t h ey k n ow I r espect ed t h em a ll. A ssist a n t s a n d coa ch es h elped m e g r ea t ly dow n t h e y ea r s. A r ch ie Kn ox , a r ea l a lly t o m e in m y ea r ly y ea r s, Br ia n Kidd, Nobby St iles, Er ic Ha r r ison , a t r u ly w on der fu l y ou t h coa ch . St ev e McCla r en , a v er y in n ov a t iv e a n d en er g et ic coa ch . Ca r los Qu eir oz a n d Ren é Meu len st een – t w o m a g n ificen t coa ch es – a n d m y a ssist a n t m a n a g er , Mick Ph ela n , a r ea lly sh r ew d, obser v a n t , t r u e foot ba ll m a n .

T h e fou n da t ion of m y lon g ev it y lies w it h Bobby Ch a r lt on a n d Ma r t in Edw a r ds. T h eir big g est g ift t o m e w a s t h e t im e t o bu ild a foot ba ll clu b, r a t h er t h a n a foot ba ll t ea m . T h eir su ppor t w a s follow ed by t h e g r ea t bon d I h a d w it h Da v id Gill ov er t h e la st deca de. T h er e w a s plen t y of g r ou n d t o cov er in t h is book . I h ope y ou en joy r et r a cin g t h e st eps w it h m e.

NEARLY t h r ee

deca des befor e t h is m om en t , I h a d w a lk ed t h r ou g h t h a t t u n n el a n d on t o t h e pit ch for m y fir st h om e g a m e, feelin g n er v ou s a n d ex posed. I h a d w a v ed t o t h e St r et for d En d a n d been in t r odu ced fr om t h e cen t r e cir cle a s Ma n ch est er Un it ed’s n ew m a n a g er . Now , I st r ode on t o t h e sa m e pit ch , fu ll of con fiden ce, t o sa y g oodby e. T h e con t r ol I w a s a ble t o ex er t ov er Ma n ch est er Un it ed w a s a pr iv ileg e few m a n a g er s w ill be lu ck y en ou g h t o k n ow . How ev er su r e I felt of m y a bilit ies on t h e m ov e sou t h fr om A ber deen in t h e a u t u m n of 1 9 8 6 , t h er e cou ld h a v e been n o w a y of k n ow in g it w ou ld t u r n ou t t h is w ell. A ft er t h e fa r ew ell in Ma y 2 0 1 3 , t h e piv ot a l m om en t s filled m y t h ou g h t s: w in n in g t h a t FA Cu p t h ir d-r ou n d t ie a g a in st Not t in g h a m For est in Ja n u a r y 1 9 9 0 , in w h ich a Ma r k Robin s g oa l sen t u s on ou r w a y t o t h e fin a l w h en m y job w a s su pposedly on t h e lin e; g oin g t h r ou g h a w h ole m on t h w it h ou t w in n in g a g a m e, w h ich g n a w ed a w a y a t m y con fiden ce. W it h ou t t h e FA Cu p v ict or y ov er Cr y st a l Pa la ce n ea r ly fou r y ea r s a ft er m y a r r iv a l, g r a v e dou bt s w ou ld h a v e been r a ised a bou t m y su it a bilit y for t h e job. W e w ill n ev er k n ow h ow close I w a s t o bein g

sa ck ed, beca u se t h e decision w a s n ev er for ced on t h e Un it ed boa r d. Bu t w it h ou t t h a t t r iu m ph a t W em bley , t h e cr ow ds w ou ld h a v e sh r iv elled. Disa ffect ion m ig h t h a v e sw ept t h e clu b. Bobby Ch a r lt on w ou ld h a v e opposed a n y m ov e t o dism iss m e. He k n ew t h e w or k I w a s doin g , t h e g r ou n d w e w er e m a k in g u p on t h e y ou t h dev elopm en t side, t h e g r a ft I w a s pu t t in g in , t h e h ou r s I spen t r efor m in g t h e foot ba ll oper a t ion . T h e ch a ir m a n Ma r t in Edw a r ds k n ew it t oo, a n d it r eflect s w ell on t h ose t w o m en t h a t t h ey h a d t h e cou r a g e t o st ick by m e in t h ose da r k da y s. Ma r t in w ou ld h a v e r eceiv ed plen t y of a n g r y let t er s dem a n din g t h a t I be ca st a side. W in n in g t h e 1 9 9 0 FA Cu p a llow ed u s br ea t h in g spa ce a n d deepen ed m y sen se t h a t t h is w a s a w on der fu l clu b w it h w h ich t o w in t r oph ies. T o w in t h e FA Cu p a t W em bley m a de t h e g ood t im es r oll. Bu t on t h e m or n in g a ft er ou r v ict or y , on e n ew spa per decla r ed: ‘OK, y ou ’v e pr ov ed y ou ca n w in t h e FA Cu p, n ow g o ba ck t o Scot la n d.’ I n ev er for g ot t h a t .

one

IF

I n eeded a r esu lt t o epit om ise w h a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed w er e a bou t it ca m e t o m e in g a m e No. 1 ,5 0 0 : m y la st . W est Br om w ich A lbion 5 Ma n ch est er Un it ed 5 . Cr a zy . W on der fu l. En t er t a in in g . Ou t r a g eou s. If y ou w er e on y ou r w a y t o w a t ch Ma n ch est er Un it ed y ou w er e in for g oa ls a n d dr a m a . Y ou r h ea r t w a s in for a t est . I cou ld h a v e n o com pla in t s a bou t u s t h r ow in g a w a y a 5 –2 lea d a g a in st W est Br om w it h in n in e m in u t es. I st ill w en t t h r ou g h t h e m ot ion s of ex pr essin g m y a n n oy a n ce bu t t h e pla y er s cou ld see r ig h t t h r ou g h it . I t old t h em : ‘T h a n k s boy s. Bloody g r ea t sen d-off y ou ’v e g iv en m e!’ Da v id Moy es h a d a lr ea dy been n a m ed a s m y su ccessor ; a s w e sa t in t h e dr essin g r oom a ft er t h e m a t ch Ry a n Gig g s t ea sed: ‘Da v id Moy es h a s ju st r esig n ed.’ Despit e ou r defen siv e fr a ilt ies t h a t da y I w a s pr ou d a n d r eliev ed t o be deliv er in g t h is fin e g r ou p of pla y er s a n d st a ff in t o Da v id’s ca r e. My w or k w a s don e. My fa m ily w er e t h er e, in t h e Reg is Su it e, a t W est Br om ’s

g r ou n d, a n d a n ew life st r et ch ed ou t befor e m e. It w a s on e of t h ose da y s t h a t u n fold lik e a dr ea m . W est Br om h a n dled it w it h r ea l cla ss a n d look ed a ft er m e per fect ly . La t er t h ey sen t m e t h e t ea m -sh eet s sig n ed by bot h set s of pla y er s. Most of m y fa m ily w er e w it h m e: t h r ee son s, eig h t g r a n dch ildr en a n d on e or t w o close fr ien ds. It w a s a joy t o m e t o h a v e t h em t h er e, a n d for u s a ll t o ex per ien ce t h is fin a l in st a lm en t t og et h er . Ou r fa m ily m a r ch ed ou t a s on e. Descen din g t h e st eps of t h e t ea m bu s ou t side W est Br om ’s g r ou n d, m y in t en t ion w a s t o sa v ou r ev er y m om en t . It w a s n ot h a r d for m e t o let g o beca u se I k n ew t h e t im e w a s r ig h t . T h e n ig h t befor e t h e g a m e t h e pla y er s let it be k n ow n t h a t t h ey w a n t ed t o m a k e a pr esen t a t ion t o m a r k m y r et ir em en t . T h eir m ost specia l g ift w a s a bea u t ifu l 1 9 4 1 Rolex fr om t h e y ea r I w a s bor n , w it h t h e t im e set a t 3 .0 3 p.m ., t h e m in u t e of m y em er g en ce in t o t h e w or ld, in Gla sg ow , on 3 1 Decem ber 1 9 4 1 . T h ey a lso h a n ded m e a book of ph ot og r a ph s en ca psu la t in g m y t im e a t Un it ed, w it h t h e g r a n dch ildr en a n d fa m ily on t h e cen t r e-spr ea d. Rio Fer din a n d, a w a t ch en t h u sia st , w a s beh in d t h e m a in g ift idea . A ft er t h e book a n d w a t ch w er e h a n ded ov er a n d a r ou n d of a ppla u se spr ea d r ou n d t h e r oom I n ot iced a pa r t icu la r look on som e of t h e pla y er s’ fa ces. It w a s a m om en t som e w er en ’t su r e h ow t o h a n dle beca u se t h ey h a d a lw a y s h a d m e w it h t h em ; som e for 2 0 y ea r s. I cou ld see a v a ca n t ex pr ession t h a t seem ed t o sa y : w h a t ’s it g oin g t o be lik e n ow ? Som e h a d k n ow n n o ot h er m a n a g er bu t m e.

T h er e w a s st ill on e g a m e t o pla y a n d I w a n t ed it t o be h a n dled pr oper ly . W e w er e t h r ee–n il u p w it h in h a lf a n h ou r bu t W est Br om w er e in n o m ood t o g iv e m e a n ea sy sen d-off. Joh n Siv eba ek scor ed t h e fir st Un it ed g oa l of m y t im e in ch a r g e, on 2 2 Nov em ber 1 9 8 6 . T h e la st w a s r eg ist er ed t o Ja v ier Her n á n dez on 1 9 Ma y 2 0 1 3 . A t 5 –2 t o u s it cou ld h a v e fin ish ed 2 0 –2 in ou r fa v ou r . A t 5 –5 w e m ig h t h a v e lost 2 0 –5 . Defen siv ely w e w er e a sh a m bles. W est Br om scor ed t h r ee g oa ls in fiv e m in u t es, w it h Rom elu Lu k a k u r u n n in g u p a h a t t r ick . Despit e t h e la t e a v a la n ch e on ou r g oa l, it w a s a ll lig h t -h ea r t ed in t h e dr essin g r oom . A ft er t h e fin a l w h ist le w e st a y ed on t h e pit ch t o w a v e t o t h e Un it ed en d. Gig g sy pu sh ed m e for w a r d a n d a ll t h e pla y er s h eld ba ck . I w a s a lon e in fr on t of a m osa ic of h a ppy fa ces. Ou r fa n s spen t t h e en t ir e da y sin g in g a n d ch a n t in g a n d bou n cin g . I w ou ld lov e t o h a v e w on 5 –2 bu t in a w a y 5 –5 w a s a fit t in g sig n -off. It w a s t h e fir st 5 –5 dr a w in Pr em ier Lea g u e h ist or y a n d t h e fir st of m y ca r eer : on e la st slice of h ist or y in m y fin a l 9 0 m in u t es. Ba ck in Ma n ch est er a delu g e of post la n ded in m y office. Rea l Ma dr id sen t a bea u t ifu l g ift : a solid silv er r eplica of La Pla za de Cibeles, h om e t o t h e fou n t a in in Ma dr id w h er e t h ey celebr a t e lea g u e t it le w in s, w it h a lov ely let t er fr om Flor en t in o Pér ez, t h e Rea l pr esiden t . A n ot h er pr esen t a r r iv ed fr om A ja x a n d on e fr om Edw in v a n der Sa r . Ly n , m y P.A ., w or k ed h er w a y t h r ou g h h ea ps of cor r espon den ce. For

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pr ev iou s w eek en d, m y la st a t Old T r a ffor d, I h a d n o idea w h a t t o ex pect , bey on d a g u a r d of h on ou r . By t h en w e w er e a t t h e en d of a n in t en se w eek of t ellin g fa m ily , fr ien ds, pla y er s a n d st a ff t h a t I h a d ch osen t o m ov e on t o a n ew ph a se of m y life. T h e seeds of m y decision t o st ep dow n h a d been pla n t ed in t h e w in t er of 2 0 1 2 . A r ou n d Ch r ist m a s-t im e t h e t h ou g h t beca m e sh a r p a n d clea r in m y h ea d: ‘I’m g oin g t o r et ir e.’ ‘W h y a r e y ou g oin g t o do t h a t ?’ Ca t h y sa id. ‘La st sea son , losin g t h e t it le in t h e la st g a m e, I ca n ’t t a k e a n ot h er on e lik e t h a t ,’ I t old h er . ‘I ju st h ope w e ca n w in t h e Lea g u e t h is t im e a n d r ea ch t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e or FA Cu p fin a l. It w ou ld be a g r ea t en din g .’ Ca t h y , w h o h a d lost h er sist er Br idg et in Oct ober , a n d w a s st r u g g lin g t o com e t o t er m s w it h t h a t ber ea v em en t , soon a g r eed it w a s t h e r ig h t cou r se. Her t a k e w a s t h a t if I w a n t ed t o do ot h er t h in g s w it h m y life I w ou ld st ill be y ou n g en ou g h . Con t r a ct u a lly I w a s oblig ed t o n ot ify t h e clu b by 3 1 Ma r ch if I w a s g oin g t o st a n d dow n t h a t su m m er . By coin ciden ce Da v id Gill h a d ca lled m e on e Su n da y in Febr u a r y a n d a sk ed if h e cou ld com e t o see m e a t h om e. A Su n da y a ft er n oon ? ‘I bet h e’s r esig n in g a s ch ief ex ecu t iv e,’ I sa id. ‘Eit h er t h a t or y ou ’r e g et t in g sa ck ed,’ Ca t h y sa id. Da v id’s n ew s w a s t h a t h e w ou ld be st a n din g dow n a s ch ief ex ecu t iv e a t t h e en d of t h e sea son . ‘Bloody h ell, Da v id,’ I sa id. A n d I t old h im t h a t I h a d r ea ch ed t h e sa m e decision . In t h e da y s t h a t follow ed, Da v id r a n g t o t ell m e t o

ex pect a ca ll fr om t h e Gla zer s. W h en it ca m e I a ssu r ed Joel Gla zer t h a t m y decision h a d n ot h in g t o do w it h Da v id r elin qu ish in g da y -t o-da y con t r ol. My m in d h a d been m a de u p ov er Ch r ist m a s, I t old h im . I ex pla in ed t h e r ea son s. Ca t h y ’s sist er dy in g in Oct ober h a d ch a n g ed ou r liv es. Ca t h y felt isola t ed. Joel u n der st ood. W e a g r eed t o m eet in New Y or k , w h er e h e t r ied t o t a lk m e ou t of r et ir in g . I t old h im I a ppr ecia t ed t h e effor t h e w a s m a k in g a n d t h a n k ed h im for h is su ppor t . He ex pr essed h is g r a t it u de for a ll m y w or k . W it h n o pr ospect of a ch a n g e in m y t h in k in g , t h e discu ssion t u r n ed t o w h o m ig h t r epla ce m e. T h er e w a s a u n a n im ou s a g r eem en t – Da v id Moy es w a s t h e m a n . Da v id ca m e ov er t o t h e h ou se t o discu ss h is pot en t ia l a v a ila bilit y . It w a s im por t a n t t o t h e Gla zer s t h a t t h er e w a s n o lon g per iod of specu la t ion w h en m y r et ir em en t beca m e officia l. T h ey w a n t ed t h e n ew m a n in pla ce w it h in da y s. A lot of Scot s h a v e a dou r n ess a bou t t h em : a st r on g w ill. W h en t h ey lea v e Scot la n d it t en ds t o be for on e r ea son on ly . T o be su ccessfu l. Scot s don ’t lea v e t o esca pe t h e pa st . T h ey m ov e a w a y t o bet t er t h em selv es. Y ou see it a ll ov er t h e w or ld, in A m er ica a n d Ca n a da especia lly . Lea v in g t h e h om ela n d cr ea t es a cer t a in r esolu t ion . It ’s n ot a m a sk ; it ’s a det er m in a t ion t o g et t h in g s don e. T h e Scot t ish dou r n ess ot h er s t a lk a bou t som et im es a pplied t o m e a s w ell. T h e Scot sm a n a br oa d doesn ’t la ck h u m ou r . Da v id Moy es is n ot sh or t of w it . In t h eir jobs, t h ou g h , t h e Scot s a r e ser iou s a bou t t h eir la bou r s, a n in v a lu a ble qu a lit y . People oft en sa id t o m e, ‘I n ev er see y ou sm ile

du r in g a g a m e.’ I w ou ld r eply , ‘I’m n ot t h er e t o sm ile, I’m t h er e t o w in t h e m a t ch .’ Da v id h a d som e of t h ese t r a it s. I k n ew h is fa m ily ba ck g r ou n d. His fa t h er w a s a coa ch a t Dr u m ch a pel, w h er e I pla y ed a s a la d. Da v id Moy es sen ior . T h ey h a v e a g ood fa m ily feel a bou t t h em . I’m n ot sa y in g t h a t ’s a r ea son t o h ir e som eon e bu t y ou lik e t o see g ood fou n da t ion s in som eon e a ppoin t ed t o su ch h ig h office. I left Dr u m ch a pel in 1 9 5 7 w h en Da v id sen ior w ou ld h a v e been a y ou n g boy , so t h er e w a s n o dir ect cr ossov er , bu t I k n ew t h eir st or y . T h e Gla zer s lik ed Da v id. Rig h t a w a y t h ey w er e im pr essed by h im . T h e fir st poin t t h ey w ill h a v e n ot iced is t h a t h e is a st r a ig h t -t a lk er . It ’s a v ir t u e t o be st r a ig h t for w a r d a bou t y ou r self. A n d t o pu t on e con cer n t o bed, t h er e is n o w a y I w ou ld g et in Da v id’s w a y . A ft er 2 7 y ea r s a s m a n a g er , w h y w ou ld I w a n t t o in v olv e m y self on t h e foot ba ll side? T h is w a s m y t im e t o lea v e t h a t pa r t of m y life beh in d. Equ a lly Da v id w ou ld h a v e n o t r ou ble em br a cin g ou r t r a dit ion s. He w a s a fin e ju dg e of t a len t a n d la id on som e m a r v ellou s foot ba ll a t Ev er t on w h en h e w a s a llow ed t o sig n a h ig h er cla ss of pla y er . I t old m y self I w ou ld h a v e n o r eg r et s a bou t r et ir in g . T h a t w on ’t ch a n g e. In y ou r sev en t ies it ’s ea sy t o g o dow n h ill fa st , ph y sica lly a n d m en t a lly . Bu t I w a s bu sy fr om t h e m om en t I st epped a side, t a k in g on pr oject s in A m er ica a n d bey on d. T h er e w a s n o r isk of m e la psin g in t o idlen ess. I w a s look in g for n ew ch a llen g es. On e g r ea t difficu lt y , in t h e da y s a r ou n d t h e a n n ou n cem en t , w a s t ellin g t h e st a ff a t Ca r r in g t on , ou r

t r a in in g g r ou n d. I pa r t icu la r ly r em em ber m en t ion in g t h e ch a n g es in m y life a n d Ca t h y ’s sist er dy in g , a n d h ea r in g a sy m pa t h et ic, ‘A a a h .’ T h a t r ea lly br ok e t h r ou g h m y ba r r ier s. I felt a r ea l ja b of sen t im en t . Ru m ou r s h a d beg u n cir cu la t in g t h e da y befor e t h e officia l st a t em en t . A t t h a t poin t I h a d st ill t o t ell m y br ot h er Ma r t in . It w a s a difficu lt pr ocess t o m a n a g e, especia lly fr om t h e New Y or k St ock Ex ch a n g e poin t of v iew , so t h e pa r t ia l lea k in g of t h e n ew s com pr om ised m e in r ela t ion t o som e of t h e people I w a n t ed t o con fide in . On t h e W edn esda y m or n in g , 8 Ma y , I h a d a ll t h e foot ba ll st a ff in t h e v ideo a n a ly sis r oom , t h e m a in st a ff in t h e ca n t een a n d t h e pla y er s in t h eir dr essin g r oom . T h e m om en t I w a lk ed in t o t h e dr essin g r oom t o t ell t h e squ a d w e m a de t h e a n n ou n cem en t v ia t h e clu b w ebsit e. No m obile ph on es w er e a llow ed. I didn ’t w a n t a n y on e com m u n ica t in g t h e n ew s befor e I h a d been g iv en t h e ch a n ce t o t ell ev er y on e a t t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d. W it h t h e r u m ou r s, t h ou g h , t h ey k n ew som et h in g big w a s com in g . I t old t h e pla y er s: ‘I h ope I h a v en ’t let som e of y ou dow n , beca u se y ou m a y h a v e join ed t h in k in g I w ou ld st a y .’ W e h a d t old Robin v a n Per sie a n d Sh in ji Ka g a w a , for ex a m ple, t h a t I w ou ld n ot be r et ir in g a n y t im e soon , w h ich w a s cor r ect a t t h e poin t I sa id it . ‘T h in g s ch a n g e,’ I con t in u ed. ‘My w ife’s sist er dy in g w a s on e dr a m a t ic ch a n g e. A lso, I w a n t t o g o ou t a w in n er . A n d I’m g oin g ou t a w in n er .’ Sh ock cou ld be seen in som e of t h eir fa ces. ‘Go t o t h e r a ces t oda y a n d en joy it ,’ I sa id. ‘See y ou on T h u r sda y .’

I h a d a lr ea dy g iv en t h e pla y er s t h e W edn esda y a ft er n oon off t o g o t o Ch est er . A n d ev er y on e k n ew t h a t . It w a s pa r t of t h e pla n . I didn ’t w a n t people t h in k in g t h e pla y er s w er e bein g h ea r t less by a t t en din g Ch est er r a ces on t h e da y I br ou g h t t h e cu r t a in dow n , w h ich is w h y I m a de a poin t t h e w eek befor e of con fir m in g t h ey w ou ld g o. T h en I w en t u pst a ir s t o t h e foot ba ll st a ff a n d t old t h em . T h ey a ll a ppla u ded. ‘Gla d t o g et r id of y ou ,’ on e or t w o r em a r k ed. Of t h e t w o m a in g r ou ps t h e pla y er s w er e t h e m or e du m bst r u ck . Im m edia t ely in t h ose cir cu m st a n ces qu est ion s w ill h a v e filled t h eir m in ds: ‘W ill t h e n ew m a n a g er lik e m e? W ill I st ill be h er e n ex t sea son ?’ T h e coa ch es w ou ld be t h in k in g : ‘T h is cou ld be t h e en d for m e.’ T h e t im e w a s a ppr oa ch in g for m e t o r et r ea t fr om t h e scen e of a ll t h is a n n ou n cin g a n d ex pla in in g a n d g a t h er m y t h ou g h t s. I h a d decided in a dv a n ce t o g o st r a ig h t h om e beca u se I k n ew t h er e w ou ld be a seism ic r ea ct ion in t h e m edia . I didn ’t w a n t t o be lea v in g Ca r r in g t on t h r ou g h a sw a r m of pr ess a n d fla sh in g lig h t s. A t h om e I lock ed m y self in . Ja son , m y la w y er a n d Ly n sen t t ex t s sim u lt a n eou sly a t t h e poin t t h e a n n ou n cem en t w a s m a de. Ly n w ou ld h a v e been sen din g t ex t s con secu t iv ely for 15 m in u t es. A ppa r en t ly 3 8 n ew spa per s in t h e w or ld ca r r ied t h e n ew s on t h e fr on t pa g e, in clu din g t h e New Y ork Tim es . T h er e w er e 1 0 - a n d 1 2 -pa g e su pplem en t s in t h e Br it ish pa per s. T h e r a n g e a n d dept h of t h a t cov er a g e w a s fla t t er in g .

I h a d m y r u n -in s w it h t h e w r it t en pr ess dow n t h e y ea r s bu t I n ev er h eld g r u dg es. I k n ow jou r n a list s a r e u n der a lot of pr essu r e. T h ey h a v e t o t r y t o bea t t elev ision , t h e in t er n et , Fa cebook , T w it t er , m a n y t h in g s, a n d t h ey m a y h a v e a n edit or on t op of t h em a ll t h e t im e. It ’s a h a r d in du st r y . T h e cov er a g e pr ov ed a lso t h a t t h e m edia h eld n o g r u dg es a g a in st m e, despit e a ll ou r con flict s. T h ey r ecog n ised t h e v a lu e of m y ca r eer a n d w h a t I h a d br ou g h t t o pr ess con fer en ces. T h ey ev en m a de a pr esen t a t ion : a ca k e w it h a h a ir dr y er on t op a n d a lov ely bot t le of w in e. It w a s w ell r eceiv ed. For t h e Sw a n sea g a m e t h e st a diu m a n n ou n cer pla y ed Sin a t r a ’s ‘My W a y ’ a n d Na t Kin g Cole’s ‘Un for g et t a ble’. W e w on it t h e w a y w e did so m a n y of t h e 8 9 5 m a t ch es in w h ich m y t ea m s pr ev a iled: w it h a la t e g oa l, in t h e 8 7 t h m in u t e, fr om Rio Fer din a n d. My speech on t h e pit ch w a s a ll off t h e cu ff. I h a d n o scr ipt . A ll I k n ew w a s t h a t I w a s n ot g oin g t o pr a ise a n y in div idu a l. It w a s n ot a bou t t h e dir ect or s, t h e su ppor t er s or t h e pla y er s: it w a s a bou t Ma n ch est er Un it ed Foot ba ll Clu b. I u r g ed t h e cr ow d t o g et beh in d t h e n ex t m a n a g er , Da v id Moy es. ‘I’d lik e t o r em in d y ou t h a t w e’v e h a d ba d t im es h er e,’ I sa id ov er t h e PA . ‘T h e clu b st ood by m e. A ll m y st a ff st ood by m e. T h e pla y er s st ood by m e. So y ou r job n ow is t o st a n d by ou r n ew m a n a g er . T h a t is im por t a n t .’ Ha d I n ot m en t ion ed Da v id, people m ig h t h a v e a sk ed: ‘How a bou t t h a t , I w on der w h et h er Fer g u son w a n t ed Moy es?’ W e n eeded t o sh ow ou r u n con dit ion a l su ppor t

for h im . T h e clu b h a s t o k eep on w in n in g . T h a t w a s t h e w ish t h a t bou n d u s a ll. I’m a dir ect or of t h e clu b. I w a n t t h e su ccess t o g o on a s m u ch a s a n y on e. Now I ca n en joy g a m es t h e w a y Bobby Ch a r lt on h a s been a ble t o sin ce h e r et ir ed. Y ou see Bobby a ft er a v ict or y a n d h is ey es a r e bla zin g , h e’s r u bbin g h is h a n ds. He lov es it . I w a n t t h a t . I w a n t t o be a ble t o a t t en d Eu r opea n t ies a n d t ell people: I’m pr ou d of t h is t ea m , t h is is a g r ea t clu b. In t h e ev en t I fou n d m y self pick in g ou t Pa u l Sch oles. I k n ew h e w ou ld h a t e it bu t I cou ldn ’t st op m y self. Pa u l w a s r et ir in g a s w ell. I a lso w ish ed Da r r en Flet ch er a ll t h e best in h is r ecov er y fr om a colon ic illn ess, w h ich few pick ed u p on . A t a n a ir por t a few da y s la t er , a g u y w a lk ed u p t o m e w it h a n en v elope, sa y in g : ‘I w a s g oin g t o post t h is t o y ou .’ It w a s a n a r t icle fr om a n Ir ish pa per a r g u in g t h a t I h a d left t h e clu b t h e w a y I h a d m a n a g ed it : on m y t er m s. T y pica l Fer g u son , t h e a u t h or w r ot e. I en joy ed t h a t piece. T h a t w a s h ow I sa w m y t im e in ch a r g e of Un it ed a n d I w a s pr ou d t o see it descr ibed t h a t w a y . A s I slipped ou t of t h e pict u r e, Da v id br ou g h t in t h r ee of h is ow n st a ff – St ev e Rou n d, Ch r is W oods a n d Jim m y Lu m sden . He a lso a dded Ry a n Gig g s a n d Ph il Nev ille, w h ich m ea n t t h a t Ren é Meu len st een , Mick Ph ela n a n d Er ic St eele lost t h eir jobs. It w a s Da v id’s ca ll. I t old h im t h a t if h e k ept m y st a ff I w ou ld be delig h t ed, bu t it w a s n ot for m e t o in t er fer e or pr ev en t h im br in g in g in h is ow n a ssist a n t s. Jim m y Lu m sden h a d been w it h Da v id a lon g t im e. I k n ew h im fr om m y Gla sg ow da y s. Jim m y w a s bor n

a bou t a m ile fr om m e, in t h e n ex t dist r ict a lon g fr om Gov a n . He is a g ood w ee la d a n d a fin e foot ba ll m a n . It w a s ju st a disa ppoin t m en t t h a t g ood m en lost t h eir jobs, w h ich h a ppen s in foot ba ll. Bu t it w a s h a n dled w ell. I t old t h e t h r ee of t h em h ow sor r y I w a s t h a t t h ey w ou ld n ot be st a y in g . Mick , w h o w a s w it h m e for 2 0 y ea r s, t old m e I h a d n ot h in g t o a polog ise for , a n d t h a n k ed m e for a ll t h e g r ea t t im es w e h a d sh a r ed t og et h er . A s I look ed ba ck I focu sed n ot on ly on t h e t r iu m ph s bu t a lso t h e defea t s. I lost t h r ee FA Cu p fin a ls, t o Ev er t on , A r sen a l a n d Ch elsea . I lost Lea g u e Cu p fin a ls t o Sh effield W edn esda y , A st on V illa a n d Liv er pool. A n d t w o Eu r opea n Cu p fin a ls t o Ba r celon a . T h a t is pa r t of t h e t a pest r y of Ma n ch est er Un it ed t oo: t h e r ecov er y . I a lw a y s k ept in m in d t h a t it w a s n ot a ll v ict or ies a n d open -t op pa r a des. W h en w e lost t h e FA Cu p fin a l t o Ev er t on in 1 9 9 5 I sa id: ‘T h a t ’s it , I’m m a k in g ch a n g es h er e.’ A n d w e m a de t h em . W e br ou g h t in t h e y ou n g pla y er s, t h e so-ca lled Cla ss of ’9 2 . W e cou ldn ’t h old t h em ba ck a n y lon g er . T h ey w er e a specia l g r ou p of la ds. Losin g foot ba ll m a t ch es a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed r eson a t es w it h y ou . Mu llin g it ov er for a w h ile a n d t h en ca r r y in g on in t h e sa m e old w a y w a s n ev er a n opt ion for m e. W h en y ou lose a fin a l it a ffect s y ou deeply , especia lly if y ou h a v e 2 3 sh ot s on g oa l a n d t h e opposit ion h a v e t w o, or y ou en d u p losin g a pen a lt y sh oot -ou t . My fir st t h ou g h t w a s a lw a y s: ‘T h in k qu ick ly a bou t w h a t y ou sh ou ld be doin g .’ My m in d w en t st r a ig h t t o t h e bu sin ess of im pr ov em en t a n d r ecov er y . It w a s a n a sset for m e t o be a ble t o m a k e qu ick

ca lcu la t ion s w h en it w ou ld h a v e been ea sier ju st t o be dish ea r t en ed. Som et im es defea t s a r e t h e best ou t com es. T o r ea ct t o a dv er sit y is a qu a lit y . Ev en in y ou r low est per iods y ou a r e sh ow in g st r en g t h . T h er e w a s a g r ea t sa y in g : It ’s ju st a n ot h er da y in t h e h ist or y of Ma n ch est er Un it ed. In ot h er w or ds fig h t in g ba ck w a s pa r t of ou r ex ist en ce. If y ou a r e la ck a da isica l a bou t defea t s y ou ca n be su r e t h er e w ill be m or e t o com e. Oft en w e w ou ld dr op t w o poin t s in a g a m e by t h e opposit ion equ a lisin g w it h t h e la st k ick of t h e ba ll a n d t h en g o on a six - or sev en -g a m e w in n in g r u n . It w a s n o coin ciden ce. For t h e fa n t h er e is a cu lt u r e of g oin g t o w or k on t h e Mon da y a ssa iled by em ot ion fr om t h e w eek en d’s g a m e. A g u y w r ot e t o m e in Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 0 a n d sa id: ‘Ca n y ou plea se r efu n d m e t h e £4 1 I pa id for m y t ick et on Su n da y ? Y ou pr om ised m e en t er t a in m en t . I did n ot g et en t er t a in m en t on Su n da y . Ca n I h a v e m y £4 1 ba ck ?’ T h a t w a s a fa n . My idea w a s t o w r it e ba ck sa y in g : ‘Ca n y ou plea se debit t h e £4 1 fr om m y pr ofit ov er t h e la st 2 4 y ea r s?’ Y ou w in a ll t h ese g a m es a g a in st Ju v en t u s a n d Rea l Ma dr id a n d som eon e a sk s for t h eir m on ey ba ck a ft er a slig h t ly qu iet Su n da y . Is t h er e a n y clu b in t h e w or ld t h a t ca n g iv e y ou m or e h ea r t -st oppin g m om en t s t h a n Ma n ch est er Un it ed? In a n y set of pr og r a m m e n ot es I m ig h t h a v e w a r n ed t h e su ppor t er s: if w e’r e losin g 1 –0 w it h 2 0 m in u t es t o g o, g o h om e, or y ou m ig h t en d u p bein g ca r r ied ou t . Y ou cou ld fin ish u p in t h e Ma n ch est er Roy a l In fir m a r y . I h ope n o on e w ill disa g r ee w h en I sa y : n obody w a s

sh or t -ch a n g ed. It w a s n ev er du ll.

two

T HE m ot t o

of t h e Fer g u son cla n in Scot la n d is: ‘Dulcius ex as peris ’ or , ‘Sw eet er a ft er difficu lt ies’. T h a t opt im ism ser v ed m e w ell t h r ou g h 3 9 y ea r s in foot ba ll m a n a g em en t . Ov er t h a t t im e, fr om Ea st St ir lin g sh ir e for fou r br ief m on t h s in 1 9 7 4 , t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed in 2 0 1 3 , I sa w bey on d a dv er sit y t o t h e su ccess on t h e ot h er side. T h e a ct of con t r ollin g v a st ch a n g e y ea r a ft er y ea r w a s su st a in ed by a belief t h a t w e w ou ld pr ev a il ov er a n y ch a llen g er . Y ea r s a g o, I r ea d a n a r t icle a bou t m e t h a t sa id: ‘A lex Fer g u son h a s don e r ea lly w ell in h is life despit e com in g fr om Gov a n .’ Spot t h e offen din g ph r a se. It ’s pr ecisely beca u se I st a r t ed ou t in t h e sh ipbu ildin g dist r ict of Gla sg ow t h a t I a ch iev ed w h a t I did in foot ba ll. Or ig in s sh ou ld n ev er be a ba r r ier t o su ccess. A m odest st a r t in life ca n be a h elp m or e t h a n a h in dr a n ce. If y ou ’r e ex a m in in g su ccessfu l people, look a t t h eir m ot h er a n d fa t h er , st u dy w h a t t h ey did, for clu es a bou t en er g y a n d m ot iv a t ion . A w or k in g -cla ss ba ck g r ou n d w a sn ’t a ba r r ier for m a n y of m y g r ea t est pla y er s. On t h e con t r a r y , oft en it w a s pa r t of t h e r ea son t h ey ex celled.

In m y t im e in t h e du g -ou t , I a dv a n ced fr om m a n a g in g Ea st St ir lin g pla y er s on £6 a w eek t o sellin g Cr ist ia n o Ron a ldo t o Rea l Ma dr id for £8 0 m illion . My St Mir r en squ a d w er e on £1 5 a w eek a n d w er e left t o fen d for t h em selv es in t h e su m m er beca u se t h ey w er e pa r t t im e. T h e m a x im u m a n y A ber deen fir st -t ea m pla y er ea r n ed in m y eig h t y ea r s a t Pit t odr ie w a s £2 0 0 a w eek , t h e ceilin g set by Dick Don a ld, m y ch a ir m a n . So t h e fin a n cia l jou r n ey for t h e t h ou sa n ds of m en I m a n a g ed in n ea r ly fou r deca des w a s fr om £6 a w eek t o £6 m illion a y ea r . I h a v e a let t er on file fr om a ch a p w h o sa id t h a t in 1 9 5 9 –6 0 h e w or k ed in t h e dr y dock s in Gov a n a n d u sed t o v isit a pa r t icu la r pu b. He r em em ber s a y ou n g a g it a t or com in g in t o t h is est a blish m en t w it h a collect in g t in for t h e a ppr en t ices’ st r ik e fu n d a n d deliv er in g a fir ebr a n d speech . T h e on ly t h in g h e k n ew a bou t t h is boy w a s t h a t h e pla y ed for St Joh n st on e. His let t er en ded w it h a qu est ion : ‘W a s t h a t y ou ?’ A t fir st I h a d n o r ecollect ion of t h is v isit t o t h e polit ica l a r en a , bu t t h e n ot e jog g ed m y m em or y a n d ev en t u a lly I r eca lled g oin g r ou n d t h e pu bs in ou r a r ea t o r a ise m on ey for t h e st r ik e. I w a s n ot a u dit ion in g for a r ole in polit ics. T o ca ll m y sh ou t in g a ‘speech ’ w ou ld em bellish it w it h or a t or ica l qu a lit ies it a lm ost cer t a in ly la ck ed. I r em em ber r a n t in g on lik e a n idiot a ft er bein g a sk ed t o ju st ify m y r equ est for m on ey . Ev er y on e w ou ld h a v e been n icely lu br ica t ed a n d in t h e m ood t o h ea r t h e y ou n g fu n dr a iser ex pla in t h e ca u se h e w a s a dv a n cin g . Pu bs w er e a la r g e pa r t of m y ea r ly ex per ien ces. My

ea r liest bu sin ess idea w a s t o u se m y m odest in com e t o en t er t h e licen sed t r a de, a s secu r it y for t h e fu t u r e. My fir st est a blish m en t w a s a t t h e ju n ct ion of Gov a n Roa d a n d Pa isley Roa d W est a n d w a s popu la t ed by dock er s. Pu bs t a u g h t m e a bou t people, t h eir dr ea m s a n d fr u st r a t ion s, in a w a y t h a t com plem en t ed m y effor t s t o u n der st a n d t h e foot ba ll t r a de, t h ou g h I w a s n ot t o k n ow t h a t a t t h e t im e. In on e of m y pu bs, for ex a m ple, w e h a d a ‘W em bley Clu b’, in t o w h ich cu st om er s w ou ld pa y for t w o y ea r s so t h ey cou ld g et t o t h e En g la n d v . Scot la n d m a t ch a t W em bley . I w ou ld dou ble w h a t ev er w a s in t h e k it t y a n d off t h ey w ou ld g o t o Lon don for fou r or fiv e da y s. Or , t h a t w a s t h e t h eor y . I w ou ld join t h em on t h e da y of t h e g a m e it self. My best m a t e, Billy , w ou ld h ea d off t o W em bley on t h e T h u r sda y a n d com e ba ck sev en da y s la t er . In ev it a bly , t h is u n sch edu led ex t en sion of t h e t r ip w ou ld ca u se r u ct ion s w it h h is fa m ily . On e T h u r sda y , a ft er a Sa t u r da y g a m e a t W em bley , I w a s a t h om e w h en t h e ph on e r a n g . It w a s A n n a , Billy ’s w ife. ‘Ca t h y , g o a n d a sk A lex w h er e Billy is,’ A n n a sa id. I plea ded ig n or a n ce. Ma y be 4 0 of ou r cu st om er s w ou ld m a k e t h e t r ip t o t h e T w in T ow er s a n d I h a d n o w a y of k n ow in g w h y Billy w a s a bsen t w it h ou t lea v e. Bu t for t h e w or k in g m en of m y g en er a t ion , a big foot ba ll m a t ch w a s a sa cr ed pilg r im a g e, a n d t h ey lov ed t h e ca m a r a der ie a s m u ch a s t h e g a m e. T h e pu b w e h a d on Ma in St r eet , Br idg et on w a s in on e of Gla sg ow ’s big g est Pr ot est a n t dist r ict s. T h e Sa t u r da y befor e t h e Or a n g e w a lk , big T a m t h e post m a n w ou ld a ppr oa ch m e t o sa y : ‘A lex , t h e boy s a r e a sk in g w h a t

t im e y ou ’r e open in g n ex t Sa t u r da y m or n in g . For t h e w a lk . W e’r e g oin g dow n t o A r dr ossa n ,’ w h ich is on t h e w est coa st of Scot la n d. ‘T h e bu ses lea v e a t t en o’clock ,’ sa y s T a m . ‘A ll t h e pu bs a r e open . Y ou ’ll n eed t o open .’ I w a s flu m m ox ed. ‘W ell, w h a t t im e sh ou ld I open ?’ T a m sa y s: ‘Sev en .’ So t h er e I w a s a t 6 .1 5 a .m ., w it h m y da d, a n d m y br ot h er Ma r t in , a n d a w ee It a lia n ba r m a n w e em ploy ed. W e’r e w ell equ ipped beca u se T a m h a s t old m e: ‘Get st ock ed u p, y ou ’ll n eed plen t y of dr in k in .’ I open a t 7 a .m . T h e pu b is soon fu ll of Or a n g em en in fu ll v oice a n d t h e police a r e w a lk in g by , n ot sa y in g a w or d. Bet w een 7 a .m . a n d h a lf pa st n in e I t ook fou r g r a n d. Dou ble v odk a s, t h e lot . My da d sa t sh a k in g h is h ea d. By 9 .3 0 w e w er e h a r d a t w or k g et t in g t h e pla ce r ea dy for t h e r est of ou r clien t ele. Scr u bbed t h e pla ce, w e did. Bu t t h er e w a s fou r g r a n d in t h e t ill. Ru n n in g pu bs w a s h a r d w or k . By 1 9 7 8 I w a s r ea dy t o esca pe t h e on er ou s r espon sibilit ies t h a t ca m e w it h r u n n in g t w o w a t er in g h oles. Ma n a g in g A ber deen left n o t im e for w r est lin g w it h dr in k er s or st a y in g on t op of t h e book s. Bu t w h a t g ood st or ies t h ose y ea r s left in m y m em or y . Y ou cou ld w r it e a book ju st a bou t t h ose. T h ey w ou ld com e in on Sa t u r da y m or n in g – t h e dock er s – w it h t h eir w iv es, h a v in g been pa id on t h e Fr ida y n ig h t a n d deposit ed t h e m on ey w it h m e beh in d t h e ba r in t h e n ig h t sa fe. On a Fr ida y n ig h t y ou felt lik e a m illion a ir e. Y ou didn ’t k n ow w h et h er t h e ca sh in t h e sa fe or t h e t ill w a s y ou r s or t h eir s. In t h e ea r ly da y s Ca t h y w ou ld cou n t it on t h e ca r pet . On t h e Sa t u r da y m or n in g t h e m on ey w ou ld be a w a y a g a in w h en t h ese

m en ca m e t o collect it . T h e r ecor d of t h ese t r a n sa ct ion s w a s ca lled t h e t ick book . A fem a le r eg u la r by t h e n a m e of Na n w a s especia lly v ig ila n t in t r a ck in g t h e m ov em en t s of h er h u sba n d’s m on ey . Sh e h a d a t on g u e lik e a dock er . ‘Do y ou t h in k w e’r e a ll da ft ?’ sh e w ou ld sa y , fix in g m e in h er sig h t s. ‘W h a t ?’ I sa id, bu y in g t im e. ‘Do y ou t h in k w e’r e a ll da ft ? T h a t t ick book , I w a n t t o see it .’ ‘Oh , y ou ca n ’t see t h e t ick book ,’ I sa id, im pr ov isin g . ‘It ’s sa cr osa n ct . T h e t a x m a n w ou ldn a e let y ou do t h a t . T h e t a x m a n ex a m in es it ev er y w eek . Y ou ca n ’t see t h a t .’ Na n t u r n s t o h er m a n , su bdu ed n ow , a n d sa y s: ‘Is t h a t r ig h t ?’ ‘Er , I’m n ot su r e,’ sa y s h er m a n . T h e st or m h a d pa ssed. ‘If I fin d ou t m y m a n ’s n a m e’s in t h er e I’m n ev er com in g ba ck ,’ Na n sa y s. T h ese a r e la st in g m em or ies of a y ou n g life spen t a r ou n d people of g r ea t ch a r a ct er a n d r esilien ce. T ou g h people, t oo. Som et im es I w ou ld com e h om e w it h a split h ea d or bla ck ey es. T h a t w a s pu b life. W h en it beca m e t oo ex u ber a n t or fig h t s br ok e ou t , it w a s n ecessa r y t o ju m p in t o r est or e or der . Y ou w ou ld t r y t o sepa r a t e t h e pr ot a g on ist s bu t oft en t a k e on e on t h e ch in . Y et I look ba ck a n d t h in k w h a t a g r ea t life it w a s. T h e ch a r a ct er s; t h e com edy . I a lw a y s r em em ber a m a n ca lled Jim m y W est w a t er com in g in , u n a ble t o br ea t h e. Gr ey , h e w a s. ‘Ch r ist ,

a r e y ou a ll r ig h t ?’ I a sk ed. Jim m y h a d w r a pped h im self in Sh a n t u n g silk t o cr eep ou t of t h e dock s w it h ou t bein g ca u g h t . A w h ole ba le of Sh a n t u n g silk . Bu t h e’d w r a pped h im self so t ig h t ly in it , h e cou ld h a r dly dr a w br ea t h . A n ot h er Jim m y , w h o I em ploy ed, a n d w h o k ept t h e pla ce im m a cu la t e, t u r n ed u p on e n ig h t in a bow t ie. On e of m y r eg u la r s w a s in cr edu lou s: ‘A bow t ie in Gov a n ? Y ou m u st be jok in g .’ On e Fr ida y n ig h t I ca m e ba ck t o fin d som eon e sellin g ba g s of bir dseed by t h e ba r . In t h a t pa r t of Gla sg ow , ev er y on e k ept pig eon s. ‘W h a t ’s t h is?’ I a sk ed. ‘Bir dseed.’ Lik e it w a s t h e m ost obv iou s a n sw er in t h e w or ld. A n Ir ish la d ca lled Ma r t in Cor r ig a n pr ided h im self on h is a bilit y t o m eet a n y dom est ic n eed. Cr ock er y , a ca n t een of cu t ler y , a fr idg e – a n y t h in g y ou lik e. A n ot h er g u y w a lk ed in a n d a n n ou n ced: ‘W a n t a pa ir of bin ocu la r s? I’m sk in t .’ Ou t ca m e a bea u t ifu l pa ir of bin ocu la r s, w r a pped in g r ea sepr oof pa per . ‘A fiv er ,’ h e sa y s. ‘On e con dit ion ,’ I sa id. ‘A fiv er a s lon g a s y ou dr in k in h er e. Don ’t g o ov er t o Ba x t er ’s.’ He w a s a n ice g u y w it h a speech im pedim en t . So I g et t h e bin ocu la r s a n d h e im m edia t ely spen ds £3 a cr oss t h e ba r . W h en I br ou g h t pu r ch a ses h om e, Ca t h y w ou ld g o cr a ck er s. I ca n r em em ber com in g ba ck w it h a n ice It a lia n v a se t h a t Ca t h y la t er sa w in a sh op for £1 0 . T h e pr oblem w a s t h a t I h a d pa id £2 5 for ou r s ov er t h e ba r . On e da y I sw a g g er ed in w it h a n ew su ede ja ck et t h a t

r ea lly look ed t h e pa r t . ‘How m u ch ?’ sa y s Ca t h y . ‘Sev en qu id,’ I sa y , bea m in g . So I h a n g it u p. T w o w eek s la t er w e a r e g oin g t o h er sist er ’s for a w ee pa r t y . On g oes t h e ja ck et , a n d I’m st a n din g in fr on t of t h e m ir r or a dm ir in g t h e cu t . Y ou k n ow h ow a m a n g iv es t h e t w o sleev es a t u g t o g et it t o sit ju st r ig h t ? T h a t ’s w h a t I did – a n d t h e t w o sleev es ca m e r ig h t off in m y h a n ds. T h er e I st ood w it h a sleev eless ja ck et . Ca t h y w a s r ollin g a bou t w h ile I w a s sh ou t in g : ‘I’ll k ill h im !’ T h er e w a sn ’t ev en a lin in g in t h e ja ck et . On a w a ll in m y sn ook er r oom h a n g s a pict u r e of Bill, m y best m a t e. He w a s som e la d, Billy . Cou ldn ’t ev en m a k e a cu p of t ea . Ba ck a t h is h ou se on e da y , a ft er w e h a d been ou t for a m ea l, I t old h im , ‘Get t h e k et t le on .’ Off h e w en t . Bu t Billy w a s g on e a bou t 1 5 m in u t es. W h er e t h e h ell w a s h e? He w a s on t h e ph on e t o A n n a , h is w ife, a sk in g : ‘W h a t do y ou do w it h t h e t ea ?’ A n n a left a st ea k pie in t h e ov en on e n ig h t , w h ile Billy w a t ch ed t h e m ov ie, The Tow ering Inferno. A n n a ca m e ba ck t w o h ou r s la t er t o fin d sm ok e spew in g fr om t h e k it ch en . ‘Ch r ist , did y ou n ot t u r n t h e ov en off? Look a t t h e sm ok e,’ sh e pu ffed. ‘I t h ou g h t it w a s com in g fr om t h e t elly ,’ Billy cr ied. He’d t h ou g h t it w a s a specia l effect fr om t h e bu r n in g t ow er . Ev er y on e con g r eg a t ed a t Billy ’s h ou se. T h ey w er e

m ot h s t o h is lig h t . He w a sn ’t k n ow n a s Billy , t h ou g h . Ev er y on e ca lled h im McKech n ie. His t w o boy s, St eph en a n d Da r r en , a r e a cr edit t o h im a n d A n n a , a n d a r e st ill v er y close w it h m y son s. Billy is n o lon g er w it h u s. Bu t I st ill r em em ber h im for a ll t h e fu n w e sh a r ed. I h a v e a h a r dcor e of fr ien ds fr om t h a t t im e. Du n ca n Pet er sen , T om m y Hen dr y a n d Jim McMilla n w er e a t n u r ser y w it h m e fr om fou r y ea r s of a g e. Du n ca n w a s a plu m ber w h o w or k ed for ICI a t Gr a n g em ou t h a n d r et ir ed v er y ea r ly . He h a s a n ice w ee pla ce in Clea r w a t er , Flor ida , a n d t h ey lik e t o t r a v el. T om m y , w h o h a d som e h ea r t t r ou ble, w a s a n en g in -eer , a s w a s Jim . A fou r t h on e, A n g u s Sh a w , is look in g a ft er h is ill w ife. Joh n Gr a n t , w h o I’m a lso v er y close t o, m ov ed t o Sou t h A fr ica in t h e 1 9 6 0 s. His w ife a n d da u g h t er r u n a w h olesa le bu sin ess. W h en I left Ha r m on y Row a s a la d, it cr ea t ed a big div ision bet w een m e a n d t h e Gov a n boy s. T h ey t h ou g h t I w a s w r on g t o lea v e t h e t ea m a n d g o t o Dr u m ch a pel A m a t eu r s. Mick McGow a n , w h o r a n Ha r m on y Row , n ev er spok e t o m e a g a in . He w a s in t r a n sig en t . Mick ‘On e-Ey ed’ McGow a n . He w a s a n in cr edible en t h u sia st for Ha r m on y Row a n d ju st bla n k ed m e w h en I left . Bu t t h e Gov a n boy s a n d I w ou ld st ill g o da n cin g u p t o t h e a g e of 1 9 or 2 0 . W e a ll st a r t ed w it h g ir lfr ien ds a r ou n d t h a t t im e. T h en ca m e t h e sepa r a t ion bet w een u s, t h e dr ift . I m a r r ied Ca t h y a n d m ov ed u p t o Sim sh ill. T h ey a ll m a r r ied t oo. T h e fr ien dsh ips seem ed t o fa ll a pa r t . Con t a ct w a s in t er m it t en t . Joh n a n d Du n ca n h a d pla y ed w it h m e a t Qu een ’s Pa r k , in 1 9 5 8 –6 0 . In

m a n a g em en t y ou h a v e lit t le t im e for a n y t h in g bey on d t h e dem a n ds of t h e job. A t St Mir r en I cer t a in ly didn ’t . Bu t ou r bon ds w er e n ot com plet ely sev er ed. A bou t t w o m on t h s befor e I left A ber deen in 1 9 8 6 , Du n ca n ph on ed a n d sa id it w a s h is 2 5 t h w eddin g a n n iv er sa r y in Oct ober . W ou ld Ca t h y a n d I lik e t o com e? I t old h im w e w ou ld lov e t o. It w a s a t u r n in g poin t in m y life. A ll t h e la ds w er e t h er e a n d it br ou g h t u s ba ck t og et h er . Ou r fa m ilies w er e est a blish ed; w e w er e m a t u r e m en . I m ov ed t o Un it ed t h e follow in g m on t h a n d w e’v e r em a in ed close ev er sin ce. W h en y ou g et t o t h a t a g e, a r ou n d 1 9 t o 2 0 , t h er e is a g en t le pa r t in g of t h e w a y s, bu t t h ey a ll k ept t og et h er . It w a s on ly m e w h o h a d a differ en t t y pe of life. It w a s n ot a v oida n ce in a n y w a y . It w a s ju st t h e w a y m y life u n folded. I w a s r u n n in g t w o pu bs a n d w a s m a n a g er of St Mir r en . T h en ca m e t h e A ber deen job in 1 9 7 8 . T h ose fr ien dsh ips su st a in ed m e a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. T h ey w ou ld a ll com e t o ou r h ou se in Ch esh ir e for a bu ffet a n d a sin g son g a n d w e’d pu t a ll t h e old r ecor ds on . T h ey w er e a ll g ood sin g er s. By t h e t im e m y t u r n ca m e, t h e w in e w ou ld h a v e in fu sed m e w it h a n ex a g g er a t ed sen se of m y ow n cr oon in g a bilit ies. It w ou ld be n eck a n d n eck bet w een m e a n d Fr a n k Sin a t r a . T h er e w ou ld be n o dou bt in m y m in d t h a t I cou ld t r ea t m y a u dien ce t o a fin e r en dit ion of ‘Moon Riv er ’. T w o w or ds in , I w ou ld open m y ey es t o fin d t h e r oom em pt y . ‘Y ou com e a n d ea t m y food a n d t h er e y ou a r e w a t ch in g t elly in t h e n ex t r oom w h ile I’m sin g in g ,’ I w ou ld com pla in . ‘W e’r e n o list en in g t o t h a t . It ’s cr a p,’ ca m e t h e r eply .

T h ey a r e g ood solid people. Most h a v e been m a r r ied ov er 4 0 y ea r s. God, t h ey g iv e m e st ick . T h ey pu m m el m e. T h ey g et a w a y w it h it beca u se t h ey a r e so lik e m e; t h ey a r e t h e sa m e st ock . T h ey g r ew u p w it h m e. Bu t t h ey w er e a lso su ppor t iv e. W h en t h ey ca m e dow n w e t en ded t o w in . Bu t if w e lost a g a m e t h ey m ig h t sa y , sy m pa t h et ica lly , ‘T h a t w a s h a r d w or k .’ Not , ‘T h a t w a s r u bbish ’, bu t ‘T h a t w a s h a r d w or k .’ My fr ien ds in A ber deen r em a in close. T h e t h in g I lea r n ed a bou t Scot la n d is t h a t t h e fu r t h er n or t h y ou g o, t h e qu iet er people a r e. T h ey t a k e lon g er t o for g e fr ien dsh ips, bu t w h en t h ey do t h ose t ies r u n deep. Gor don Ca m pbell g oes on h olida y w it h u s, m y la w y er Les Da lg a r n o, A la n McRa e, Geor g e Ra m sa y , Gor don Hu t ch eon . A s I beca m e m or e en t r en ch ed in t h e job a t Un it ed, m y socia l life dim in ish ed. I st opped g oin g ou t on a Sa t u r da y n ig h t . T h e foot ba ll w a s ex h a u st in g for m e. Get t in g a w a y fr om t h e g r ou n d a ft er a 3 p.m . k ick -off, I w ou ldn ’t r et u r n h om e u n t il qu a r t er t o n in e. T h a t w a s t h e pr ice of su ccess: 7 6 ,0 0 0 people a ll g oin g h om e a t t h e sa m e t im e. T h e u r g e t o g o ou t w ea k en ed. Bu t I dev eloped som e st r on g fr ien dsh ips: A h m et Ku r cer , t h e m a n a g er of t h e A lder ley Edg e Hot el, Sot ir ios, Mim m o, Ma r iu s, T im , Ron W ood, Pet er Don e, Pa t Mu r ph y a n d Pet e Mor g a n , Ged Ma son , t h e w on der fu l Ha r old Riley , a n d m y st a ff, of cou r se, w h o w er e loy a l t o m e. Ja m es Mor t im er a n d W illie Ha u g h ey w er e t w o old pa ls fr om m y h om e t ow n , t h er e w a s Ma r t in O’Con n or a n d Ch a r lie St illit a n o in New Y or k a n d Eck h a r d Kr a u t zu n in Ger m a n y , a ll g ood people. W h en w e did su m m on u p t h e en er g y , w e h a d g ood n ig h t s ou t .

In m y ea r ly y ea r s in Ma n ch est er I g r ew fr ien dly w it h Mel Ma ch in , w h o w a s m a n a g er of Cit y , a n d w h o w a s fir ed n ot lon g a ft er t h ey bea t u s 5 –1 . T h e r ea son g iv en , I seem t o r eca ll, w a s t h a t Mel didn ’t sm ile en ou g h . I w ou ld h a v e been sa ck ed a lon g t im e a g o h a d t h a t log ic a pplied a t Un it ed. Joh n Ly a ll, t h e m a n a g er of W est Ha m , w a s a r ock t o m e in t h ose da y s. I didn ’t k n ow a ll t h e pla y er s in En g la n d a n d w a sn ’t su r e of t h e scou t in g depa r t m en t a t Un it ed. I w ou ld ph on e Joh n oft en a n d h e w ou ld sen d m e r epor t s on pla y er s t o su pplem en t m y ow n . I cou ld t r u st h im a n d con fided in h im a lot . A s a w a y of t ellin g m e Un it ed w er en ’t pla y in g w ell, h e w ou ld sa y : ‘I don ’t see A lex Fer g u son in t h a t t ea m .’ Jock W a lla ce, t h e fier y for m er Ra n g er s m a n a g er , a lso sa id t o m e in a h ot el on e n ig h t : ‘I don ’t see A lex Fer g u son in t h a t t ea m . Y ou ’d bet t er g et A lex Fer g u son ba ck in t h er e.’ T h ose m en v olu n t eer ed t h eir a dv ice, k n ow in g t h a t fr ien dsh ip w a s a t t h e ba se of t h eir obser v a t ion s. I ca ll t h ose t h e best fr ien dsh ips. Bobby Robson w a s m a n a g er of En g la n d, so t h a t w a s a differ en t r ela t ion sh ip a t fir st , bu t w e t oo beca m e close. Len n ie La w r en ce w a s a n ot h er fr ien d fr om t h a t t im e, a n d st ill is. Bobby Robson a n d I r e-est a blish ed close con t a ct a t Eu sébio’s t est im on ia l in Por t u g a l w h en h e w a s coa ch in g t h er e w it h Por t o a n d Spor t in g Lisbon . Er ic Ca n t on a m a de h is debu t in t h a t g a m e. Bobby ca m e t o ou r h ot el a n d I w ill a lw a y s r em em ber h im seek in g ou t St ev e Br u ce t o sa y : ‘St ev e, I m a de a m ist a k e w it h y ou . I sh ou ld h a v e g iv en y ou a n En g la n d ca p a n d I w a n t t o a polog ise for t h a t .’ In fr on t of a ll t h e pla y er s.

So m u ch of w h a t I k n ew a t t h e en d of m y ca r eer I lea r n ed in t h ose ea r ly da y s, som et im es w it h ou t r ea lisin g t h e lesson s w er e sin k in g in . I lea r n ed a bou t h u m a n n a t u r e lon g befor e I h ea ded sou t h t o Un it ed. Ot h er people don ’t see t h e g a m e or t h e w or ld t h e w a y y ou do, a n d som et im es y ou h a v e t o a dju st t o t h a t r ea lit y . Da v ie Ca m pbell w a s a pla y er I h a d a t St Mir r en . He cou ld r u n lik e a deer bu t cou ldn ’t t r a p a r a bbit . I w a s in t o h im a t h a lf-t im e w h en t h e door open ed t o r ev ea l h is fa t h er . ‘Da v ie, y ou ’r e doin g br illia n t son , w ell don e!’ t h e da d a n n ou n ced, t h en disa ppea r ed. W e w er e a t Cow den bea t h on e da y w it h Ea st St ir lin g a n d m a de t h e m ist a k e of n ot ch eck in g t h e w ea t h er . T h e pit ch w a s br ick h a r d. So w e w en t in t o Cow den bea t h t o bu y 1 2 pa ir s of ba seba ll boot s. W e h a d n o r u bber soles in t h ose da y s. W e w er e dow n t h r een ot h in g a t h a lf-t im e. In t h e secon d h a lf I feel a t a p on m y sh ou lder fr om Billy Ren t on , a for m er t ea m -m a t e of m in e. He sa y s: ‘A lex , I ju st w a n t t o in t r odu ce y ou t o m y son .’ I sa y : ‘For God’s sa k e, Billy , w e’r e g et t in g bea t t h r een ot h in g .’ Th at h ellish t h r ew Fr a n k ,

sa m e da y , Fr a n k Con n or , a lov ely m a n w it h a t em per , w a t ch ed a decision g o a g a in st h im a n d t h e ben ch on t h e pit ch . I sa id: ‘Bloody h ell, y ou ’r e w in n in g t h r ee-n ot h in g .’

‘It ’s a disg r a ce, t h a t ,’ Fr a n k fir ed ba ck . T h ese w er e t h e pa ssion s sw ir lin g a ll a r ou n d m e. A st or y com es ba ck t o m e of Jock St ein a n d h is ba t t les

w it h Jim m y Joh n st on e, t h e br illia n t pla y er a n d leg en da r y ca r ou ser . On e a ft er n oon , Jock t ook Jim m y off in a g a m e a s pu n ish m en t for Jim m y n ot w a n t in g t o pla y in a Eu r opea n a w a y g a m e. A s Jim m y ca m e off h e sa id: ‘Y ou big on e-leg g ed ba st a r d, y ou ,’ a n d t ook a k ick a t t h e du g -ou t . Jim m y r u n s u p t h e t u n n el a n d big Jock g et s a ft er h im . Jim m y lock s h im self in t h e dr essin g r oom . ‘Open t h a t door ,’ sh ou t s Jock . ‘No, y ou ’ll h u r t m e,’ r eplies Jim m y . ‘Open t h a t door !’ r epea t s Jock . ‘I w a r n y ou .’ Jim m y open s t h e door a n d ju m ps st r a ig h t in t o t h e ba t h , w h ich is r ed h ot . Jock sh ou t s: ‘Com e ou t of t h er e.’ ‘No, I’m n ot com in g ou t ,’ sa y s Jim m y . Ou t side, on t h e pit ch , t h e g a m e is st ill g oin g on . Foot ba ll m a n a g em en t is a n ev er -en din g sequ en ce of ch a llen g es. So m u ch of it is a st u dy in t h e fr a ilt y of h u m a n bein g s. T h er e w a s a n occa sion w h en a n u m ber of Scot la n d pla y er s, a ft er a n ig h t of liqu id en t er t a in m en t , decided t o ju m p in r ow in g boa t s. T h is en ded w it h Jim m y Joh n st on e, w ee Jin k y , h a v in g t h e oa r s t a k en off h im a n d t h e t ide t a k in g h im ou t , w h ile h e w a s sin g in g a w a y . W h en t h e in for m a t ion g ot ba ck t o Celt ic Pa r k , Jock St ein w a s in for m ed t h a t Jin k y h a d been r escu ed by t h e coa st g u a r d fr om a r ow in g boa t in t h e Fir t h of Cly de. Jock jok ed: ‘Cou ld h e n ot h a v e dr ow n ed? W e’d h a v e g iv en h im a t est im on ia l, w e’d h a v e look ed a ft er A g n es, a n d I w ou ld st ill h a v e m y h a ir .’

Jock w a s h ila r iou s. In ou r t im e t og et h er w it h Scot la n d, I r eca ll u s bea t in g En g la n d 1 –0 a t W em bley in Ma y 1 9 8 5 a n d t h en fly in g ou t t o Rey k ja v ik t o fa ce Icela n d, w h er e w e w er e feelin g pr et t y plea sed w it h ou r selv es. On t h e n ig h t of ou r a r r iv a l, t h e st a ff sa t dow n t o a ba n qu et of pr a w n s, sa lm on a n d ca v ia r . Big Jock n ev er dr a n k , bu t I lea n ed on h im t o t a k e on e g la ss of w h it e in celebr a t ion of ou r v ict or y ov er t h e En g lish . In t h e g a m e a g a in st Icela n d, w e scr a ped a 1 –0 w in . T h e per for m a n ce w a s a disa st er . A n d a ft er w a r ds Big Jock t u r n ed t o m e a n d sa id: ‘See t h a t ? T h a t ’s y ou a n d y ou r w h it e w in e.’ Despit e h a v in g a ll t h is ex per ien ce t o dr a w on , I felt m y w a y in t h e ea r ly y ea r s a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. Ha v in g a qu ick t em per h elped, beca u se if I lost m y r a g m y per son a lit y ca m e t h r ou g h . Ry a n Gig g s h a s a t em per , bu t a slow on e. Min e w a s a u sefu l t ool. I ju st w eig h ed r ig h t in . It h elped m e t o a sser t m y a u t h or it y . It t old t h e pla y er s a n d st a ff I w a s n ot t o be m essed a bou t . T h er e a r e a lw a y s people w h o w a n t t o t a k e y ou on , defy y ou . W h en I st a r t ed, ev en in m y fir st da y s a t Ea st St ir lin g , I h a d a defin in g con fr on t a t ion w it h t h e cen t r e-for w a r d, w h o w a s t h e son -in -la w of on e of t h e dir ect or s, Bob Sh a w . I w a s in for m ed by on e of m y pla y er s, Jim Mea k in , t h a t h is w h ole fa m ily w en t a w a y for a w eek en d in Sept em ber . It w a s a t r a dit ion . ‘W h a t do y ou m ea n ?’ I sa id. ‘Y ou k n ow , I’ll n ot be pla y in g on Sa t u r da y ,’ Jim sa y s.

‘W ell, I’ll t ell y ou w h a t ,’ I sa id, ‘don ’t pla y Sa t u r da y – a n d t h en don ’t bot h er com in g ba ck .’

on

So h e pla y ed, a n d st r a ig h t a ft er dr ov e dow n t o join h is fa m ily in Bla ck pool. On t h e Mon da y I r eceiv e a ph on e ca ll: ‘Boss, I’v e br ok en dow n .’ In Ca r lisle, I t h in k it w a s. He m u st h a v e t h ou g h t I w a s st u pid. Qu ick a s a fla sh I sa id, ‘I ca n ’t h ea r y ou v er y w ell, g iv e m e y ou r n u m ber , I’ll ca ll y ou ba ck .’ Silen ce. ‘Don ’t com e ba ck ,’ I sa id. Bob Sh a w , t h e dir ect or , w a s deeply u n h a ppy w it h m e. T h is w en t on for w eek s a n d w eek s. T h e ch a ir m a n w a s sa y in g . ‘A lex , plea se, g et Bob Sh a w off m y ba ck , g et Jim ba ck pla y in g .’ I sa id: ‘No, W illie, h e’s fin ish ed. A r e y ou t ellin g m e I ca n do m y job w it h g u y s decidin g w h en t h ey ’r e g oin g t o g o on h olida y ?’ ‘I u n der st a n d t h e pr oblem , bu t is t h r ee w eek s n ot en ou g h ?’ h e sa id. T h e n ex t w eek h e follow ed m e in t o t h e t oilet s a t For fa r , st ood beside m e, a n d g r oa n ed: ‘Plea se, A lex , if t h er e’s a n y Ch r ist ia n u n der st a n din g in y ou r body .’ A ft er a pa u se I sa id: ‘A ll r ig h t .’ A n d h e k issed m e. ‘W h a t a r e y ou doin g , y ou silly old sod,’ I sa id. ‘Y ou ’r e k issin g m e in a pu blic t oilet .’ In Oct ober 1 9 7 4 , in t h e n ex t st a g e of m y a ppr en t icesh ip, I w en t t o w or k for St Mir r en . Fir st da y ,

a ph ot og r a ph in t h e Pais ley Expres s . In t h e pr in t I n ot iced t h e ca pt a in m a k in g a g est u r e beh in d m y ba ck . T h e follow in g Mon da y I ca lled h im in a n d sa id: ‘Y ou ’v e g ot a fr ee t r a n sfer if y ou w a n t it . T h er e’s n o pla ce for y ou h er e. Y ou ’ll n ot be pla y in g . ‘W h y ?’ h e sa y s. ‘For a st a r t , doin g a V -sig n beh in d a m a n a g er doesn ’t t ell m e y ou ’r e a n ex per ien ced pla y er , or t h a t y ou ’r e a m a t u r e per son . If I’m look in g for a ca pt a in I’m look in g for m a t u r it y . T h a t w a s a ch ildish sch oolboy t r ick . Y ou h a v e t o g o.’ Y ou h a v e t o m a k e y ou r m a r k . A s Big Jock sa id t o m e a bou t pla y er s: Nev er fa ll in lov e w it h t h em , beca u se t h ey ’ll t w o-t im e y ou . A t A ber deen I h a d t o dea l w it h a ll sor t s of t r a n sg r ession s. I ca u g h t plen t y ou t . A ft er w a r ds y ou k ill y ou r self la u g h in g a t t h eir r ea ct ion s. ‘Me?’ t h ey w ou ld sa y , w it h t h e m ost br illia n t ly w ou n ded ex pr ession . ‘A y e, y ou .’ ‘Oh , I w en t t o see a m a t e.’ ‘Oh did y ou ? For t h r ee h ou r s? A n d en ded u p pissed?’ Ma r k McGh ee a n d Joe Ha r per w ou ld t est m e plen t y . T h en t h er e w a s Fr a n k McGa r v ey , a t St Mir r en . On e Su n da y in 1 9 7 7 w e t ook 1 5 ,0 0 0 fa n s t o a cu p g a m e a t Fir Pa r k bu t lost 2 –1 . Mot h er w ell k ick ed u s off t h e pa r k a n d I w a s r epor t ed t o t h e SFA for sa y in g t h e r efer ee h a d n ot been st r on g en ou g h . T h a t Su n da y n ig h t m y h om e ph on e r a n g . My m a t e

Joh n Don a ch ie sa id dow n t h e lin e: ‘I didn ’t w a n t t o t ell y ou befor e t h e g a m e beca u se I k n ew y ou w ou ld g o off y ou r h ea d, bu t I sa w McGa r v ey in t h e pu b, pissed, on Fr ida y n ig h t .’ I ph on ed h is h ou se. His m ot h er a n sw er ed. ‘Is Fr a n k in ?’ ‘No,’ sh e sa id, ‘h e’s in t ow n . Is t h er e a n y t h in g I ca n h elp y ou w it h ?’ ‘Ca n y ou a sk h im t o ph on e m e w h en h e com es in . I’ll st a y u p. I’m n ot g oin g t o bed u n t il I’v e spok en t o h im .’ A t 1 1 .4 5 p.m . t h e ph on e w en t . Pips sou n ded, so I k n ew it w a s a pa y ph on e. ‘In t h e h ou se,’ Fr a n k sa id. ‘Bu t t h a t ’s pips,’ I sa id. ‘Y ea h , w e’v e g ot a pa y ph on e in ou r h ou se,’ sa y s Fr a n k . T h a t m u ch w a s t r u e, bu t I didn ’t believ e h e w a s r in g in g fr om t h er e. ‘W h er e w er e y ou on Fr ida y n ig h t ?’ ‘I ca n ’t r em em ber ,’ h e sa y s. ‘W ell, I’ll t ell y ou . Y ou w er e in t h e W a t er loo ba r . T h a t ’s w h er e y ou w er e. Y ou ’r e su spen ded for life. Don ’t com e ba ck . Y ou ’r e ou t of t h e Scot la n d Un der -2 1 s. I’m w it h dr a w in g y ou . Y ou ’ll n ev er k ick a n ot h er ba ll in y ou r life.’ A n d I pu t t h e ph on e dow n . T h e n ex t m or n in g , h is m ot h er r a n g m e. ‘My Fr a n k doesn ’t dr in k . Y ou ’v e g ot t h e w r on g m a n .’ I t old h er : ‘I don ’t t h in k so. I k n ow ev er y m ot h er t h in k s t h e su n sh in es ou t of t h eir son ’s ba ck side, bu t y ou g o ba ck a n d a sk h im a g a in .’ For t h r ee w eek s I h a d h im su spen ded for life a n d t h e pla y er s w er e a ll m u t t er in g a bou t it . A

Lea g u e

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w as

a ppr oa ch in g a n d I t old m y a ssist a n t , big Da v ie Pr ov a n : ‘I n eed h im ba ck for t h is on e.’ T h e clu b do w a s a t t h e t ow n h a ll in Pa isley t h e w eek befor e t h e Cly deba n k g a m e. I w a lk ed in t h er e w it h Ca t h y , a n d su dden ly Fr a n k ju m ped ou t fr om beh in d on e of t h e pilla r s, beg g in g : ‘Ju st g iv e m e on e m or e ch a n ce.’ T h is w a s a g ift fr om h ea v en . T h er e w a s m e w on der in g h ow I cou ld br in g h im ba ck in t o t h e fold w it h ou t losin g fa ce a n d h e ju m ps ou t fr om beh in d a pilla r . I t old Ca t h y t o w a lk in w h ile I m a in t a in ed m y st er n est t on e w it h Fr a n k : ‘I t old y ou , y ou ’r e fin ish ed for life.’ T on y Fit zpa t r ick , w h o h a d been w a t ch in g , st eps for w a r d: ‘Boss, g iv e h im a n ot h er ch a n ce, I’ll m a k e su r e h e beh a v es.’ ‘T a lk t o m e t om or r ow m or n in g ,’ I ba r k ed. ‘T h is is n ot t h e r ig h t t im e.’ I en t er t h e h a ll t o join Ca t h y , t r iu m ph a n t . W e w on t h e Cly deba n k g a m e 3 –1 , a n d Fr a n k scor ed t w o. W it h y ou n g people y ou h a v e t o t r y t o im pa r t a sen se of r espon sibilit y . If t h ey ca n a dd g r ea t er a w a r en ess t o t h eir en er g y a n d t h eir t a len t s t h ey ca n be r ew a r ded w it h g r ea t ca r eer s. On e a sset I possessed w h en I st a r t ed a s a m a n a g er w a s t h a t I cou ld m a k e a decision . I w a s n ev er a fr a id of t h a t , ev en a s a sch oolboy pick in g a t ea m . I w a s in st r u ct in g pla y er s ev en t h en : ‘Y ou pla y h er e, y ou pla y t h er e,’ I u sed t o t ell t h em t h en . W illie Cu n n in g h a m , on e of m y ea r ly m a n a g er s, w ou ld sa y : ‘Y ou k n ow , y ou ’r e a bloody n u isa n ce.’ I w ou ld t a lk t a ct ics a t h im a n d a sk : ‘A r e y ou su r e y ou k n ow w h a t y ou ’r e doin g ?’ ‘Nu isa n ce, t h a t ’s w h a t y ou a r e,’ h e w ou ld a n sw er . T h e ot h er pla y er s w ou ld sit t h er e list en in g t o m y

in t er v en t ion s a n d a ssu m e I w a s a bou t t o be k illed for in su bor din a t ion . Bu t it w a s ju st t h a t I cou ld a lw a y s m a k e a decision . I don ’t k n ow w h er e it com es fr om , bu t I k n ow t h a t a s a boy I w a s a n or g a n iser , a n in st r u ct or , a pick er of t ea m s. My fa t h er w a s a n or din a r y w or k in g m a n , v er y in t ellig en t , bu t n ot a lea der of a n y descr ipt ion , so I w a s n ot copy in g a pa r en t a l ex a m ple. On t h e ot h er h a n d t h er e is a pa r t of m e, I k n ow , t h a t is solit a r y , cu t off. A t 1 5 , pla y in g for Gla sg ow sch oolboy s, I ca m e h om e a ft er scor in g a g a in st Edin bu r g h sch oolboy s – t h e g r ea t est da y of m y life – t o be t old by m y fa t h er t h a t a big clu b w a n t ed t o t a lk t o m e. My r espon se su r pr ised u s bot h : ‘I ju st w a n t t o g o ou t . I w a n t t o g o t o t h e pict u r es.’ ‘W h a t ’s t h e m a t t er w it h y ou ?’ h e sa id. I w a n t ed t o sepa r a t e m y self. I don ’t k n ow w h y . T o t h is da y I don ’t k n ow w h y I did t h a t . I h a d t o be on m y ow n . My fa t h er h a d been so pr ou d a n d delig h t ed a n d m y m ot h er w a s da n cin g , sa y in g , ‘It ’s so g r ea t , son .’ My g r a n w a s g oin g off h er h ea d. Scor in g a g a in st Edin bu r g h sch oolboy s w a s a big dea l. Y et I h a d t o esca pe in t o m y ow n w ee v a cu u m , y ou k n ow ? Fr om t h er e t o h er e is su ch a v a st dist a n ce. W h en I st a r t ed a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed in 1 9 8 6 , W illie McFa u l w a s t h e m a n a g er of New ca st le Un it ed. Ma n ch est er Cit y h a d Jim m y Fr izzell a n d Geor g e Gr a h a m w a s in ch a r g e a t A r sen a l. I lik e Geor g e: g ood m a n , g r ea t fr ien d. W h en I w a s h a v in g pr oblem s w it h Ma r t in Edw a r ds ov er m y con t r a ct , Sir Rola n d Sm it h w a s t h e ch a ir m a n of t h e Plc. T h e Plc cou ld ca u se com plica t ion s a t t im es. Y ou w ou ld h a v e t o w a it for issu es t o be a ddr essed. On e da y

Sir Rola n d su g g est ed t h a t Ma r t in , Ma u r ice W a t k in s, t h e clu b solicit or , a n d I sh ou ld g o ov er t o t h e Isle of Ma n t o sor t ou t m y n ew dea l. Geor g e w a s on dou ble m y sa la r y a t A r sen a l. ‘I’ll g iv e y ou m y con t r a ct , if y ou lik e,’ Geor g e sa id. ‘A r e y ou su r e y ou don ’t m in d?’ I sa id. So ov er t o t h e Isle of Ma n I w en t , w it h Geor g e’s con t r a ct . Ma r t in w a s a g ood ch a ir m a n for m e. He w a s st r on g . T h e pr oblem w a s, h e t h ou g h t ev er y pen n y w a s h is. He pa id y ou w h a t h e w a n t ed t o pa y y ou . Not ju st m e – ev er y on e. W h en I sh ow ed h im Geor g e’s con t r a ct , h e w ou ldn ’t believ e it . ‘Ph on e Da v id Dein ,’ I su g g est ed. So h e did, a n d Da v id Dein , t h e A r sen a l ch a ir m a n , den ied t h a t Geor g e w a s bein g pa id t h e su m on t h e con t r a ct . It w a s a fa r ce. Geor g e h a d g iv en m e h is docu m en t a t ion , sig n ed by Da v id Dein . Ha d it n ot been for Ma u r ice a n d Rola n d Sm it h I w ou ld h a v e left t h e job t h a t da y . I w a s close t o lea v in g a n y w a y . T h er e w a s a m or a l t h er e, a s in a ll of m y 3 9 y ea r s on t h e fr on t lin e. Y ou h a v e t o st a n d u p for y ou r self. T h er e is n o ot h er w a y .

three

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t h e sofa t h a t n ig h t of Ch r ist m a s Da y 2 0 0 1 , I h a d n odded off w h ile w a t ch in g t elev ision . In t h e k it ch en a m u t in y w a s br ew in g . T h e t r a dit ion a l a ssem bly r oom of ou r fa m ily h om e w a s t h e scen e for a discu ssion t h a t w ou ld ch a n g e ea ch of ou r liv es. T h e ch ief r ebel ca m e in a n d k ick ed m y foot t o w a k e m e. In t h e fr a m e of t h e door I cou ld pick ou t t h r ee fig u r es: a ll m y son s, lin ed u p for m a x im u m solida r it y . ‘W e’v e ju st h a d a m eet in g ,’ Ca t h y sa id. ‘W e’v e decided. Y ou ’r e n ot r et ir in g .’ A s I w eig h ed t h is a n n ou n cem en t I felt n o u r g e t o r esist . ‘On e, y ou r h ea lt h is g ood. T w o, I’m n ot h a v in g y ou in t h e h ou se. A n d t h r ee, y ou ’r e t oo y ou n g a n y w a y .’ Ca t h y did a ll t h e ea r ly t a lk in g . Bu t ou r son s w er e r ig h t beh in d h er . T h e g a n g w a s u n it ed. ‘Y ou ’r e bein g st u pid, Da d,’ t h e boy s t old m e. ‘Don ’t do it . Y ou ’v e g ot a lot t o offer . Y ou ca n bu ild a n ew t ea m a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed.’ T h a t ’ll t ea ch m e t o n od off for fiv e m in u t es. It en ded w it h m e w or k in g for 1 1 m or e y ea r s. On e of t h e r ea son s I h a d decided t o st a n d dow n in t h e

fir st pla ce w a s in r ea ct ion t o a r em a r k Ma r t in Edw a r ds h a d m a de a ft er t h e 1 9 9 9 Eu r opea n Cu p fin a l in Ba r celon a . Ma r t in h a d been a sk ed w h et h er t h er e w ou ld be a r ole for m e a ft er I su r r en der ed t h e m a n a g er ’s job a n d h a d r eplied: ‘W ell, w e don ’t w a n t a Ma t t Bu sby sit u a t ion .’ I w a sn ’t im pr essed by t h a t a n sw er . T h e t w o per iods cou ld n ot be com pa r ed. In m y er a , y ou n eeded t o fa ct or in t h e a dded com plica t ion s br ou g h t on by a g en t s, con t r a ct s, t h e m a ss m edia . No sen sible per son w ou ld w a n t t o be em br oiled in t h ose a ct iv it ies on ce h e h a d fin ish ed ser v in g h is t im e a s m a n a g er . T h er e w a s n ot t h e slim m est ch a n ce I w ou ld w a n t t o be in v olv ed in t h e g a m es t h em selv es or t h e com plex it ies of t h e foot ba ll t r a de. W h a t else m a de m e in t en d t o r et ir e in t h e fir st pla ce? T h er e w a s a lw a y s a sen se a ft er t h a t m a g ica l n ig h t in Ba r celon a t h a t I h a d r ea ch ed t h e pin n a cle. Pr ev iou sly m y t ea m s h a d fa llen sh or t in t h e Eu r opea n Cu p a n d I h a d a lw a y s ch a sed t h a t en d of t h e r a in bow . On ce y ou ’v e a ch iev ed y ou r life’s a m bit ion , y ou a sk y ou r self w h et h er y ou ca n a ch iev e su ch a h ig h a g a in . W h en Ma r t in Edw a r ds m a de h is r em a r k a bou t a v oidin g t h e Ma t t Bu sby sy n dr om e, m y fir st t h ou g h t w a s ‘Non sen se’. My secon d w a s: ‘Six t y is a g ood a g e t o w a lk a w a y .’ So t h r ee fa ct or s w or m ed a w a y in m y m in d: t h e disa ppoin t m en t of Ma r t in r a isin g t h e Ma t t Bu sby spect r e, t h e im pon der a ble of w h et h er I cou ld w in a secon d Eu r opea n Cu p, a n d t h a t n u m ber , 6 0 , w h ich a ssu m ed a h a u n t in g qu a lit y . I h a d been a m a n a g er fr om 3 2 y ea r s of a g e.

Rea ch in g 6 0 ca n h a v e a pr ofou n d effect . Y ou t h in k y ou ’r e en t er in g a n ot h er r oom . A t 5 0 , a piv ot a l m om en t h a s a r r iv ed. Ha lf a cen t u r y . Bu t y ou don ’t feel 5 0 . A t 6 0 , y ou sa y : ‘Ch r ist , I feel 6 0 . I’m 6 0 !’ Y ou com e t h r ou g h t h a t . Y ou r ea lise it ’s a n ot ion a l ch a n g e, a n u m er ica l a lt er a t ion . I don ’t feel t h a t w a y n ow a bou t a g e. Bu t ba ck t h en , 6 0 w a s a psy ch olog ica l ba r r ier in m y h ea d. It w a s a n obst a cle t o m e feelin g y ou n g . It ch a n g ed m y sen se of m y ow n fit n ess, m y h ea lt h . W in n in g t h e Eu r opea n Cu p en a bled m e t o feel I h a d com plet ed t h e set of dr ea m s a n d cou ld n ow st ep a w a y fu lfilled. T h a t w a s t h e ca t a ly st in m y t h in k in g . Bu t w h en I sa w Ma r t in ca st in g m e a s a n a n n oy in g g h ost on t h e sh ou lder of t h e n ew m a n a g er , I m u t t er ed t o m y self, ‘W h a t a jok e.’ It w a s a r elief t o m e, of cou r se, t o per for m a fu ll Ut u r n , bu t I st ill h a d t o a r g u e t h e pr a ct ica lit ies w it h Ca t h y a n d t h e boy s. ‘I don ’t t h in k I ca n r ev er se it . I’v e t old t h e clu b.’ Ca t h y sa id: ‘W ell, don ’t y ou t h in k t h ey sh ou ld sh ow y ou som e r espect in t er m s of a llow in g y ou t o ch a n g e y ou r m in d?’ ‘T h ey m a y h a v e g iv en it t o som eon e by n ow ,’ I sa id. ‘Bu t w it h t h e job y ou ’v e don e – don ’t y ou t h in k t h ey sh ou ld g iv e y ou t h e ch a n ce t o g o ba ck on it ?’ sh e per sist ed. T h e n ex t da y I ph on ed Ma u r ice W a t k in s w h o la u g h ed w h en I t old h im a bou t m y U-t u r n . T h e h ea d-h u n t er s w er e du e t o m eet a ca n dida t e t o su cceed m e t h e follow in g w eek . Sv en -Gör a n Er ik sson w a s t o be t h e n ew

Un it ed m a n a g er , I believ e. Th at w as my in t er pr et a t ion , a n y w a y , t h ou g h Ma u r ice n ev er con fir m ed it . ‘W h y Er ik sson ?’ I a sk ed h im , la t er . ‘Y ou m a y be w r on g , y ou m a y be r ig h t ,’ Ma u r ice sa id. I r em em ber a sk in g Pa u l Sch oles on e da y : ‘Sch olesy , w h a t ’s Er ik sson g ot ?’ bu t Sch olesy cou ld sh ed n o lig h t . Ma u r ice’s n ex t m ov e w a s t o m a k e con t a ct w it h Rola n d Sm it h , t h e t h en ch a ir m a n of t h e Plc, w h ose r espon se t o m e w h en w e spok e w a s: ‘I t old y ou . Didn ’t I t ell y ou h ow st u pid y ou w er e? W e n eed t o sit dow n t o discu ss t h is.’ Rola n d w a s on e of t h ose w ise old bir ds. He h a d liv ed a r ich life, a com plet e life. A ll k in ds of in t er est in g ex per ien ces h a d pa ssed h is w a y a n d h e cou ld u n fu r l a m a r v ellou s a r r a y of st or ies. Rola n d t old u s a t a le of Ma r g a r et T h a t ch er bein g a t a din n er w it h t h e Qu een . Her Ma jest y w a n t ed t h e r oy a l pla n e t o be r efu r bish ed. Rola n d ca m e r ollin g a lon g a n d n ot iced t h e t w o of t h em w it h t h eir ba ck s t o on e a n ot h er . ‘Rola n d,’ ca lled t h e Qu een , ‘w ill y ou t ell t h is w om a n I n eed som e w or k doin g on m y pla n e?’ ‘Ma ’a m ,’ sa id Rola n d, ‘I’ll a t t en d t o it r ig h t a w a y .’ T h a t ’s w h a t I n eeded h im t o sa y a bou t m y ch a n g e of h ea r t . I n eeded h im t o a t t en d t o it r ig h t a w a y . My fir st poin t t o Rola n d w a s t h a t I n eeded a n ew con t r a ct . My ex ist in g dea l w ou ld ex pir e t h a t su m m er . W e n eeded t o m ov e fa st . T h e m om en t I m a de t h e a n n ou n cem en t specify in g t h e da t e of m y depa r t u r e, I k n ew I h a d m a de a n er r or . Ot h er s k n ew it t oo. Bobby Robson h a d a lw a y s sa id: ‘Don ’t y ou da r e r et ir e.’ Bobby w a s a w on der fu l

ch a r a ct er . W e w er e sit t in g in t h e h ou se on e a ft er n oon w h en t h e ph on e w en t . ‘A lex , it ’s Bobby h er e. A r e y ou bu sy ?’ ‘W h er e a r e y ou ?’ I sa id. ‘I’m in W ilm slow .’ ‘W ell com e r ou n d,’ I t old h im . ‘I’m ou t side y ou r door ,’ h e sa id. Bobby w a s su ch a r efr esh in g m a n . Ev en in h is sev en t ies h e st ill w a n t ed t h e New ca st le job ba ck , a ft er losin g it ea r ly in t h e 2 0 0 4 –0 5 sea son . It w a s n ev er in Bobby ’s n a t u r e t o em br a ce idlen ess, a n d h e r efu sed t o a ccept t h e New ca st le post h a d su dden ly m ov ed bey on d h is ca pa bilit ies. T h a t defia n ce st a y ed w it h h im t o t h e en d a n d sh ow ed h ow m u ch h e lov ed t h is g a m e. On ce I h a d decided I w ou ld be st a n din g dow n , I st opped pla n n in g . T h e m in u t e I r ev er sed t h a t policy , I st a r t ed plot t in g a g a in . I t old m y self: ‘W e n eed a n ew t ea m .’ T h e en er g y ca m e ba ck . I st a r t ed t o feel t h a t t h r u st a bou t m y self a g a in . T o t h e scou t s I a n n ou n ced, ‘Let ’s g et cr a ck in g a g a in .’ W e w er e m obilisin g on ce m or e a n d it felt g ood. I h a d n o ph y sica l a ilm en t s or im pedim en t s t h a t w ou ld h a v e st opped m e ca r r y in g on . In m a n a g em en t y ou a r e fr a g ile, som et im es. Y ou w on der w h et h er y ou a r e v a lu ed. I r em em ber m y fr ien d Hu g h McIlv a n n ey ’s Arena T V docu m en t a r y t r ilog y on St ein , Sh a n k ly a n d Bu sby . A t h em e of Hu g h ’s st u dy w a s t h a t t h ese m en w er e t oo big for t h eir clu bs a n d ea ch , in h is ow n w a y , h a d been cu t dow n t o size. I r em em ber big Jock sa y in g

t o m e a bou t clu b ow n er s a n d dir ect or s: ‘Rem em ber , A lex , w e a r e n ot t h em . W e a r e n ot t h em . T h ey r u n t h e clu b. W e a r e t h eir w or k er s.’ Big Jock a lw a y s felt t h a t . It w a s u s a n d t h em , t h e la n dow n er a n d t h e ser f. W h a t t h ey did t o Jock St ein a t Celt ic, a pa r t fr om bein g dist a st efu l, w a s r idicu lou s. T h ey a sk ed h im t o r u n t h e pools. T w en t y -fiv e t r oph ies w it h Celt ic, a n d t h ey a sk ed h im t o r u n t h e pools. Bill Sh a n k ly w a s n ev er in v it ed t o join t h e Liv er pool boa r d a n d a s a con sequ en ce a r esen t m en t g r ew in h im . He ev en st a r t ed t o com e t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed g a m es, or w a t ch T r a n m er e Rov er s. He a ppea r ed a t ou r old t r a in in g g r ou n d, T h e Cliff, a s w ell a s Ev er t on ’s. No m a t t er h ow g ood y ou r CV , t h er e a r e m om en t s w h en y ou feel v u ln er a ble, ex posed; t h ou g h in m y la st few y ea r s w it h Da v id Gill, t h e ba se in w h ich I oper a t ed w a s fir st -cla ss. Ou r r ela t ion sh ip w a s ex cellen t . Bu t t h er e is a fea r of fa ilu r e in a m a n a g er t h e w h ole t im e, a n d y ou a r e on y ou r ow n a lot . Som et im es y ou w ou ld g iv e a n y t h in g n ot t o be a lon e w it h y ou r t h ou g h t s. T h er e w er e da y s w h en I w ou ld be in m y office, in t h e a ft er n oon , a n d n o on e w ou ld k n ock on m y door beca u se t h ey a ssu m ed I w a s bu sy . Som et im es I’d h ope for t h a t r a p on t h e door . I w ou ld w a n t Mick Ph ela n or Ren é Meu len st een t o com e in a n d sa y : ‘Do y ou fa n cy a cu p of t ea ?’ I h a d t o g o a n d look for som eon e t o t a lk t o; en t er t h eir spa ce. In m a n a g em en t y ou h a v e t o fa ce t h a t isola t ion . Y ou n eed con t a ct . Bu t t h ey t h in k y ou ’r e bu sy w it h im por t a n t bu sin ess a n d don ’t w a n t t o g o n ea r y ou . Un t il a r ou n d 1 p.m . t h er e w ou ld be a con st a n t

st r ea m of people com in g t o see m e. T h e y ou t h a ca dem y g u y s, Ken Ra m sden , t h e secr et a r y , a n d fir st -t ea m pla y er s, w h ich w a s a lw a y s g r a t ify in g beca u se it m ea n t t h ey t r u st ed y ou , oft en w it h fa m ily pr oblem s. I a lw a y s a dopt ed a posit iv e a ppr oa ch t o pla y er s con fidin g in m e, ev en if it w a s t o a sk for a da y off t o dea l w it h fa t ig u e, or t o a ddr ess a con t r a ct pr oblem . If a pla y er a sk ed m e for a da y off, t h er e h a d t o be a g ood r ea son , beca u se w h o w ou ld w a n t t o m iss a t r a in in g session a t Un it ed? I w ou ld a lw a y s sa y y es. I w ou ld t r u st t h em . Beca u se if y ou sa id, ‘No – a n d w h y do y ou w a n t on e a n y w a y ?’ a n d t h ey a n sw er ed, ‘Beca u se m y g r a n dm ot h er h a s died,’ t h en y ou w er e in t r ou ble. If t h er e w a s a pr oblem I w ou ld a lw a y s w a n t t o h elp t o fin d a solu t ion . I h a d people w h o w er e 1 0 0 per cen t A lex Fer g u son . Ex a m ples w ou ld be Les Ker sh a w , Jim Ry a n a n d Da v e Bu sh ell. I br ou g h t Les in in 1 9 8 7 . He w a s on e of m y best -ev er sig n in g s. I h ir ed h im on t h e r ecom m en da t ion of Bobby Ch a r lt on . Beca u se I didn ’t k n ow t h e En g lish scen e t h a t w ell, Bobby ’s t ips w er e in v a lu a ble. Les h a d w or k ed a t Bobby ’s soccer sch ools a n d scou t ed for Cr y st a l Pa la ce. He h a d a lso w or k ed w it h Geor g e Gr a h a m a n d T er r y V en a bles. Bobby ’s v iew w a s t h a t Les w ou ld lov e t o w or k for Ma n ch est er Un it ed. So I h ook ed h im in . He w a s effer v escen t . So en t h u sia st ic. Nev er st ops t a lk in g . He w ou ld ca ll m e a t 6 .3 0 p.m . ev er y Su n da y n ig h t t o u pda t e m e w it h a ll t h e scou t in g r epor t s. Ca t h y w ou ld com e t h r ou g h a ft er a n h ou r t o sa y , ‘A r e y ou st ill on t h a t ph on e?’ Th e

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a cceler a t e. W h a t a w or k er . He w a s a pr ofessor of ch em ist r y a t Ma n ch est er Un iv er sit y . Da v e Bu sh ell w a s a h ea dm a st er w h o r a n En g lish sch ools Un der -1 5 s a n d I t ook h im w h en Joe Br ow n r et ir ed. Jim Ry a n w a s t h er e fr om 1 9 9 1 . Mick Ph ela n w a s a pla y er for m e a n d beca m e m y v a lu ed a ssist a n t , a pa r t fr om t h e spell w h en h e left u s in 1 9 9 5 a n d r ejoin ed in 2 0 0 0 a s a coa ch . Pa u l McGu in n ess w a s w it h m e fr om w h en I join ed t h e clu b. He w a s t h e son of for m er Un it ed pla y er a n d m a n a g er W ilf McGu in n ess, a n d h a d been a pla y er h im self. I m a de h im a n a ca dem y coa ch . Nor m a lly a m a n a g er br in g s a n a ssist a n t a n d t h a t a ssist a n t st a y s w it h h im . Un it ed a r e a differ en t pr oposit ion beca u se m y a ssist a n t s a cqu ir ed a h ig h pr ofile a n d beca m e t a r g et s for ot h er clu bs. I lost m y a ssist a n t , A r ch ie Kn ox , t o Ra n g er s, t w o w eek s befor e t h e 1 9 9 1 Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p fin a l, a n d in A r ch ie’s a bsen ce I t ook Br ia n W h it eh ou se t o Rot t er da m for t h e g a m e a n d m a de su r e a ll t h e ba ck r oom st a ff w er e in v olv ed. La t er I w en t scou t in g for a No. 2 . Nobby St iles sa id: ‘W h y don ’t y ou pr om ot e Br ia n Kidd?’ Br ia n k n ew t h e clu b a n d h a d t r a n sfor m ed t h e loca l scou t in g n et w or k , br in g in g in a lot of h is old pa ls, Un it ed m en a n d sch oolt ea ch er s w h o k n ew t h e loca l a r ea . T h a t w a s t h e best w or k Br ia n ev er did. It w a s a t er r ific su ccess. So I g a v e Br ia n t h e job. He did w ell in t h e sen se t h a t h e beca m e v er y fr ien dly w it h t h e pla y er s a n d pu t on a g ood t r a in in g session . He h a d been t o It a ly t o w a t ch t h e Ser ie A t ea m s a n d br ou g h t a lot of t h a t w isdom h om e. W h en h e left t o g o t o Bla ck bu r n in 1 9 9 8 , I t old h im : ‘I

h ope y ou k n ow w h a t y ou ’r e doin g .’ W h en a coa ch lea v es, t h ey a lw a y s a sk : ‘W h a t do y ou t h in k ?’ W it h A r ch ie I cou ldn ’t g et Ma r t in Edw a r ds t o m a t ch t h e Ra n g er s offer . A s for Br ia n , I didn ’t feel h e w a s su it ed t o m a n a g em en t . St ev e McCla r en : m a n a g em en t m a t er ia l, n o dou bt a bou t t h a t . W h a t I t old St ev e w a s: y ou sh ou ld m a k e su r e y ou g et t h e r ig h t clu b, t h e r ig h t ch a ir m a n . Essen t ia l. A lw a y s. W est Ha m a n d Sou t h a m pt on w er e t h e on es w h o w a n t ed h im a t t h is st a g e. Fr om n ow h er e, St ev e t ook a ca ll fr om St ev e Gibson , t h e ch a ir m a n of Middlesbr ou g h , a n d m y a dv ice w a s, ‘A bsolu t ely n o dou bt , t a k e it .’ Br y a n Robson , t h ou g h h e h a d lost h is job t h er e, a lw a y s spok e h ig h ly of St ev e Gibson , w h o w a s y ou n g , fr esh , a n d a lw a y s w illin g t o pu t h is m on ey in . T h ey h a d a g r ea t t r a in in g g r ou n d. ‘T h a t ’s y ou r job,’ I t old St ev e. Or g a n ised, st r on g a n d a lw a y s look in g for n ew idea s, St ev e w a s m a de for m a n a g em en t . He w a s effer v escen t a n d en er g et ic w it h a g ood per son a lit y . Ca r los Qu eir oz, a n ot h er of m y No. 2 s, w a s br illia n t . Ju st br illia n t . Ou t st a n din g . A n in t ellig en t , m et icu lou s m a n . T h e r ecom m en da t ion t o h ir e h im ca m e fr om A n dy Rox bu r g h , a t a t im e w h en w e w er e beg in n in g t o look a t m or e sou t h er n -h em isph er e pla y er s a n d per h a ps n eeded a coa ch fr om bey on d t h e n or t h er n Eu r opea n n a t ion s, a n d on e w h o cou ld spea k a n ot h er la n g u a g e or t w o. A n dy w a s qu it e clea r . Ca r los w a s ou t st a n din g . He h a d coa ch ed Sou t h A fr ica , so I ca lled in Qu in t on For t u n e on e da y for h is opin ion . ‘Fa n t a st ic,’ sa id Qu in t on . ‘T o w h a t lev el, do y ou t h in k ?’ ‘A n y ,’ sa id Qu in t on . ‘W ell,’ I t h ou g h t , ‘t h a t w ill do m e.’

W h en Ca r los ca m e ov er t o En g la n d in 2 0 0 2 t o spea k t o u s, I w a s w a it in g for h im in m y t r a ck su it . Ca r los w a s im m a cu la t ely dr essed. He h a s t h a t su a v en ess a bou t h im . He w a s so im pr essiv e t h a t I offer ed h im t h e job r ig h t a w a y . He w a s t h e closest y ou cou ld be t o bein g t h e Ma n ch est er Un it ed m a n a g er w it h ou t a ct u a lly h oldin g t h e t it le. He t ook r espon sibilit y for a lot of issu es t h a t h e didn ’t h a v e t o g et in v olv ed in . ‘I n eed t o t a lk t o y ou .’ Ca r los h a d r u n g m e on e da y in 2 0 0 3 a s I w a s h olida y in g in t h e sou t h of Fr a n ce. W h a t cou ld it be? W h o w a s a ft er h im ? ‘I ju st n eed t o t a lk t o y ou ,’ h e r epea t ed. So h e flew in t o Nice a n d I t ook a t a x i t o Nice A ir por t , w h er e w e fou n d a qu iet cor n er . ‘I’v e been offer ed t h e Rea l Ma dr id job,’ h e sa id. ‘I’m g oin g t o sa y t w o t h in g s t o y ou . On e, y ou ca n ’t t u r n it dow n . T w o, y ou ’r e lea v in g a r ea lly g ood clu b. Y ou m a y n ot la st m or e t h a n a y ea r a t Rea l Ma dr id. Y ou cou ld be a t Ma n Un it ed for a lifet im e.’ ‘I k n ow ,’ Ca r los sa id. ‘I ju st feel it ’s su ch a ch a llen g e.’ ‘Ca r los, I ca n ’t t a lk y ou ou t of t h a t on e. Beca u se if I do, a n d in a y ea r ’s t im e Rea l Ma dr id a r e w in n in g t h e Eu r opea n Cu p, y ou ’ll be sa y in g – I cou ld h a v e been t h er e. Bu t I’m ju st t ellin g y ou , it ’s a n ig h t m a r e job.’ T h r ee m on t h s la t er , h e w a s w a n t in g t o qu it Ma dr id. I t old h im h e cou ldn ’t . I flew ou t t o Spa in t o m eet h im a t h is a pa r t m en t a n d w e h a d lu n ch . My m essa g e w a s: y ou ca n ’t qu it , see it t h r ou g h , a n d r ejoin m e n ex t y ea r . T h a t sea son I didn ’t t a k e a n a ssist a n t beca u se I w a s su r e Ca r los w ou ld com e ba ck . I co-opt ed Jim Ry a n a n d

Mick Ph ela n , t w o g ood m en , bu t I didn ’t w a n t t o div e in w it h a n a ppoin t m en t , k n ow in g Ca r los m ig h t be r et u r n in g . I h a d in t er v iew ed Ma r t in Jol, a w eek or so befor e Ca r los ca lled t o sa y it w a sn ’t w or k in g ou t in Ma dr id. Ma r t in h a d been im pr essiv e a n d I w a s in clin ed t o g iv e h im t h e job, bu t t h en ca m e t h e ca ll fr om Ca r los, w h ich oblig ed m e t o g o ba ck t o Ma r t in a n d sa y : ‘Look , I’m g oin g t o lea v e it for t h e t im e bein g .’ I cou ldn ’t t ell h im w h y . A ssist a n t m a n a g er a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed is a h ig h pr ofile posit ion . It ’s a pla t for m w it h in t h e g a m e. W h en Ca r los left t h e secon d t im e in Ju ly 2 0 0 8 , h is h om ela n d w a s pu llin g on h is h ea r t st r in g s, so I cou ld u n der st a n d h im w a n t in g t o g o ba ck t o Por t u g a l. Bu t h e w a s sm a sh in g , Ca r los. He h a d m ost of t h e qu a lit ies t o be t h e n ex t Ma n ch est er Un it ed m a n a g er . He cou ld be a n em ot ion a l m a n . Bu t of a ll t h e on es w h o w or k ed a lon g side m e, h e w a s t h e best , n o dou bt a bou t t h a t . He w a s t ot a lly st r a ig h t . He w ou ld w a lk in a n d t ell y ou dir ect ly : I’m n ot h a ppy w it h t h is, or t h a t . He w a s g ood for m e. He w a s a Rot t w eiler . He’d st r ide in t o m y office a n d t ell m e w e n eeded t o g et som et h in g don e. He w ou ld sk et ch t h in g s ou t on t h e boa r d. ‘Rig h t , OK, Ca r los, y ea h ,’ I w ou ld sa y , t h in k in g , ‘I’m bu sy h er e.’ Bu t it ’s a g ood qu a lit y t o h a v e, t h a t u r g e t o g et t h in g s don e. T h e st r u ct u r e of t h e t ea m w a s st r on g in t h e y ea r I decided t o r escin d m y r et ir em en t pla n s, t h ou g h w e h a d lost Pet er Sch m eich el a n d Den is Ir w in . Now t h er e w a s a pla y er , Den is Ir w in . W e a lw a y s ca lled h im eig h t ou t of t en Den is. So qu ick a n d n im ble: qu ick -br a in ed. Nev er

let y ou dow n . T h er e w a s n ev er a n y ba d pu blicit y w it h h im . I r em em ber a g a m e a t A r sen a l, w h en Den is a llow ed Den n is Ber g k a m p t o scor e la t e in t h e m a t ch , a n d t h e pr ess sa id: ‘W ell, y ou ’ll be disa ppoin t ed w it h Den is,’ a n d I r eplied: ‘A y e, w ell, h e’s been w it h m e for eig h t or n in e y ea r s a n d h e’s n ev er m a de a m ist a k e. I t h in k w e ca n for g iv e h im on e.’ T h e big g est ch a llen g e w a s in t h e g oa lk eepin g posit ion . Fr om t h e m in u t e Sch m eich el left t o join Spor t in g Lisbon in 1 9 9 9 – a n d h a v in g m issed ou t on V a n der Sa r – I w a s t h r ow in g ba lls in t h e a ir , h opin g on e w ou ld la n d in t h e r ig h t pla ce. Ra im on d v a n der Gou w w a s a t er r ific, st ea dy g oa lk eeper , a n d a v er y loy a l a n d con scien t iou s t r a in er , bu t h e w ou ldn ’t h a v e been t h e No. 1 ch oice. Ma r k Bosn ich w a s, in m y opin ion , a t er r ible pr ofession a l, w h ich w e sh ou ld h a v e k n ow n . Ma ssim o T a ibi ju st didn ’t w or k ou t a n d h e r et u r n ed t o It a ly , w h er e h e r eju v en a t ed h is ca r eer . Fa bien Ba r t h ez w a s a W or ld Cu p-w in n in g g oa lk eeper , bu t it ’s possible t h a t t h e bir t h of h is ch ild ba ck in Fr a n ce a ffect ed h is con cen t r a t ion , beca u se h e w a s g oin g ba ck a n d for t h a lot . He w a s a g ood la d, a fin e sh ot -st opper a n d a g ood fielder of t h e ba ll. Bu t w h en a k eeper loses h is con cen t r a t ion , h e’s in t r ou ble. W h en t h e t ea m t h ou g h t I w ou ld be lea v in g , t h ey sla ck en ed off. A con st a n t t a ct ic of m in e w a s a lw a y s t o h a v e m y pla y er s on t h e edg e, t o k eep t h em t h in k in g it w a s a lw a y s a m a t t er of life a n d dea t h . T h e m u st -w in a ppr oa ch . I t ook m y ey e off t h e ba ll, t h in k in g t oo fa r a h ea d, a n d w on der in g w h o w ou ld r epla ce m e. It ’s h u m a n n a t u r e, in t h ose cir cu m st a n ces, t o r ela x a bit , a n d t o sa y : ‘I’m n ot g oin g t o be h er e n ex t y ea r .’

Un it ed w er e so u sed t o m e bein g a r ou n d it w a sn ’t clea r w h a t t h e n ex t ch a pt er w a s g oin g t o be. A n d it w a s a m ist a k e. I k n ew t h a t by t h e pr ev iou s Oct ober in 2 0 0 0 . By t h a t st a g e I w a s w a n t in g t h e sea son t o be ov er w it h . I cou ldn ’t en joy it . I cu r sed m y self: ‘I’v e been st u pid. W h y did I ev en m en t ion it ?’ T h er e w a sn ’t t h e sa m e per for m a n ce lev el on t h e pit ch . I w a s st a r t in g t o h a v e dou bt s a bou t m y ow n fu t u r e. W h er e w ou ld I g o, w h a t w ou ld I do? I k n ew I w ou ld m iss t h e con su m in g n a t u r e of t h e Un it ed job. T h e 2 0 0 1 –0 2 sea son w a s a fa llow y ea r for u s. W e fin ish ed t h ir d in t h e Lea g u e a n d r ea ch ed t h e sem ifin a ls of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e, losin g t o Ba y er Lev er k u sen , bu t t h er e w er e t o be n o t r oph ies in t h e y ea r of m y U-t u r n . T h is a ft er a r u n of t h r ee st r a ig h t Pr em ier Lea g u e t it les. T h a t su m m er w e spen t h ea v ily on Ru u d v a n Nist elr ooy a n d Ju a n Seba st iá n V er ón . La u r en t Bla n c ca m e in , t oo, a ft er I sold Ja a p St a m – a n er r or , a s I h a v e a dm it t ed m a n y t im es sin ce. My r ea son in g w it h Bla n c, a s I sa id a t t h e t im e, w a s t h a t w e n eeded a pla y er w h o w ou ld t a lk t o a n d or g a n ise t h e y ou n g er pla y er s. T h e ea r ly pa r t of t h a t ca m pa ig n w a s m ost m em or a ble for Roy Kea n e t h r ow in g t h e ba ll a t A la n Sh ea r er (a n d bein g sen t off) in t h e 4 –3 defea t a t New ca st le, a n d ou r in cr edible 5 –3 v ict or y a t Spu r s on 2 9 Sept em ber 2 0 0 1 , in w h ich T ot t en h a m scor ed t h r ou g h Dea n Rich a r ds, Les Fer din a n d a n d Ch r ist ia n Zieg e befor e w e m ou n t ed on e of t h e g r ea t com eba ck s. It is su ch a v iv id m em or y . A s t h ey t r a ipsed in t o t h e dr essin g r oom , t h r ee g oa ls dow n , t h e pla y er s w er e

br a ced for a r ollick in g . In st ea d I sa t dow n a n d sa id: ‘Rig h t , I’ll t ell y ou w h a t w e’r e g oin g t o do. W e’r e g oin g t o scor e t h e fir st g oa l in t h is secon d h a lf a n d see w h er e it t a k es u s. W e g et a t t h em r ig h t a w a y , a n d w e g et t h e fir st g oa l.’ T eddy Sh er in g h a m w a s t h e T ot t en h a m ca pt a in a n d, a s t h e t ea m s em er g ed ba ck in t o t h e cor r idor , I sa w T eddy st op a n d sa y : ‘Now don ’t let t h em g et a n ea r ly g oa l.’ I’ll a lw a y s r em em ber t h a t . W e scor ed in t h e fir st m in u t e. Y ou cou ld see Spu r s defla t e w h ile w e pu ffed ou r selv es u p. T h er e w er e 4 4 m in u t es left in t h e h a lf. On w e w en t a n d scor ed fou r m or e. Ju st in cr edible. T ot t en h a m ’s st a n din g in t h e g a m e im bu ed t h a t v ict or y w it h m or e lu st r e t h a n a fiv e-g oa l com eba ck a t , sa y , W im bledon . T o bea t a g r ea t foot ba ll clu b in t h a t m a n n er h a s h ist or ica l r a m ifica t ion s. Ou r dr essin g r oom a ft er w a r ds w a s som e pla ce t o be: pla y er s r ollin g t h eir h ea ds, n ot qu it e believ in g w h a t t h ey h a d don e. T eddy ’s w a r n in g t o t h e T ot t en h a m t ea m t h a t da y r eflect ed ou r su ccess in fr ig h t en in g oppon en t s w it h w ell-t im ed r et a lia t or y g oa ls. T h er e w a s a n a ssu m pt ion (w h ich w e en cou r a g ed) t h a t scor in g a g a in st u s w a s a pr ov oca t iv e a ct t h a t w ou ld in v it e t er r ible r et r ibu t ion . Most t ea m s cou ld n ev er r ela x in fr on t a g a in st u s. T h ey w er e a lw a y s w a it in g for t h e cou n t er pu n ch . I t a pped m y w a t ch in g a m es t o spook t h e ot h er t ea m , n ot en cou r a g e m in e. If y ou w a n t m y su m m a r y of w h a t it w a s t o be Ma n ch est er Un it ed m a n a g er I w ou ld dir ect y ou t o t h e la st 1 5 m in u t es. Som et im es it w ou ld be qu it e u n ca n n y , a s if t h e ba ll w er e bein g su ck ed in t o t h e n et .

Oft en t h e pla y er s w ou ld seem t o k n ow it w a s g oin g t o be h oov er ed in t h er e. T h e pla y er s w ou ld k n ow t h ey w er e g oin g t o g et a g oa l. It didn ’t a lw a y s h a ppen , bu t t h e t ea m n ev er st opped believ in g it cou ld. T h a t ’s a g r ea t qu a lit y t o h a v e. I a lw a y s t ook r isk s. My pla n w a s: don ’t pa n ic u n t il t h e la st 1 5 m in u t es, k eep pa t ien t u n t il t h e la st qu a r t er of a n h ou r , t h en g o g u n g -h o. A g a in st W im bledon in t h e Cu p on e y ea r , Pet er Sch m eich el w en t u p t o ch a se a g oa l a n d w e left Den is Ir w in on t h e h a lfw a y lin e a g a in st Joh n Fa sh a n u . Sch m eich el w a s u p t h er e for t w o m in u t es. W im bledon w er e k ick in g t h e ba ll u p t o Fa sh a n u a n d w ee Den is w a s n ippin g in fr on t of h im a n d sen din g it ba ck in t o t h e box . Gr ea t en t er t a in m en t . Sch m eich el h a d a ph y sica l pr ow ess. He a n d Ba r t h ez lik ed t o pla y ou t . Ba r t h ez especia lly w a s a g ood pla y er , t h ou g h h e t h ou g h t h e w a s bet t er t h a n h e w a s. On t ou r in T h a ila n d h e k ept on a t m e t o let h im pla y u p fr on t , so I r elen t ed for t h e secon d h a lf. T h e ot h er pla y er s k ept ba t t er in g t h e ba ll in t o t h e cor n er s a n d Ba r t h ez w ou ld com e ba ck w it h h is t on g u e h a n g in g ou t a ft er ch a sin g t h e ba ll. He w a s k n a ck er ed. No t ea m ev er en t er ed Old T r a ffor d t h in k in g Un it ed m ig h t be per su a ded t o g iv e in . T h er e w a s n o com for t t o be g a in ed fr om t h in k in g w e cou ld be dem or a lised. Lea din g 1 –0 or 2 –1 , t h e opposit ion m a n a g er w ou ld k n ow h e fa ced a fin a l 1 5 m in u t es in w h ich w e w ou ld g o h ell for lea t h er . T h a t fea r fa ct or w a s a lw a y s t h er e. By g oin g for t h e t h r oa t a n d sh ov in g bodies in t o t h e box , w e w ou ld pose t h e qu est ion : ca n y ou h a n dle it ? On t op of

ou r ow n fr a n t ic en dea v ou r s, w e w ou ld be t est in g t h e ch a r a ct er of t h e defen din g t ea m . A n d t h ey k n ew it . A n y fla w w ou ld w iden in t o a cr a ck . It didn ’t a lw a y s w or k . Bu t w h en it did, y ou g ot t h e joy t h a t ca m e w it h a la t e con qu est . It w a s a lw a y s w or t h t h e g a m ble. It w a s r a r e for u s t o be h it on t h e br ea k w h ile w e ch a sed a g a m e. W e lost a t Liv er pool on ce w h en Lu k e Ch a dw ick ch a sed ba ck a n d g ot sen t off. Ev er y on e else w a s in t h e box . A g a in st u s, t ea m s w ou ld h a v e so m a n y pla y er s ba ck defen din g t h a t it w ou ld be h a r d for t h em br ea k ou t . A t h a lf-t im e a t Spu r s w e h a d look ed bu r ied. Bu t a s I sa id a t t h e en d of t h a t sea son : ‘In a cr isis y ou ’r e bet t er ju st ca lm in g people dow n .’ W e scor ed fiv e t im es t o w in t h e g a m e, w it h V er ón a n d Da v id Beck h a m scor in g t h e la st t w o. A r ou n d t h a t t im e, h ow ev er , w e w er e h a v in g g oa lk eepin g pr oblem s. In Oct ober , Fa bien Ba r t h ez com m it t ed t w o h ow ler s. W e a lso lost 2 –1 a t h om e t o Bolt on a n d 3 –1 a t Liv er pool, w h er e Fa bien ca m e for a pu n ch a n d m issed. A t A r sen a l on 2 5 Nov em ber , ou r Fr en ch k eeper pa ssed st r a ig h t t o T h ier r y Hen r y , w h o scor ed, a n d t h en r a ced ou t for a ba ll t h a t h e fa iled t o g a t h er . Hen r y a g a in : 3 –1 . Decem ber 2 0 0 1 st a r t ed n o bet t er , w h en w e lost 3 –0 a t h om e t o Ch elsea , ou r fift h Lea g u e defea t in 1 4 g a m es. T h in g s im pr ov ed fr om t h er e. Ole Gu n n a r Solsk ja er st r u ck u p a g ood r ela t ion sh ip w it h V a n Nist elr ooy (A n dy Cole w a s t o lea v e for Bla ck bu r n in Ja n u a r y ), a n d w e w en t t op of t h e t a ble ea r ly in t h e New Y ea r of 2 0 0 2 . In t h e 2 –1 w in ov er Bla ck bu r n , V a n Nist elr ooy scor ed for t h e t en t h t im e in a r ow , a n d by t h e en d of Ja n u a r y w e w er e t op of t h e Lea g u e by fou r

poin t s. T h en ca m e m y a n n ou n cem en t , in Febr u a r y 2 0 0 2 . I w ou ld n ot be st a n din g dow n a ft er a ll. On ce t h e r et ir em en t issu e w a s clea r ed u p, ou r for m pick ed u p dr a m a t ica lly . W e w on 1 3 of 1 5 g a m es. I w a s desper a t e t o m a k e it t o Gla sg ow for t h e 2 0 0 2 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l. I w a s so su r e w e w ou ld g et t h er e t h a t I h a d scou t ed t h e h ot els in t h e cit y . I t r ied t o pla y it dow n bu t t h e u r g e t o lea d t h e t ea m ou t a t Ha m pden Pa r k obsessed m e. In t h e sem i-fin a l a g a in st Ba y er Lev er k u sen , w e h a d t h r ee sh ot s clea r ed off t h e lin e in t h e secon d g a m e a n d w en t ou t on a w a y g oa ls a ft er dr a w in g t h e t ie 3 –3 on a g g r eg a t e. Mich a el Ba lla ck a n d Oliv er Neu v ille h a d scor ed a t Old T r a ffor d. A lso in t h e Lev er k u sen side w a s a y ou n g Dim it a r Ber ba t ov , w h o w a s la t er t o join u s fr om Spu r s. Bu t a t lea st I st ill h a d m y job. On New Y ea r ’s Da y , for m y bir t h da y , w e h a d a ll been t o t h e A lder ley Edg e Hot el – t h e w h ole fa m ily . It w a s t h e fir st t im e for a w h ile w e h a d a ll been t og et h er . Ma r k , w h o w a s u su a lly in Lon don , w a s t h er e, a lon g w it h Da r r en , Ja son a n d Ca t h y . A ll t h e con spir a t or s r ou n d a t a ble. W h en t h e pla y er s h ea r d t h e n ew s I w ou ld be st a y in g on a ft er a ll, I br a ced m y self for t h e ba r bed com m en t s t h a t w ou ld com e m y w a y . I cou ldn ’t h a v e m a de a n a n n ou n cem en t of t h a t m a g n it u de w it h ou t pa y in g a h ig h pr ice on t h e ba n t er fr on t . Ry a n Gig g s w a s t h e m ost sk ilfu l in h is m ock er y . ‘Oh , n o, I ca n ’t believ e t h is,’ Ry a n sa id. ‘I’v e ju st sig n ed a

n ew con t r a ct .’

four

AS

t h e n ew sea son da w n ed in 2 0 0 2 , I w a s bu r st in g w i t h fr esh en er g y . It felt lik e da y on e in a w h ole n ew job. A ll t h e dou bt br ou g h t on by m y in t en ded r et ir em en t h a d clea r ed a n d I w a s r ea dy t o r efr esh t h e squ a d a ft er ou r fir st sea son w it h ou t a t r oph y sin ce 1 9 9 8 . T h ose ph a ses of seism ic ch a n g e ex cit ed m e. I k n ew t h er e w er e solid fou n da t ion s on w h ich t o bu ild a n ew t ea m of w in n er s. T h er e h a d been a g olden per iod, fr om 1 9 9 5 t o 2 0 0 1 , w h en w e h a d w on t h e Lea g u e fiv e t im es ou t of six a n d secu r ed t h e fir st of m y t w o Ch a m pion s Lea g u e t r oph ies. A t t h e st a r t of t h a t six -y ea r spell, w e h a d pr om ot ed ou r h om eg r ow n la ds t o t h e fir st X I. Da v id Beck h a m , Ga r y Nev ille a n d Pa u l Sch oles beca m e r eg u la r s, despit e a 3 – 1 defea t by A st on V illa t h a t pr om pt ed A la n Ha n sen t o sa y on t elev ision : ‘Y ou ca n ’t w in a n y t h in g w it h k ids.’ A ft er t h a t h a t -t r ick of Lea g u e t it les w e m a de a n er r or in let t in g Ja a p St a m g o. I t h ou g h t £1 6 .5 m illion w a s a g ood pr ice a n d I believ ed h e h a d slipped ba ck in h is

g a m e sin ce h is A ch illes oper a t ion . Bu t it w a s a m ist a k e on m y pa r t . T h is is m y ch a n ce t o n a il on ce a n d for a ll t h e m y t h t h a t h is con t en t iou s a u t obiog r a ph y h a d a n y t h in g t o do w it h m y decision t o sell h im , ev en t h ou g h I ca lled h im in a bou t t h e book r ig h t a w a y . It a ccu sed u s of t a ppin g h im u p, of a ppr oa ch in g h im dir ect ly w it h ou t PSV ’s per m ission . ‘W h a t w er e y ou t h in k in g of?’ I a sk ed. Bu t it pla y ed a bsolu t ely n o pa r t in m y decision . Not lon g a ft er t h a t , a n a g en t t old m e t h a t a r epr esen t a t iv e of Rom a w er e t r y in g t o m a k e con t a ct . T h ey w er e offer in g £1 2 m illion for Ja a p. Not in t er est ed, I sa id. T h e n ex t w eek w e r eceiv ed a n a ppr oa ch fr om La zio. I h a d n o in t er est u n t il t h e offer r ea ch ed £1 6 .5 m illion . By t h a t t im e Ja a p w a s 3 0 a n d w e w er e con cer n ed a bou t h is r ecov er y fr om t h e A ch illes in ju r y . A n y w a y , it pr ov ed a disa st r ou s episode. Ha v in g t o t ell h im in a pet r ol st a t ion w a s a g on y , beca u se I k n ew h e w a s a r ea lly decen t m a n w h o lov ed pla y in g for t h e clu b, a n d w h o w a s a dor ed by t h e fa n s. It w a s on e of m y sen ior m om en t s. I h a d t r ied t o g et h old of h im a t t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d t w o da y s befor e dea dlin e da y . By t h e t im e I r ea ch ed h im on h is m obile, h e w a s a lr ea dy on h is w a y h om e. A n equ idist a n t poin t w a s a pet r ol st a t ion , off t h e m ot or w a y , so t h a t ’s w h er e ou r m eet in g t ook pla ce. I k n ew I cou ld g et La u r en t Bla n c, on a fr ee. I h a d a lw a y s a dm ir ed La u r en t Bla n c a n d sh ou ld h a v e a cqu ir ed h im m a n y y ea r s ea r lier . He w a s so com posed a n d so g ood a t g lidin g ou t fr om t h e ba ck w it h t h e ba ll. I t h ou g h t h is ex per ien ce cou ld h elp Joh n O’Sh ea a n d W es Br ow n t o dev elop. It w a s su ch a m isju dg m en t on m y pa r t t o let Ja a p g o – h e en ded u p pla y in g a g a in st u s,

a g ed 3 6 , in t h e sem i-fin a ls of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e. Cen t r e-ba ck s w er e a lw a y s a big pa r t of m y m a n a g er ia l pla n n in g a n d Rio Fer din a n d w a s t h e big bu y in t h a t su m m er of 2 0 0 2 , w h en w e r ea lly sh ou ld h a v e r ea ch ed t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l in m y h om e t ow n of Gla sg ow . T o m e t h a t w ou ld h a v e been specia l, pla y in g in m y bir t h pla ce a g a in st Rea l Ma dr id, t h e pla ce w h er e I sa w m y fir st -ev er Eu r opea n fin a l, Rea l bea t in g Ein t r a ch t Fr a n k fu r t 7 –3 . I w a s in t h e sch oolboy en closu r e t h a t da y beca u se I pla y ed for Qu een ’s Pa r k a t t h e t im e, w h ich en t it led m e t o w a lk in t h e fr on t door a n d h ea d for t h a t pa r t of t h e g r ou n d. I left t h r ee m in u t es befor e t h e en d of t h e g a m e t o g et a bu s h om e, beca u se I w a s w or k in g in t h e m or n in g , a n d of cou r se m issed a ll t h e celebr a t ion s a t t h e en d, w h ich w er e u n u su a l in foot ba ll a r ou n d t h a t t im e. Rea l per for m ed a big pa r a de w it h t h e cu p a n d w er e da n cin g a bou t t h e pa r k . I m issed ou t . T h e n ex t m or n in g , w it h t h e pa per s la id ou t , I st u died t h e ph ot og r a ph s a n d t h ou g h t : ‘Da m n , I m issed seein g a ll t h a t .’ Ha m pden Pa r k w a s pa ck ed w it h 1 2 8 ,0 0 0 sou ls. T o bea t t h e h u g e ex odu s fr om big g a m es, w e w ou ld r u n m iles a w a y fr om t h e g r ou n d: spr in t a w a y fr om Ha m pden t ow a r ds t h e t er m in u s, a n d t a k e a bu s fr om t h er e. It w a s a t h r ee- or fou r -m ile r u n t o t h e st a t ion , bu t a t lea st w e w er e on t h e bu s. T h e qu eu es a t t h e g r ou n d w ou ld be m iles lon g . Miles lon g . Da ds w ou ld pu ll u p in lor r ies a n d y ou w ou ld g iv e t h em six pen ce ea ch a n d pile on t o t h e w a g on . T h a t w a s a n ot h er r ou t e in a n d ou t . Bu t it w ou ld h a v e been u n for g et t a ble t o g et t o Ha m pden for t h a t 2 0 0 2 fin a l, w h ich Rea l Ma dr id w on 2 –1 , t o sen d a Ma n ch est er Un it ed side ou t on t o

t h a t sa cr ed t u r f. Ca r los Qu eir oz join in g a s m y a ssist a n t w a s a n ot h er m a jor in it ia t iv e t h a t y ea r . A r sen a l h a d w on t h e Dou ble t h e pr ev iou s sea son a n d Roy Kea n e h a d been sen t h om e fr om t h e 2 0 0 2 W or ld Cu p, so t h er e w a s plen t y t o occu py m y m in d a s w e set off on a n ot h er jou r n ey . W h en Roy w a s sen t off a ft er t a n g lin g w it h Ja son McA t eer a t Su n der la n d, I dispa t ch ed h im for a h ip oper a t ion , w h ich r em ov ed h im fr om t h e pict u r e for fou r m on t h s. Soon a ft er w e st r u ck a ba d r u n of for m , losin g a t h om e t o Bolt on a n d a w a y a t Leeds. W e m a n a g ed on ly t w o w in s fr om ou r fir st six g a m es a n d w er e n in t h in t h e t a ble w h en I t ook a m in or g a m ble a n d sen t a n u m ber of pla y er s a w a y for su r g er y in t h e h ope t h a t t h ey w ou ld r et u r n t o en er g ise u s in t h e secon d h a lf of ou r ca m pa ig n . In Sept em ber 2 0 0 2 , t h ou g h , t h e k n iv es w er e ou t for m e. T h e n a t u r e of t h e job is t h a t t h e pu blic w ill a t t a ck y ou w h en t h in g s seem t o be g oin g w r on g . Plu s, I’v e n ev er been beh olden t o t h e pr ess a n d cou ldn ’t cou n t on t h em for su ppor t . I n ev er socia lised m u ch w it h t h em , didn ’t g iv e t h em st or ies or m a r k t h eir ca r ds, w it h t h e ex cept ion – occa sion a lly – of Bob Ca ss, of t h e Mail on Sunday. So t h ey h a d n o r ea son t o lov e m e or su ppor t m e t h r ou g h h a r d t im es. Ot h er m a n a g er s w er e m or e sk illed a t cu lt iv a t in g r ela t ion sh ips w it h t h e pr ess. It m a y be bou g h t t h em a bit m or e t im e, bu t n ot in defin it ely . Resu lt s det er m in e w h et h er t h e g u illot in e st a y s u p or fa lls. Media pr essu r e is u su a lly w h er e it st a r t s. W h en ev er t h er e w a s a ba d spell I w ou ld see t h e lin e: ‘Y ou r t im e’s

u p, Fer g ie; it ’s t im e t o g o.’ T h e old lin e a bou t sh elf-life. Y ou ca n la u g h a t it , bu t y ou m u st n ’t g et y ou r self in a t izzy , beca u se h y st er ia is t h e n a t u r e of t h e bea st . T h er e h a v e been so m a n y fa v ou r a ble h ea dlin es a bou t m e ov er t h e y ea r s, beca u se t h e pr ess cou ld h a r dly a v oid w r it in g t h em , g iv en t h e su ccess w e h a d, bu t t o be ca lled a g en iu s y ou a lso n eed t o a ccept t h a t y ou a r e pr oba bly a lso g oin g t o be ca lled a fool. Ma t t Bu sby u sed t o sa y : ‘W h y r ea d t h em w h en y ou h a v e a ba d r esu lt ? I n ev er did.’ A n d h e liv ed in a n er a w h en t h e pr ess w a sn ’t a s per v a siv e a s it is t oda y . Ma t t w ou ld a lw a y s r ide t h e w a v es of pr a ise a n d con dem n a t ion w it h ou t bot h er in g t oo m u ch a bou t eit h er . W h a t w e did a t a ll t im es, in su ccess a n d a dv er sit y , w a s m a k e su r e t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d w a s sa cr osa n ct . T h e w or k t h er e, t h e con cen t r a t ion , a n d t h e st a n da r ds w e m a in t a in ed n ev er dr opped. Ev en t u a lly t h a t con sist en cy of effor t w ill sh ow it self on a Sa t u r da y . T h a t w a y , w h en a Un it ed pla y er h a s a cou ple of ba d r esu lt s, h e w ill h a t e it . It becom es in t oler a ble t o h im . Ev en t h e best pla y er s som et im es lose con fiden ce. Ev en Ca n t on a h a d bou t s of self-dou bt . Bu t if t h e cu lt u r e a r ou n d t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d w a s r ig h t , t h e pla y er s k n ew t h ey cou ld fa ll ba ck on t h e g r ou p a n d t h e ex per t ise of ou r st a ff. T h e on ly pla y er I ev er coa ch ed w h o w a s t ot a lly u n a ffect ed by h is m ist a k es w a s Da v id Beck h a m . He cou ld h a v e t h e w or st g a m e possible a n d st ill n ot believ e t h a t h e h a d u n der -per for m ed in a n y w a y . He w ou ld dism iss y ou , t ell y ou y ou w er e w r on g . He w a s

in cr edibly pr ot ect iv e of h im self. W h et h er t h a t w a s dev eloped by t h e people a r ou n d h im , I don ’t k n ow . Bu t h e w ou ld n ev er con cede h e’d h a d a ba d g a m e, a n d n ev er a ccept h e’d m a de a m ist a k e. Y ou h a d t o a dm ir e t h a t . In a w a y it w a s a g r ea t qu a lit y . No m a t t er h ow m a n y m ist a k es h e w ou ld m a k e (in m y ey es, n ot h is), h e w ou ld a lw a y s w a n t t h e ba ll. His con fiden ce n ev er su ffer ed. Ot h er w ise, dips of t h a t k in d a r e in n a t e t o a ll foot ba ller s, a n d plen t y of m a n a g er s. Pu blic scr u t in y pen et r a t es t h e body a r m ou r , w h et h er fr om t h e pu blic, pr ess or fa n s. T h e n a dir w a s r ea ch ed in Nov em ber , w it h t h e la st der by g a m e a t Ma in e Roa d: a 3 –1 v ict or y for Cit y , m em or a ble for a m ist a k e by Ga r y Nev ille, w h o da w dled w it h t h e ba ll a n d w a s dispossessed by Sh a u n Goa t er for Cit y ’s secon d g oa l. A ft er w a r ds I qu est ion ed t h e spir it of m y pla y er s, a n u clea r opt ion I seldom em ploy ed. T h e dr essin g r oom is a h or r ible pla ce t o be w h en y ou lose a der by . Befor e t h e g a m e, Keit h Pin n er , m y old fr ien d a n d a dieh a r d Cit y fa n , h a d sa id: ‘A s it ’s t h e la st der by g a m e a t Ma in e Roa d, w ill y ou com e u p for a dr in k a ft er w a r ds?’ A m u sed by t h e a u da cit y of t h is r equ est , I sa id: ‘If w e w in , a y e.’ So a ft er w e’d lost 3 –1 , I w a s g et t in g on t h e bu s w h en m y ph on e w en t . Pin n er on t h e lin e. ‘W h er e a r e y ou ?’ h e sa id. ‘A r e y ou n ot com in g u p?’ ‘Go a w a y ,’ I r eplied, or w or ds t o t h a t effect . ‘I n ev er w a n t t o see y ou in m y life.’ ‘Ba d loser , a r e y ou ?’ la u g h ed Pin n er . Up I w en t for a

dr in k . A t t h e en d of t h a t sea son Ga r y Nev ille obser v ed: ‘T h a t w a s a big cr ossr oa ds for u s. I t h ou g h t t h e fa n s w ou ld t u r n on u s t h a t da y .’ Som et im es a m a n a g er h a s t o be h on est w it h t h e su ppor t er s, ov er a n d bey on d t h e pla y er s. T h ey a r e n ot st u pid. A s lon g a s y ou don ’t cr it icise in div idu a l pla y er s in pu blic, a dm on ish in g t h e t ea m is fin e, n ot a pr oblem . W e ca n a ll sh a r e in t h e bla m e: t h e m a n a g er , h is st a ff, t h e pla y er s. Ex pr essed pr oper ly , cr it icism ca n be a n a ccept a n ce of collect iv e r espon sibilit y . Un der t h e pr essu r e of ba d r esu lt s, w e ch a n g ed t h e w a y w e pla y ed. W e m ov ed t h e ba ll for w a r d m or e a n d qu ick er r a t h er t h a n con cen t r a t in g on possession r a t ios. W it h Roy Kea n e pr esen t , k eepin g t h e ba ll w a s n ev er a pr oblem . I sa id so fr om t h e m in u t e h e ca m e t o t h e clu b: ‘He n ev er g iv es t h e ba ll a w a y , t h is g u y ,’ I t old t h e st a ff a n d pla y er s. Ba ll r et en t ion is a r elig ion a t Ma n Un it ed. Bu t possession w it h ou t pen et r a t ion is a w a st e of t im e. W e w er e st a r t in g t o la ck t h a t r ea l pen et r a t ion . W it h a pla y er lik e V a n Nist elr ooy in ou r for w a r d lin e w e n eeded t o su pply h im qu ick ly . Ea r ly pa sses, in fr om w ide, or bet w een defen der s. T h a t ’s w h er e t h e ch a n g e h a d t o com e. W e t r ied Dieg o For lá n off t h e fr on t , bu t w e h a d been pla y in g a lot w it h V er ón , Sch oles a n d Kea n e in m idfield. V er ón w a s fr ee a n d Sch olesy cou ld g o in t o t h e box . Beck h a m w ide r ig h t , Gig g s w ide left . W e h a d fa n t a st ic t a len t s t h er e. Ou r g oa l-scor in g w ea pon s w er e t h e r ig h t on es. V a n Nist elr ooy w a s r elen t less in h is g oa l-scor in g . Beck h a m w ou ld a lw a y s g et y ou a r ou n d

t en ; Sch oles, a bov e t h a t . Ph il Nev ille w a s ex cellin g in cen t r a l m idfield a s w ell. Ph il w a s a dr ea m . He a n d Nick y Bu t t w er e per fect a llies for m e. A ll t h ey w a n t ed w a s t o pla y for Ma n Un it ed. T h ey n ev er w a n t ed t o lea v e. T h e t im e t o let t h a t t y pe of pla y er g o is w h en y ou see t h a t y ou ’r e h u r t in g t h em m or e t h a n h elpin g t h em by u sin g t h em a s su bst it u t es or u n der st u dies. T h ose pla y er s en d u p t r a pped bet w een ex t r em e loy a lt y a n d a k in d of sa dn ess a t n ot bein g in v olv ed m or e in fir st -t ea m g a m es. T h a t ’s h a r d for a n y m a n . Ph il pla y ed a g r ea t r ole w h er e w e n eeded st a bilisa t ion . He h a d g r ea t disciplin e. He w a s on e of t h ose pla y er s t o w h om y ou cou ld sa y : ‘Ph il, I w a n t y ou t o r u n u p t h a t h ill, t h en com e ba ck a n d cu t dow n t h a t t r ee.’ A n d h e w ou ld ch a in sa w ?’

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I h a d a few lik e t h a t . Ph il w ou ld do a n y t h in g for t h e t ea m . He w ou ld on ly t h in k of t h e t ea m . For t h e m ost pa r t , if h e w er e t o pla y a lim it ed pa r t in t h e su ccessfu l fu n ct ion in g of t h e side, h e w ou ld fin d a w a y t o be h a ppy w it h t h a t . In t h e en d, t h ou g h , Ga r y ca m e t o t a lk t o m e, t o see h ow I felt a bou t Ph il’s dim in ish in g r ole. ‘I don ’t k n ow w h a t t o do, h e’s su ch a g r ea t la d,’ I t old Ga r y . ‘T h a t ’s t h e pr oblem ,’ Ga r y sa id. ‘He doesn ’t w a n t t o com e t o y ou .’ Ph il la ck ed Ga r y ’s dir ect n ess, y ou see. I in v it ed Ph il ou t t o t h e h ou se for a t a lk . He ca m e w it h h is w ife Ju lie. A t fir st I didn ’t n ot ice h er in t h e

ca r . ‘Ca t h y , g o a n d br in g Ju lie in ,’ I sa id. Bu t w h en Ca t h y g ot ou t t h er e, Ju lie beg a n cr y in g . ‘W e don ’t w a n t t o lea v e Ma n Un it ed,’ sh e w a s sa y in g . ‘W e lov e bein g a t t h e clu b.’ Ca t h y t ook h er a cu p of t ea , bu t sh e w ou ldn ’t com e in t o t h e h ou se. I t h in k sh e w a s w or r ied sh e m ig h t br ea k dow n a n d em ba r r a ss h er h u sba n d. My poin t t o Ph il w a s t h a t I w a s doin g h im m or e h a r m t h a n g ood w it h t h e w a y I w a s u sin g h im . He a g r eed. He t old m e h e n eeded t o m ov e on . I left h im t o w or k ou t h ow h e w ou ld a ppr oa ch t h a t w it h h is w ife. W h en t h ey h a d left , Ca t h y sa id: ‘Y ou ’r e n ot g oin g t o let h im g o, a r e y ou ? Y ou ca n ’t let people lik e t h a t g o.’ ‘Ca t h y ,’ I sa id, ‘it ’s for h is ow n g ood. Do y ou n ot u n der st a n d? It ’s k illin g m e m or e t h a n it ’s k illin g h im .’ I let h im g o ch ea ply , for £3 .6 m illion . He w a s w or t h dou ble t h a t , beca u se h e cou ld pla y fiv e posit ion s for y ou – in eit h er of t h e fu ll-ba ck posit ion s or a ll a cr oss t h e m idfield. He ev en pla y ed cen t r e-h a lf for Ev er t on , w h en Ph il Ja g ielk a a n d Joseph Y obo w er e in ju r ed. Let t in g Nick y Bu t t g o w a s sim ila r ly t r a u m a t ic, a lt h ou g h Nick y h a d n o pr oblem st a n din g u p for h im self. Nick y w a s a ch eek y sod. Gor t on boy . Gr ea t la d. He w ou ld fig h t y ou r sh a dow , w ou ld Nick y . He w ou ld com e in a n d sa y : ‘W h y a m I n ot pla y in g ?’ T h a t w a s Nick y . I lov ed t h a t . A n d I w ou ld sa y , ‘Nick y , y ou ’r e n ot pla y in g beca u se I t h in k Sch oles a n d Kea n e a r e bet t er t h a n y ou .’ Som et im es, a w a y fr om h om e, I w ou ld pu t h im in a h ea d of Sch olesy . In t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l a t Ju v en t u s, for ex a m ple, I pla y ed Bu t t in st ea d of Sch oles. Sch oles a n d

Kea n e w er e on t w o book in g s a n d I cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o r isk t h em bot h m issin g t h e fin a l, t h ou g h in t h e ev en t bot h m issed ou t t h r ou g h su spen sion . I br ou g h t Sch oles on for Bu t t w h en Nick y pick ed u p a n in ju r y – a n d Pa u l w a s book ed. In t h e en d I sold Nick y t o Bobby Robson a t New ca st le for £2 m illion . W h a t a g r ea t bu y t h a t w a s. T h e clou ds beg a n t o clea r in 2 0 0 2 w it h t h e 5 –3 w in ov er New ca st le a t t h e en d of Nov em ber . Dieg o For lá n , w h o h a d t a k en 2 7 g a m es t o scor e h is fir st g oa l for u s – a pen a lt y a g a in st Ma cca bi Ha ifa – w a s a fa ct or in ou r 2 – 1 w in a t Liv er pool, a ft er Ja m ie Ca r r a g h er h a d h ea ded t h e ba ll ba ck t o Jer zy Du dek a n d For lá n h a d n ipped in t o scor e. W e t h en bea t A r sen a l 2 –0 a n d Ch elsea 2 –1 , w it h For lá n a g a in scor in g t h e decisiv e g oa l. On t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d t h a t w in t er , w e w or k ed in t en siv ely on ou r defen siv e sh a pe. In Febr u a r y 2 0 0 3 w e lost a n FA Cu p fift h -r ou n d t ie 2 – 0 a t h om e t o A r sen a l. It w a s t h e g a m e in w h ich Ry a n Gig g s m issed a n open g oa l, lift in g t h e ba ll ov er t h e ba r w it h h is r ig h t foot , w h en t h e n et w a s u n defen ded. ‘W ell, Gig g sy ,’ I t old h im , ‘y ou ’v e scor ed t h e best -ev er g oa l in t h e FA Cu p, a n d n ow y ou ’v e a dded t h e best -ev er m iss.’ He h a d a ll t h e t im e in t h e w or ld. He cou ld h a v e w a lk ed t h e ba ll in t o t h e n et . T h a t g a m e, w h ich sen t m e in t o a fu r y , w a s t o h a v e m or e ser iou s im plica t ion s for m y r ela t ion sh ip w it h a n ot h er g r a du a t e of t h e 1 9 9 2 FA Y ou t h Cu p w in n in g side. A bu t t er fly pla st er w a s in v olv ed, bu t it cou ldn ’t h ea l t h e w ou n d. T h e boot I k ick ed in a n g er ju st h a ppen ed t o fly st r a ig h t a t Da v id Beck h a m ’s ey ebr ow . A ft er losin g t h e Ca r lin g Cu p fin a l t o Liv er pool, w e

r a n in t o a n ot h er m a jor r iv a l fr om t h a t per iod. By t h e en d of m y t im e a s m a n a g er , Leeds Un it ed w er e n ow h er e t o be seen on t h e list of t h r ea t s, bu t in t h e spr in g of 2 0 0 3 t h ey w er e a m en a ce, a lt h ou g h w e w on t h a t m a t ch 2 –1 . I sh ou ld sa y a few w or ds a bou t ou r r iv a lr y w it h Leeds, w h ich w a s dist u r bin g ly in t en se. W h en I fir st a r r iv ed in Ma n ch est er I k n ew a bou t t h e der by g a m es w it h Cit y a n d t h e cla sh es w it h Un it ed’s Mer sey side r iv a ls, Ev er t on a n d Liv er pool. I k n ew n ot h in g of t h e a n im osit y bet w een Un it ed a n d Leeds. In t h e old fir st div ision , A r ch ie Kn ox a n d I w en t t o see Cr y st a l Pa la ce bea t Leeds. It w a s 0 –0 a t h a lf-t im e. T h e secon d h a lf w a s a ll Leeds. W it h 2 0 m in u t es t o g o, Leeds h a d a pen a lt y t u r n ed dow n a n d t h e cr ow d w er e g oin g cr a ck er s. A Leeds fa n beg a n sh ou t in g a t m e: ‘Y ou , y ou Ma n c ba st a r d.’ ‘W h a t ’s t h a t a ll a bou t , A r ch ie?’ I sa id. ‘No idea ,’ A r ch ie r eplied. So I look ed for a st ew a r d. T h e dir ect or s’ box a t Leeds is sm a ll a n d t h e fa n s a r e a ll a r ou n d y ou . Pa la ce w en t t o t h e ot h er en d a n d scor ed. T h a t ’s w h en t h e cr ow d r ea lly lost it . A r ch ie w a n t ed u s t o lea v e bu t I in sist ed w e st a y . Pa la ce scor ed a g a in , a n d t h a t ’s w h en ou r n ew fr ien d h it m e in t h e ba ck w it h a Bov r il cu p. T h e a bu se w a s a st on ish in g . ‘Let ’s g et ou t of h er e,’ I sa id t o A r ch ie. T h e n ex t da y I w a s spea k in g t o ou r k it m a n a t t h e t im e, Nor m a n Da v ies. He sa id: ‘I t old y ou a bou t Leeds. It ’s pu r e h a t r ed.’ ‘W h er e does t h a t com e fr om ?’

‘T h e six t ies,’ Nor m a n sa id. Leeds u sed t o h a v e a com m ission a ir e ca lled Ja ck w h o w ou ld com e on t h e bu s a s w e a r r iv ed a t Ella n d Roa d a n d a n n ou n ce, lik e t h e t ow n cr ier , ‘On beh a lf of t h e dir ect or s, pla y er s a n d su ppor t er s of Leeds Un it ed, w elcom e t o Ella n d Roa d,’ a n d I w ou ld m u t t er : ‘T h a t ’ll be r ig h t .’ Som e of t h e fa n s w ou ld h a v e t h eir k ids on t h eir sh ou lder s, r a dia t in g t h e m ost in cr edible h a t r ed. In t h e sem i-fin a l of t h e Lea g u e Cu p a t Leeds in 1 9 9 1 , t h ey did g iv e u s a bit of a ba t t er in g in t h e secon d h a lf, bu t Lee Sh a r pe h a d br ok en a w a y , a t 0 –0 , w it h t w o m in u t es t o g o, t o scor e. It look ed 1 0 y a r ds offside. I w a s on t h e pit ch , Er ic Ha r r ison w a s in t h e du g -ou t . A lot of people t h in k Er ic look s lik e m e. On e Leeds su ppor t er cer t a in ly did, beca u se h e w h a ck ed Er ic. A bsolu t ely pa n n ed h im . T h e g u y t h ou g h t h e w a s h it t in g m e. On ca m e t h e fa n s. Pa n dem on iu m . A n d y et t h er e w a s som et h in g a bou t t h e h ost ile a t m osph er e a t Ella n d Roa d t h a t I qu it e lik ed. In t h e Pet er Ridsda le y ea r s, w h en Leeds w er e ‘liv in g t h e dr ea m ’, a s t h e ch a ir m a n la t er pu t it , I sen sed t h e clu b w a s bu ilt on sa n d. W h en I h ea r d w h a t k in d of w a g es t h ey w er e pa y in g , m y a la r m bells r a n g . W h en w e sold t h em Lee Sh a r pe, I believ e t h ey dou bled Lee’s w a g es, on a 3 5 ,0 0 0 cr ow d. Bu t t h ey con st r u ct ed a u sefu l t ea m . A la n Sm it h , Ha r r y Kew ell, Da v id Ba t t y . Ba ck in 1 9 9 2 , t h ey w on t h e Lea g u e w it h on e of t h e m ost a v er a g e t ea m s ev er t o w in t h e t it le, bu t t h ey w er e a s com m it t ed a s it ’s possible t o be. A n d t h ey w er e su per bly m a n a g ed by How a r d W ilk in son . A deca de la t er , w e w ou ld h ea r

a bou t t h e boy fr om Der by join in g t h em , Set h Joh n son , a n d h im discu ssin g w it h h is a g en t w h a t t h ey w er e g oin g t o a sk for . T h e st or y g oes t h a t t h e su m t h ey ca m e u p w it h w a s £2 5 ,0 0 0 . Leeds’ offer w a s a ppa r en t ly £3 5 ,0 0 0 a w eek , clim bin g t o £4 0 –4 5 ,0 0 0 . Clu bs don ’t lea r n t h ese lesson s. T h e em ot ion s of t h e g a m e t r a p y ou . I r em em ber a loca l Ma n ch est er bu sin essm a n com in g t o m e a n d sa y in g : ‘I’m t h in k in g of bu y in g Bir m in g h a m Cit y , w h a t do y ou t h in k ?’ I sa id, ‘If y ou ’v e g ot a h u n dr ed m illion pou n ds t o r isk , g o a h ea d.’ ‘No, n o,’ h e sa id, ‘t h ey ’r e on ly elev en m illion in debt .’ ‘Bu t h a v e y ou seen t h e st a diu m ?’ I r eplied. ‘Y ou ’ll n eed a n ew st a diu m , for m a y be six t y m illion , a n d t h en for t y m illion t o g et t h em in t o t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e.’ People t r y t o a pply t o foot ba ll t h e u su a l pr in ciples of bu sin ess. Bu t it ’s n ot a la t h e, it ’s n ot a m illin g m a ch in e, it ’s a collect ion of h u m a n bein g s. T h a t ’s t h e differ en ce. W e fa ced som e seism ic fix t u r es befor e t h a t sea son ’s en d. A 4 –0 h om e w in ov er Liv er pool – Sa m i Hy y piä w a s sen t off in t h e fift h m in u t e for st oppin g V a n Nist elr ooy ’s r u n on g oa l – led u s in t o a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e t ie a g a in st Rea l Ma dr id. In t h e fir st of ou r g a m es a g a in st Ma dr id, V a n Nist elr ooy w a s ou r on ly scor er . Lu is Fig o a n d Ra u l, t w ice, left u s fa cin g a 3 –1 deficit in t h e h om e leg , for w h ich I left Beck h a m on t h e ben ch . T h is w a s a n epic g a m e, w a t ch ed, t h e st or y g oes, by Rom a n A br a m ov ich , w h o w a s in spir ed by ou r 4 –3

w in , a n d t h e h a t -t r ick by Br a zilia n st r ik er Ron a ldo, t o seek h is ow n in v olv em en t in t h e g r ea t g loba l dr a m a by bu y in g Ch elsea . T h ou g h w e h a d been n in e poin t s off t h e lea d a t on e st a g e, w e r a ced eig h t poin t s clea r w it h a 4 –1 w in ov er Ch a r lt on in Ma y 2 0 0 3 , in w h ich a V a n Nist elr ooy h a t t r ick lift ed h im t o 4 3 g oa ls for t h e sea son . On t h e pen u lt im a t e w eek en d, A r sen a l n eeded t o bea t Leeds a t Hig h bu r y t o h a v e a n y ch a n ce of ca t ch in g u s, bu t Ma r k V idu k a h elped u s ou t w it h a la t e g oa l for ou r Y or k sh ir e r iv a ls. In ou r 2 –1 w in a t Ev er t on , Da v id Beck h a m scor ed fr om a fr ee k ick in h is la st g a m e for u s. W e w er e ch a m pion s a g a in for t h e eig h t h t im e in 1 1 sea son s. T h e pla y er s da n ced a n d sa n g : ‘W e’v e g ot ou r t r oph y ba ck .’ W e r eg a in ed Beck h a m .

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m om en t h e fir st la id boot on ba ll, Da v id Beck h a m displa y ed a n u n br ea k a ble u r g e t o m a k e t h e best of h im self a n d h is t a len t . He a n d I left t h e m a in st a g e in t h e sa m e su m m er , w it h h im st ill pr om in en t in Eu r opea n foot ba ll a n d oppor t u n it ies g a lor e a h ea d of h im . He w en t ou t a t Pa r is St -Ger m a in m u ch a s I did a t Un it ed: on h is ow n t er m s. Som et im es y ou h a v e t o t a k e som et h in g a w a y fr om som eon e for t h em t o see h ow m u ch t h ey lov ed it . W h en Beck h a m m ov ed t o A m er ica t o join LA Ga la x y , I believ e h e beg a n t o r ea lise h e h a d su r r en der ed a pa r t of h is ca r eer . He w or k ed in cr edibly h a r d t o r et u r n t o t h e lev el h e h a d been a t in h is pr im e, a n d sh ow ed m or e en t h u sia sm for t h e h a r d g r a ft of t h e g a m e t h a n h e did a t t h e en d of h is t im e w it h u s. Da v id didn ’t h a v e m a n y ch oices a t t h e poin t of h is t r a n sfer fr om Rea l Ma dr id t o Ma jor Lea g u e Soccer in 2 0 0 7 . I im a g in e h e a lso h a d h is ey es on Holly w ood a n d t h e im pa ct it w ou ld h a v e on t h e n ex t ph a se of h is ca r eer . T h er e w a s n o foot ba llin g r ea son for h im t o g o t o

A m er ica . He w a s g iv in g u p t op-lev el clu b foot ba ll a s w ell a s t h e in t er n a t ion a l g a m e, a lt h ou g h h e fou g h t h is w a y ba ck in t o t h e En g la n d squ a d. T h a t pr ov es m y poin t a bou t t h e disa ppoin t m en t a t t h e h ea r t of h is ca r eer in it s la t er st a g es. He dr ew on a h u g e r esilien ce fa ct or t o r eg a in h is pr om in en ce a t t h e elit e lev el. Beca u se I sa w h im g r ow u p, a lon g w it h Gig g s a n d Sch oles, Da v id w a s m or e lik e a son t o m e. He join ed Un it ed a s a y ou n g Lon don la d in Ju ly 1 9 9 1 . W it h in a y ea r h e w a s pa r t of t h e so-ca lled Cla ss of ’9 2 , w in n in g t h e FA Y ou t h Cu p w it h Nick y Bu t t , Ga r y Nev ille a n d Ry a n Gig g s. He m a de 3 9 4 a ppea r a n ces for t h e fir st t ea m a n d scor ed 8 5 t im es, in clu din g on e fr om t h e h a lfw a y lin e, a g a in st W im bledon , t h e g oa l t h a t r ea lly a n n ou n ced h im t o t h e w or ld. W h en I left t h e Un it ed du g -ou t in Ma y 2 0 1 3 , Gig g s a n d Sch oles w er e st ill w it h u s, bu t by t h en it h a d been t en y ea r s sin ce Da v id h a d left for Spa in . On W edn esda y 1 8 Ju n e 2 0 0 3 w e t old t h e St ock Ex ch a n g e h e w ou ld be join in g Rea l Ma dr id for a fee of £2 4 .5 m illion . Da v id w a s 2 8 . T h e n ew s fla sh ed a r ou n d t h e w or ld. It w a s on e of t h ose g loba l m om en t s for ou r clu b. I h old n o r a n cou r t ow a r ds Da v id a t a ll. I lik e h im . I t h in k h e’s a w on der fu l boy . Bu t y ou sh ou ld n ev er su r r en der w h a t y ou ’r e g ood a t . Da v id w a s t h e on ly pla y er I m a n a g ed w h o ch ose t o be fa m ou s, w h o m a de it h is m ission t o be k n ow n ou t side t h e g a m e. W a y n e Roon ey w a s on t h e r a da r of a n in du st r y t h a t w ou ld h a v e lik ed t o ch a n g e h im . His pr ofile w a s est a blish ed in h is t een a g e y ea r s. He h a d offer s t h a t w ou ld m a k e y ou r m in d bog g le. He w a s

m a k in g t w ice ou t side of foot ba ll w h a t w e w er e pa y in g h im . T h e cor por a t e w or ld w ou ld lov e t o h a v e t a k en ov er Gig g sy , bu t t h a t w a s n ev er h is st y le. In h is fin a l sea son w it h u s, w e w er e a w a r e t h a t Da v id’s w or k -r a t e w a s dr oppin g a n d w e h a d h ea r d r u m ou r s of a flir t a t ion bet w een Rea l Ma dr id a n d Da v id’s ca m p. T h e m a in issu e w a s t h a t h is a pplica t ion lev el h a d dr opped fr om it s t r a dit ion a lly st r a t osph er ic lev el. T h e con fr on t a t ion bet w een u s t h a t ca u sed so m u ch ex cit em en t a r ou n d t h e g a m e w a s a n FA Cu p fift h r ou n d t ie a g a in st A r sen a l a t Old T r a ffor d in Febr u a r y 2 0 0 3 , w h ich w e lost 2 –0 . Da v id’s offen ce in t h a t pa r t icu la r g a m e w a s t h a t h e n eg lect ed t o t r a ck ba ck for t h e secon d A r sen a l g oa l, scor ed by Sy lv a in W ilt or d. He m er ely jog g ed. T h e boy ju st k ept on r u n n in g a w a y fr om h im . A t t h e en d I g ot on t o h im . A s u su a l, w it h Da v id a t t h a t t im e, h e w a s dism issiv e of m y cr it icism . It ’s possible t h a t h e w a s st a r t in g t o t h in k h e n o lon g er n eeded t o t r a ck ba ck a n d ch a se, w h ich w er e t h e v er y qu a lit ies t h a t h a d m a de h im w h a t h e w a s. He w a s a r ou n d 1 2 feet fr om m e. Bet w een u s on t h e floor la y a r ow of boot s. Da v id sw or e. I m ov ed t ow a r ds h im , a n d a s I a ppr oa ch ed I k ick ed a boot . It h it h im r ig h t a bov e t h e ey e. Of cou r se h e r ose t o h a v e a g o a t m e a n d t h e pla y er s st opped h im . ‘Sit dow n ,’ I sa id. ‘Y ou ’v e let y ou r t ea m dow n . Y ou ca n a r g u e a s m u ch a s y ou lik e.’ I ca lled h im in t h e n ex t da y t o g o t h r ou g h t h e v ideo a n d h e st ill w ou ld n ot a ccept h is m ist a k e. A s h e sa t

list en in g t o m e, h e didn ’t sa y a w or d. Not a w or d. ‘Do y ou u n der st a n d w h a t w e’r e t a lk in g a bou t , w h y w e g ot on t o y ou ?’ I a sk ed. He didn ’t ev en a n sw er m e. T h e n ex t da y t h e st or y w a s in t h e pr ess. In pu blic a n A lice ba n d h ig h lig h t ed t h e da m a g e in flict ed by t h e boot . It w a s in t h ose da y s t h a t I t old t h e boa r d Da v id h a d t o g o. My m essa g e w ou ld h a v e been fa m ilia r t o boa r d m em ber s w h o k n ew m e. T h e m in u t e a Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er t h ou g h t h e w a s big g er t h a n t h e m a n a g er , h e h a d t o g o. I u sed t o sa y , ‘T h e m om en t t h e m a n a g er loses h is a u t h or it y , y ou don ’t h a v e a clu b. T h e pla y er s w ill be r u n n in g it , a n d t h en y ou ’r e in t r ou ble.’ Da v id t h ou g h t h e w a s big g er t h a n A lex Fer g u son . T h er e is n o dou bt a bou t t h a t in m y m in d. It doesn ’t m a t t er w h et h er it ’s A lex Fer g u son or Pet e t h e Plu m ber . T h e n a m e of t h e m a n a g er is ir r elev a n t . T h e a u t h or it y is w h a t cou n t s. Y ou ca n n ot h a v e a pla y er t a k in g ov er t h e dr essin g r oom . Ma n y t r ied. T h e focu s of a u t h or it y a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed is t h e m a n a g er ’s office. T h a t w a s t h e dea t h k n ell for h im . T h en , of cou r se, a ft er fin ish in g t op of ou r Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g r ou p, w e w er e dr a w n a g a in st Rea l Ma dr id. In Spa in , for t h e fir st leg , Da v id seem ed especia lly k een t o sh a k e h a n ds w it h Rober t o Ca r los, t h e Ma dr id left -ba ck . T h e follow in g Sa t u r da y , a ft er ou r 3 –1 defea t a t t h e Ber n a béu , h e w it h dr ew fr om t h e g a m e a g a in st New ca st le, sa y in g h e w a sn ’t fit . I pla y ed Solsk ja er , w h o w a s m a g n ificen t in a 6 –2 w in , a n d h e st a y ed in t h e side.

Da v id’s for m , qu it e sim ply , w a sn ’t g ood en ou g h for m e t o pu ll Solsk ja er ou t of a w in n in g t ea m for t h e Old T r a ffor d leg a g a in st Rea l. Du r in g a r ou n d of h ea d t en n is befor e t h e r et u r n g a m e, I pu lled Da v id a side a n d t old h im , ‘Look , I’m g oin g t o st a r t w it h Ole.’ He h u ffed a n d w a lk ed a w a y . T h er e w a s a t er r ific h u lla boo t h a t n ig h t , w it h Da v id com in g on a s su b for V er ón in t h e 6 3 r d m in u t e a n d g iv in g w h a t look ed lik e a fa r ew ell t o t h e Old T r a ffor d cr ow d. He scor ed fr om a fr ee k ick a n d st r u ck t h e w in n er in t h e 8 5 t h m in u t e. W e w on 4 –3 , bu t Ron a ldo’s w on der fu l h a t -t r ick a n d t h e defea t in Spa in sen t u s ou t of t h e com pet it ion . Da v id w a s look in g for t h e sy m pa t h y v ot e fr om t h e fa n s. Bu t t h er e is n o dou bt t h er e h a d been a dir ect a t t a ck on m e. T h e m ov e t o Rea l Ma dr id w a s clea r ly a cceler a t in g . Fr om w h a t w e cou ld g a t h er , t h er e h a d been dia log u e bet w een h is a g en t a n d Rea l Ma dr id. T h e fir st con t a ct w e h a d w a s pr oba bly in t h e m iddle of Ma y , a ft er ou r sea son h a d en ded. Ou r ch ief ex ecu t iv e, Pet er Ken y on , ca lled t o sa y : ‘Rea l Ma dr id h a v e been on t h e ph on e.’ ‘W ell,’ I sa id, ‘w e ex pect ed t h a t .’ W e w er e look in g for £2 5 m illion . I w en t t o Fr a n ce on h olida y a n d Pet er ca lled m y m obile, w h ile I w a s in a r est a u r a n t , h a v in g din n er w it h Jim Sh er ida n , t h e film dir ect or , w h o h a d a n a pa r t m en t ov er t h e pla ce w h er e w e w er e ea t in g . I n eeded a pr iv a t e ph on e. ‘Com e u p t o m y a pa r t m en t , u se m in e,’ sa id Jim . So t h a t ’s h ow it w a s don e. ‘He doesn ’t g o u n less w e g et t h e t w en t y -fiv e,’ I t old Pet er . I believ e it w a s £1 8 m illion

dow n , w it h a dd-on s, t h a t w e ev en t u a lly r eceiv ed. Da v id h a dn ’t disa ppea r ed fr om t h e t ea m a lt og et h er . W e w on t h e t it le w it h a 4 –1 w in a g a in st Ch a r lt on a t Old T r a ffor d on 3 Ma y 2 0 0 3 . He scor ed in t h a t g a m e a n d a g a in a t Ev er t on on 1 1 Ma y a s ou r sea son en ded w it h a 2 –1 w in . A fr ee k ick fr om 2 0 y a r ds w a s n ot a ba d w a y for h im t o depa r t on a da y w h en ou r defen ce w a s h ou n ded by a y ou n g loca l t a len t ca lled W a y n e Roon ey . Da v id h a d pla y ed h is pa r t in ou r v ict or iou s Lea g u e ca m pa ig n , so t h er e w a s n o r ea son t o lea v e h im ou t a t Goodison Pa r k . Ma y be h e w a sn ’t m a t u r e en ou g h a t t h a t t im e t o h a n dle ev er y t h in g t h a t w a s g oin g on in h is life. T oda y , h e seem s t o m a n a g e t h in g s bet t er . He is m or e cer t a in of h is posit ion in life, m or e in con t r ol. Bu t it w a s r ea ch in g t h e st a g e ba ck t h en w h en I felt u n com for t a ble w it h t h e celebr it y a spect of h is life. A n ex a m ple: a r r iv in g a t t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d a t 3 p.m . befor e a t r ip t o Leicest er Cit y , I n ot iced t h e pr ess lin ed u p on t h e r oa d in t o Ca r r in g t on . T h er e m u st h a v e been 2 0 ph ot og r a ph er s. ‘W h a t ’s g oin g on ?’ I dem a n ded. I w a s t old, ‘A ppa r en t ly Beck h a m is r ev ea lin g h is n ew h a ir cu t t om or r ow .’ Da v id t u r n ed u p w it h a bea n ie h a t on . A t din n er t h a t n ig h t h e w a s st ill w ea r in g it . ‘Da v id, t a k e y ou r bea n ie h a t off, y ou ’r e in a r est a u r a n t ,’ I sa id. He r efu sed. ‘Don ’t be so st u pid,’ I per sist ed. ‘T a k e it off.’ Bu t h e w ou ldn ’t . So I w a s r a g in g . T h er e w a s n o w a y I cou ld fin e h im

for it . Plen t y of pla y er s h a d w or n ba seba ll ca ps on t h e w a y t o g a m es a n d so on , bu t n on e h a d been so defia n t a bou t k eepin g on e on du r in g a t ea m m ea l. T h e n ex t da y , t h e pla y er s w er e g oin g ou t for t h e pr em a t ch w a r m -u p a n d Da v id h a d h is bea n ie h a t on . ‘Da v id,’ I sa id, ‘y ou ’r e n ot g oin g ou t w it h t h a t bea n ie h a t on . Y ou ’ll n ot be pla y in g . I’ll t a k e y ou ou t of t h e t ea m r ig h t n ow .’ He w en t ber ser k . T ook it off. Ba ld h ea d, com plet ely sh a v ed. I sa id, ‘Is t h a t w h a t t h is w a s a ll a bou t ? A sh a v ed h ea d t h a t n obody w a s t o see?’ T h e pla n w a s t h a t h e w ou ld k eep t h e bea n ie h a t on a n d t a k e it off ju st befor e k ick -off. A t t h a t t im e I w a s st a r t in g t o despa ir of h im . I cou ld see h im bein g sw a llow ed u p by t h e m edia or pu blicit y a g en t s. Da v id w a s a t a g r ea t clu b. He h a d a fin e ca r eer . He g a v e m e 1 2 t o 1 5 g oa ls a sea son , w or k ed h is ba lls off. T h a t w a s t a k en a w a y fr om h im . A n d w it h t h a t bein g t a k en a w a y fr om h im , h e lost t h e ch a n ce t o becom e a n a bsolu t e t op-dog pla y er . For m y m on ey , a ft er t h e ch a n g e, h e n ev er a t t a in ed t h e lev el w h er e y ou w ou ld sa y : t h a t is a n a bsolu t e t op pla y er . T h e pr ocess beg a n w h en h e w a s a r ou n d 2 2 or 2 3 . He st a r t ed t o m a k e decision s t h a t r en der ed it h a r d for h im t o dev elop in t o a r ea lly g r ea t foot ba ller . T h a t w a s t h e disa ppoin t m en t for m e. T h er e w a s n o a n im osit y bet w een u s, ju st disa ppoin t m en t , for m e. Deject ion . I w ou ld look a t h im a n d t h in k : ‘W h a t a r e y ou doin g , son ?’ W h en h e join ed u s, h e w a s t h is w ee, st a r r y -ey ed k id. Foot ba ll m a d. A t 1 6 h e w a s n ev er ou t of t h e

g y m n a siu m a n d cou ldn ’t st op pr a ct isin g . He lov ed t h e g a m e; h e w a s liv in g t h e dr ea m . T h en h e w a n t ed t o g iv e it a ll u p for a n ew ca r eer , a n ew lifest y le, for st a r dom . Fr om on e per spect iv e it w ou ld be ch u r lish of m e t o sa y h e m a de t h e w r on g decision , in t h e sen se t h a t h e’s a v er y w ea lt h y m a n . He’s becom e a n icon . People r ea ct t o h is st y le ch a n g es. T h ey copy t h em . Bu t I’m a foot ba ll m a n , a n d I don ’t t h in k y ou g iv e u p foot ba ll for a n y t h in g . Y ou ca n h a v e h obbies. I h a v e h or ses; Mich a el Ow en h a d h or ses; Sch oles h a d h or ses. On e or t w o pla y er s lik ed a r t . I h a d a lov ely pa in t in g in m y office t h a t Kier a n Rich a r dson did. W h a t y ou don ’t do is su r r en der t h e n u t s a n d bolt s of foot ba ll. A y ea r pr ior t o lea v in g u s, of cou r se, Da v id h a d t a k en pa r t in t h e 2 0 0 2 W or ld Cu p in Ja pa n a n d Sou t h Kor ea , w eek s a ft er br ea k in g h is m et a t a r sa l in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e t ie a t Old T r a ffor d in t h e spr in g of 2 0 0 2 . T h a t w a s qu it e a dr a m a . A lt h ou g h Da v id su st a in ed t h e sa m e m et a t a r sa l in ju r y t h a t w a s t o a fflict W a y n e Roon ey fou r y ea r s la t er , t h er e w a s a differ en ce in t h e r ecov er y pr ocess. Da v id w a s a n a t u r a lly fit t y pe of g u y . W a y n e n eeded m or e w or k t o br in g h im ba ck t o sh a r pn ess. So I ca lcu la t ed t h a t Da v id m ig h t be fit en ou g h for t h e W or ld Cu p, a n d sa id so open ly a t t h e t im e. In t h e ev en t , w h en En g la n d a r r iv ed in Ja pa n , h e m ig h t st ill h a v e been ca r r y in g t h e r em n a n t s of h is in ju r y . It ’s h a r d t o t ell w it h som e pla y er s, beca u se in t h eir desper a t ion t o pla y in a W or ld Cu p, t h ey t ell y ou t h ey a r e fin e. Fr om t h e ev iden ce of t h e t ou r n a m en t ,

Da v id cou ldn ’t h a v e been a ll r ig h t . T h e pr oof t h a t ph y sica l fr a ilt y w a s st ill pr ey in g on h is m in d cou ld be seen w h en h e ju m ped ov er a t a ck le n ea r t h e t ou ch lin e in a sequ en ce of pla y t h a t led t o Br a zil’s equ a liser in t h e qu a r t er -fin a l in Sh izu ok a . I w a s su r pr ised a t h ow ph y sica lly off t h e pa ce h e seem ed, beca u se h e w a s su ch a fit boy . So h e cou ldn ’t h a v e been fit , eit h er ph y sica lly or m en t a lly . People a ccu sed m e, beca u se I’m Scot t ish , of n ot w a n t in g En g la n d t o do w ell. If En g la n d pla y ed Scot la n d t oda y , bloody r ig h t , I w ou ldn ’t w a n t En g la n d t o do w ell. Bu t I h a d m or e pla y er s in m y t ea m s w h o w er e r epr esen t in g En g la n d t h a n a n y ot h er cou n t r y , a n d a lw a y s w a n t ed t h em t o sh in e. W h en y ou h a v e a pla y er of Beck h a m ’s pr ofile (a n d I h a d a n ot h er la t er , in Roon ey ), t h er e is a con v er g en ce of m edica l st a ff a lw a y s w a n t in g t o in t er fer e. En g la n d’s m edica l st a ff w ou ld w a n t t o com e t o t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d. Oft en I felt t h a t t h is w a s a n in su lt t o u s. I w on der ed w h et h er m y Scot t ish n ess w a s a fa ct or , a r ea son n ot t o t r u st m e. Befor e t h e 2 0 0 6 W or ld Cu p, w h en Roon ey join ed u p la t e w it h En g la n d’s squ a d in Ger m a n y , En g la n d w er e t ex t in g u s v ir t u a lly ev er y da y , a sk in g h ow h e w a s, a s if w e cou ldn ’t look a ft er h im ou r selv es. T h e pa n ic w a s w ild. T h ey w er e pet r ified. In 2 0 0 6 I w a s 1 0 0 per cen t cor r ect . W a y n e Roon ey sh ou ld n ot h a v e pla y ed in t h a t t ou r n a m en t . He w a s n ot r ea dy . He sh ou ld n ev er h a v e been ca lled t o Ba den -Ba den w h er e En g la n d w er e ba sed. It w a s u n fa ir t o h im , t o t h e r est of t h e pla y er s a n d t o t h e su ppor t er s. W a y n e w a s

t h e g r ea t h ope of t h a t t ea m , of cou r se, w h ich a dded t o t h e pr essu r e t o ov er look r ea lit y . W it h Da v id I w a s con fiden t h e w ou ld t u r n u p in g ood sh a pe beca u se I k n ew h is r ecor d a n d h a d seen a ll t h e st a t ist ics. He w a s ea sily t h e fit t est pla y er a t Old T r a ffor d. In pr e-sea son t r a in in g , in t h e bleep t est s, h e w a s st r eet s a h ea d of ev er y on e. W e t old En g la n d w e w er e su r e Da v id w ou ld be fit in t im e. T h e obsession w it h Da v id’s r ecov er y w a s pr edict a ble. A n ox y g en t en t fou n d it s w a y t o Ca r r in g t on . W e h a d g ood r esu lt s fr om t h a t dev ice on Roy Kea n e’s h a m st r in g in ju r y befor e a Eu r opea n g a m e. Bon es a r e a differ en t m a t t er . T h e cu r e is r est . It ’s t im e. A m et a t a r sa l is a six - t o sev en -w eek in ju r y . In t h e 2 0 0 2 W or ld Cu p, En g la n d fa iled t o m a k e m u ch of a n im pa ct . A g a in st Br a zil, t h ey w er e ou t pla y ed by t en m en . In t h e fir st g r ou p g a m e, t h ey pla y ed lon g ba ll a g a in st Sw eden , w h o k n ew t h e En g lish g a m e, a n d so w er e h a r dly lik ely t o be ca u g h t off-g u a r d by dir ect pla y . It ’s a n in dict m en t of En g la n d t ea m s a t y ou t h lev el t h a t so m a n y h a v e fa llen ba ck on t h is ou t da t ed t a ct ic. T oo m a n y pla y ed lon g ba ll. On on e occa sion w e m a de a poin t of m on it or in g T om Clev er ley in t h e U-2 1 s a g a in st Gr eece, a n d ou r scou t s r epor t ed t h a t En g la n d pla y ed on e u p, w it h t w o w ide – Clev er ley bein g on e of t h e w ide pla y er s – a n d T om didn ’t g et a k ick . Ch r is Sm a llin g pla y ed a n d k ept la u n ch in g t h e ba ll for w a r d. T h is is t h e a r ea w h er e En g la n d w er e a lw a y s lik ely t o be ca u g h t ou t . Beca u se t h ey don ’t h a v e en ou g h t ech n ica l a n d coa ch in g a bilit y , t h e y ea r s fr om 9 t o 1 6 a r e t h r ow n

aw ay . So h ow do t h ey com pen sa t e? T h e boy s com pet e, ph y sica lly . Gr ea t a t t it u de, t h ey h a v e. Sleev es u p. Bu t t h ey don ’t pr odu ce a pla y er . T h ey a r e n ev er g oin g t o w in a W or ld Cu p w it h t h a t sy st em , t h a t m en t a lit y . Br a zil w ou ld pr odu ce y ou n g pla y er s w h o cou ld t a k e t h e ba ll in a n y posit ion , a t a n y a n g le. T h ey a r e flu id in t h eir m ov em en t s. T h ey a r e foot ba ll-m in ded people, beca u se t h ey a r e a ccu st om ed t o it fr om fiv e or six y ea r s of a g e. Da v id w or k ed ex t r em ely h a r d on t h e t ech n ica l side of h is g a m e. He w a s a lso a w on der fu l n et w or k er . Ev en w h en h e w a s left ou t of t h e GB Oly m pic squ a d in t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 2 , it w a s h is ca m p t h a t r elea sed t h e n ew s, r a t h er t h a n t h e FA . T h e qu ot es w er e a ll m a g n a n im ou s. Bu t I’m su r e h e w a s a s sick a s a pig . I r em em ber Mel Ma ch in sa y in g t o m e: ‘Gig g s a n d Beck h a m – t h ey ’r e w or ld-cla ss pla y er s, a n d y et y ou g et t h em t o g o fr om box t o box a s w ell. How do y ou do t h a t ?’ I cou ld on ly r eply t h a t t h ey w er e g ift ed n ot on ly w it h n a t u r a l t a len t bu t t h e st a m in a t o ca r r y t h em u p a n d dow n t h e pit ch . W e h a d som et h in g specia l w it h t h ose t w o. It ch a n g ed w it h Da v id beca u se h e w a n t ed it t o ch a n g e. His ey e w a s off t h e ba ll. A sh a m e, beca u se h e cou ld st ill h a v e been a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed w h en I left . He w ou ld h a v e been on e of t h e g r ea t est Ma n Un it ed leg en ds. T h e on ly t h in g m a k in g h im a leg en d a t LA Ga la x y a n d bey on d w a s h is icon ic st a t u s. A t som e poin t in h is life, h e m a y feel t h e u r g e t o sa y : I m a de a m ist a k e.

Bu t let m e a lso pa y t r ibu t e t o h im . His pow er s of per sev er a n ce a r e a m a zin g , a s h e sh ow ed w h en join in g Pa r is St -Ger m a in in Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 3 . A t Un it ed h e w a s a lw a y s t h e fit t est boy in t h e bu ildin g . T h a t h elped h im ca r r y on pla y in g t o t h e a g e of 3 7 . T h e st a m in a h e bu ilt in t o h im self fr om ch ildh ood su r v iv ed. T h e MLS is n ot a Mick ey Mou se lea g u e. It ’s a ct u a lly qu it e a n a t h let ic lea g u e. I w a t ch ed Beck h a m in t h e fin a l of t h e MLS Cu p a n d n ot iced h ow w ell h e did, t r a ck in g ba ck , pu t t in g in a sh ift . Nor did h e disg r a ce h im self a t Mila n du r in g h is loa n per iod t h er e. A t PSG h e pla y ed for a n h ou r in t h e qu a r t er -fin a ls of t h e Eu r opea n Cu p. He w a sn ’t in t h e g a m e m u ch , bu t h e ca r r ied ou t h is du t ies w ell. He w or k ed h a r d a n d h it a few g ood pa sses ea r ly in t h e g a m e. I a sk ed m y self, ‘How does h e do it ?’ St a m in a w a s t h e fir st a n sw er . Bu t Da v id a lso discov er ed a desir e t o con fou n d ev er y body . A n d h e cou ld st ill h it a fin e cr oss, a g ood cr oss-field ba ll, w h ich a r e t r a it s h e n ev er lost . T h ey w er e in g r a in ed in w h a t h e w a s a s a n a t h let e. T o pla y in t h e la t er r ou n ds of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e a t n ea r ly 3 8 w a s qu it e a n a ch iev em en t a ft er fiv e y ea r s in A m er ica . He w a s ba ck in t h e m ix . Y ou ca n on ly pr a ise h im for t h a t . On e or t w o people a sk ed m e w h et h er I w ou ld t a k e h im ba ck a ft er h e left LA . W it h h im a t 3 7 , t h er e w a s n o poin t g oin g dow n t h a t r oa d. T h er e w a s a pu blicit y elem en t for PSG in sig n in g h im on a six -m on t h dea l. Da v id, h ow ev er , ig n or ed t h a t pa r t of it . A s fa r a s h e w a s con cer n ed, h e w a s st ill a g r ea t pla y er . Gig g s, Sch oles a n d I discu ssed t h is on e da y . A s I sa id, h e h a d

t h is t a len t for block in g ou t ba d per for m a n ces. I w ou ld g iv e h im st ick a n d h e w ou ld g o off in a h u ff, pr oba bly t h in k in g , ‘T h a t m a n a g er ’s off h is h ea d, I w a s g ood t oda y .’ In LA , h e pr oba bly t h ou g h t Holly w ood w a s h is n ex t st ep in life. T h er e w a s a pu r pose a n d a pla n in h im g oin g t o Los A n g eles, I t h in k . T h a t a side, y ou h a v e t o a dm ir e h is t en a cit y . He a m a zed m e a n d h e a m a zed ev er y on e a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. W h a t ev er h e pu r su es in life, h e ju st k eeps on g oin g .

six

RIO

Fer din a n d’s eig h t -m on t h su spen sion w a s a sh ock t h a t r ev er ber a t ed t o t h e cor e of Ma n ch est er Un it ed, a n d m y in dig n a t ion en du r es t o t h is da y . My issu e is n ot w it h t h e r u les on dope t est in g , bu t w it h h ow t h e pr ocess u n folded on t h e da y Rio w a s m ea n t t o pr ov ide a r ou t in e sa m ple a t ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d. On 2 3 Sept em ber 2 0 0 3 , a dr u g -t est in g t ea m fr om UK Spor t a r r iv ed a t Ca r r in g t on t o t a k e r a n dom sa m ples fr om fou r of ou r pla y er s, w h ose n a m es w er e pick ed ou t of a h a t . W h a t st a r t ed a s a r ou t in e t r a in in g da y w a s t o h a v e h u g e r a m ifica t ion s for Rio, h is fa m ily , Ma n ch est er Un it ed a n d En g la n d. Rio, w h o w a s on e of t h ose select ed, left Ca r r in g t on w it h ou t pr ov idin g a sa m ple, a n d by t h e t im e w e m a n a g ed t o g et h old of h im , t h e dr u g t est er s h a d left for t h e da y . He t ook t h e t est t h e follow in g da y , 2 4 Sept em ber , bu t w a s t old h e w a s in br ea ch of t h e ‘st r ict lia bilit y ’ r u le on dope t est s a n d w ou ld be ch a r g ed. T h e ou t com e w a s t h a t Rio w a s ba n n ed fr om 2 0 Ja n u a r y t o 2 Sept em ber 2 0 0 4 a n d fin ed £5 0 ,0 0 0 .

A side fr om a ll t h e Ma n Un it ed g a m es h e m issed, it a lso m ea n t h e w a s in elig ible for t h e 2 0 0 4 Eu r opea n Ch a m pion sh ip in Por t u g a l. His r em ov a l by t h e FA fr om t h e En g la n d squ a d t o pla y T u r k ey in Oct ober 2 0 0 3 a lm ost ca u sed a st r ik e by t h e En g la n d pla y er s. On t h e fa t efu l m or n in g in Sept em ber , t h e t est er s w er e h a v in g a cu p of t ea a n d, in m y ju dg m en t , didn ’t do t h eir job. T h ey didn ’t g o look in g for Rio. My v iew of it is t h a t t h e t est er s sh ou ld g o t o t h e pit ch a n d st a n d t h er e u n t il t h e pla y er fin ish es t r a in in g , t h en follow h im t o t h e dr essin g r oom . Rou n d a bou t t h a t t im e, t est er s w en t t o W r ex h a m Foot ba ll Clu b a n d en ded u p t est in g m y son Da r r en a n d t w o ot h er pla y er s. T h ey st a y ed on t h e pit ch , escor t ed t h em t o t h e ch a n g in g a r ea a n d ex t r a ct ed t h e n ecessa r y u r in e sa m ple. W h y did t h a t n ot h a ppen w it h Rio a t Ca r r in g t on ? W e k n ew t h e t est er s w er e a t ou r t r a in in g cen t r e beca u se Mik e St on e, t h e doct or , t old u s t h e dr u g people w er e on t h e pr em ises. Mik e h a d a cu p of t ea w it h t h em w h ile t h e m essa g e w a s sen t dow n t o t h e a ffect ed pla y er s in t h e dr essin g r oom . Rio w a s g iv en t h e m essa g e, n o dou bt a bou t t h a t , bu t if y ou t h in k of Rio’s la idba ck n a t u r e, it w a s n o su r pr ise t h a t h e fa iled t o h ook u p w it h people w h o w er e n ow h er e t o be seen . He w a s n ot a dr u g t a k er . Rio Fer din a n d w a s n ot a dr u g t a k er . W e w ou ld h a v e k n ow n . It sh ow s in t h eir ey es. A n d h e n ev er m issed a t r a in in g session . Dr u g t a k er s a r e a ll ov er t h e pla ce. T h ey becom e in con sist en t . Rio w ou ld n ev er be a dr u g t a k er beca u se h is sen se of r espon sibilit y a s t o w h o h e is in spor t is t oo big . Rio is a n in t ellig en t g u y bu t ea sy -g oin g . He m a de a

m ist a k e, bu t so did t h e dr u g people. T h ey didn ’t t a k e t h e st eps t h a t w ou ld h a v e a v er t ed t h e cr isis t h a t en su ed. T h ey sh ou ld h a v e been on t h a t t r a in in g field, w a it in g t o t a k e h im in for h is t est . I w a s a w a r e t h a t a ser iou s br ea ch of t h e dr u g -t est in g r u les h a d been com m it t ed bu t I st ill fou n d it h a r d t o believ e t h a t Rio w ou ld en d u p w it h su ch a br u t a l pu n ish m en t . T h e t en den cy is t o t r ea t pla y er s t h e w a y y ou w ou ld y ou r ch ildr en , a n d n ot believ e t h em t o be g u ilt y of a n y a lleg a t ion t h a t or ig in a t ed ou t side t h e fa m ily . Ma u r ice W a t k in s, ou r solicit or , w a s qu it e con fiden t w e cou ld w in ou r ca se, on t h e g r ou n ds t h a t t h e officia ls h a d n ot ph y sica lly t a k en Rio a w a y for t h e t est . In m y opin ion , a n ex a m ple w a s oft en m a de of Ma n ch est er Un it ed. Er ic Ca n t on a w a s t h e fir st m a jor ca se w h en in 1 9 9 5 h e w a s sen t en ced t o t w o w eek s’ im pr ison m en t a n d ba n n ed fr om pla y in g for n in e m on t h s for h is k u n g fu k ick a t a spect a t or (h is pr ison sen t en ce w a s la t er com m u t ed t o 1 2 0 h ou r s’ com m u n it y ser v ice). T h en , in 2 0 0 8 , Pa t r ice Ev r a w a s disciplin ed by t h e FA a ft er a con fr on t a t ion w it h a g r ou n dsm a n a t St a m for d Br idg e. Pa t r ice pick ed u p a fou r -m a t ch ba n for a sk ir m ish on t h e pit ch – w h en ev er y on e h a d g on e h om e – w it h a g r ou n dsm a n . People a ssu m ed Ma n Un it ed r eceiv ed specia l t r ea t m en t . T h e r ev er se w a s oft en t r u e. A ft er a lot of leg a l t oin g a n d fr oin g , Rio’s h ea r in g w a s h eld by a n FA disciplin a r y com m ission a t Bolt on ’s Reebok St a diu m in Decem ber 2 0 0 3 a n d la st ed 1 8 h ou r s. It w a s 8 6 da y s a ft er t h e m issed t est . I w a s a m on g t h ose w h o g a v e ev iden ce on Rio’s beh a lf. Bu t t h e

t h r ee-m a n pa n el fou n d Rio g u ilt y of m iscon du ct . Ma u r ice W a t k in s ca lled t h e sen t en ce ‘sa v a g e a n d u n pr eceden t ed’ a n d Da v id Gill sa id Rio h a d been m a de ‘a sca peg oa t ’. Gor don T a y lor of t h e PFA ca lled it ‘dr a con ia n ’. I spok e t o Rio’s m ot h er r ig h t a w a y beca u se t h e poor w om a n w a s in bit s. W e cou ld feel dev a st a t ed by t h e loss of a n im por t a n t pla y er , bu t it is t h e m ot h er w h o w ill ca r r y t h e r ea l w eig h t of su ch a pu n ish m en t . Ja n ice w a s cr y in g dow n t h e ph on e a s I t old h er t h a t ou r h ig h opin ion of Rio w ou ld n ot be a ffect ed by t h e ev en t s of t h e la st fou r m on t h s. W e k n ew h e w a s in n ocen t , w e k n ew h e h a d been ca r eless a n d w e k n ew h e h a d been pu n ish ed t oo sev er ely . A t t h a t st a g e w e w er e con sider in g a n a ppea l, bu t it w a s obv iou s w e h a d n o ch a n ce of w in n in g . I cou ld n ev er u n der st a n d t h a t a m issed dr u g t est w a s t r ea t ed a s ser iou sly a s a fa iled on e. If y ou a dm it t o bein g a dr u g t a k er , y ou a r e r eh a bilit a t ed. W e felt t h a t t h e pla y er w a s t ellin g t h e t r u t h , w h er ea s t h e sy st em a ssu m ed h e w a s n ot . Nor did w e lik e t h e fa ct t h a t in for m a t ion seem ed t o be lea k in g t o t h e pr ess fr om t h e FA . In ou r v iew t h e con fiden t ia lit y pr in ciple w a s bein g br ea ch ed. I t old t h e h ea r in g a t Bolt on t h a t Rio w ou ld be in m y t ea m t o pla y Spu r s t h a t w eek en d, r eg a r dless of t h e ou t com e. He pla y ed a lon g side Mik a ël Silv est r e in a 2 –1 w in a t W h it e Ha r t La n e. In h is la st g a m e for eig h t m on t h s, Rio st a r t ed in ou r 1 –0 defea t a t W olv es on 1 7 Ja n u a r y 2 0 0 4 , bu t ca m e off in ju r ed a ft er 5 0 m in u t es. W es Br ow n t ook h is pla ce. Ken n y Miller scor ed t h e on ly g oa l of t h e g a m e.

I felt st r ick en t o h a v e lost h im for so lon g . Ou r r ela t ion sh ip st a r t ed, in a sen se, lon g befor e I m a de h im t h e m ost ex pen siv e sig n in g in En g lish foot ba ll. I w a s v er y fr ien dly w it h Mel Ma ch in , w h o ca lled m e fr om Bou r n em ou t h in 1 9 9 7 t o sa y h e h a d a boy on loa n fr om W est Ha m . ‘Go a n d bu y h im ,’ Mel sa id. ‘W h a t ’s h is n a m e?’ ‘Rio Fer din a n d.’ I k n ew t h a t n a m e fr om En g la n d y ou t h t ea m s. Mel w a s in sist en t . Mel, of cou r se, w a s close t o Ha r r y Redk n a pp, t h en m a n a g er of W est Ha m , w h er e Rio h a d been n u r t u r ed, so I w a s su r e h is ju dg m en t w a s ba sed on solid in for m a t ion . I r a ised t h e su bject of t h is y ou n g Bou r n em ou t h loa n ee w it h Ma r t in Edw a r ds. W e h a d h im w a t ch ed a t Bou r n em ou t h a n d m a de a n ot e of h is a t t r ibu t es: g r a cefu l, ba la n ced, fir st t ou ch lik e a cen t r efor w a r d. T h en w e ch eck ed h is ba ck g r ou n d. Ma r t in ca lled t h e W est Ha m ch a ir m a n , T er r y Br ow n , w h o sa id: ‘Giv e u s a m illion plu s Da v id Beck h a m .’ In ot h er w or ds: h e’s n ot for sa le. A t t h a t t im e, Ja a p St a m a n d Ron n y Joh n sen w er e en scon ced in t h e h ea r t of ou r defen ce a n d W es Br ow n w a s em er g in g a s a y ou n g cen t r e-h a lf of pr om ise. In t h e ev en t , Rio w a s t r a n sfer r ed t o Leeds for £1 8 m illion . In h is fir st g a m e for ou r Y or k sh ir e r iv a ls, h e pla y ed in a ba ck t h r ee a g a in st Leicest er Cit y a n d w a s a n n ih ila t ed. W a t ch in g t h a t m a t ch I felt a su r g e of r elief, w h ich I la u g h a bou t n ow . T h a n k God w e didn ’t bu y h im . He w a s a ll ov er t h e pla ce. Bu t , n eedless t o sa y , h e dev eloped ex cept ion a lly w ell. Cen t r e-ba ck s w er e t h e fou n da t ion of m y Ma n ch est er

Un it ed sides. A lw a y s cen t r e-ba ck s. I look ed for st a bilit y a n d con sist en cy . T a k e St ev e Br u ce a n d Ga r y Pa llist er : u n t il I fou n d t h ose t w o w e w er e w it h ou t a pr a y er . Pa u l McGr a t h w a s con st a n t ly in ju r ed; Kev in Mor a n a lw a y s h a d split h ea ds. He w a s lik e a pu n ch -dr u n k box er by t h e t im e I beca m e h is m a n a g er . I w en t t o a g a m e in Nor w a y , w h er e Ron Y ea t s w a s pr esen t in h is ca pa cit y a s ch ief scou t for Liv er pool. ‘I sa w y ou r old pla y er a t Bla ck bu r n la st w eek . Kev in Mor a n ,’ sa id Ron ov er a dr in k . I a sk ed: ‘How did h e do?’ A n sw er : ‘He la st ed a bou t 1 5 m in u t es. Got t a k en off w it h a split h ea d.’ ‘Not u n u su a l, t h a t ,’ I sa id. Gr a em e Hog g , m ea n w h ile, h a d n ot r ea ch ed t h e st a n da r d w e r equ ir ed. So I a lw a y s t old m y ch a ir m en , ‘W e n eed cen t r e-ba ck s w h o w ill pla y ev er y w eek . T h ey g iv e y ou t h e st ea din ess a n d con sist en cy and con t in u it y .’ T h a t led u s t o Br u ce a n d Pa llist er , w h o pla y ed for ev er a n d n ev er seem ed t o be in ju r ed. I r em em ber on e Fr ida y befor e w e pla y ed Liv er pool, Br u ce h obblin g a r ou n d T h e Cliff r u bbin g h is h a m st r in g a n d sa y in g , ‘Don ’t pick y ou r t ea m y et .’ He h a d in ju r ed it t h e pr ev iou s w eek en d. I lik ed t o set ou t m y t ea m on t h e Fr ida y so w e cou ld pr a ct ise set pieces a n d so on . ‘W h a t a r e y ou on a bou t ?’ I sa id. ‘I’ll be a ll r ig h t ,’ sa y s St ev e. ‘Don ’t be so st u pid,’ I sa y . So h e st a r t s r u n n in g a r ou n d T h e Cliff. He jog s r ou n d t h e pit ch t w ice. ‘I’m a ll r ig h t ,’ h e sa y s. He’s on ly fa cin g Ia n Ru sh a n d Joh n A ldr idg e for Liv er pool. Mea n w h ile

h e ca n ’t st op r u bbin g h is h a m st r in g . Br u ce pla y ed r ig h t t h r ou g h t h a t g a m e. He a n d Pa lly w er e m a r v ellou s. St a m br ou g h t u s t h e sa m e t ou g h n ess a n d r elia bilit y . Look , t oo, a t t h e pa r t n er sh ip bet w een Fer din a n d a n d V idić. Br illia n t , solid, n ot h in g g iv en a w a y . Con sider Ma n ch est er Un it ed t ea m s fr om t h a t w h ole er a a n d t h e cen t r e-ba ck s w er e a lw a y s a fea t u r e. So bu y in g Fer din a n d in Ju ly 2 0 0 2 con for m ed t o m y sa cr ed t ea m -bu ildin g policy of st r en g t h in t h e m iddle. W e pa id a lot , bu t w h en y ou spr ea d t h a t k in d of t r a n sfer fee for a cen t r e-h a lf ov er 1 0 or 1 2 y ea r s, it st a r t s t o look lik e a ba r g a in . Y ou ca n fr it t er a w a y plen t y of m on ey on con t en der s w h o sim ply a r en ’t g ood en ou g h . Bet t er t o spen d m or e on a sin g le pla y er of u n qu est ion a ble cla ss. W e pa id £3 .7 5 m illion for Roy Kea n e, w h ich w a s a t r a n sfer r ecor d a t t h e t im e, bu t w e h a d 1 1 y ea r s ou t of Roy . In m y t im e a t Un it ed I sold a lot of pla y er s people m ig h t n ot be fa m ilia r w it h : y ou n g r eser v e pla y er s a n d so on . On a cr u ise r ou n d t h e w est of Scot la n d a t t h e en d of m y la st sea son , I w or k ed ou t t h a t I h a d spen t a n a v er a g e of less t h a n £5 m illion a sea son ov er m y t im e a t Ma n Un it ed. I t old Rio st r a ig h t a w a y w h en h e join ed, ‘Y ou ’r e a big , ca su a l sod.’ He sa id: ‘I ca n ’t h elp it .’ ‘Y ou ’ll n eed t o h elp it . Beca u se it ’ll cost y ou g oa ls, a n d I’ll be on y ou r ba ck ,’ I sa id. A n d h e w a s ca su a l. Som et im es h e w ou ld g lide a lon g in secon d or t h ir d g ea r , t h en t a k e off lik e a spor t s ca r . I

h a d n ev er seen a big la d of 6 feet 2 in ch es possess su ch a n im pr essiv e ch a n g e of pa ce. W it h t im e h is con cen t r a t ion im pr ov ed, a n d t h e ex pect a t ion s h e pla ced on h im self r ose, a lon g w it h t h e deg r ee of r espon sibilit y h e w a s w illin g t o t a k e on in t h e t ea m a n d a r ou n d t h e clu b. He beca m e t h e com plet e foot ba ller . W h en y ou a cqu ir e a y ou n g pla y er , y ou don ’t g et t h e com plet e pa ck a g e on pu r ch a se da y . T h er e’s w or k t o be don e. If Rio w a s g oin g t o sw it ch off in a g a m e it w ou ld be a g a in st on e of t h e lesser t ea m s t h a t h e didn ’t r eg a r d a s a m a jor t h r ea t . T h e big g er t h e g a m e, t h e m or e h e lik ed it . W it h Ga r y Nev ille beg in n in g t o pick u p in ju r ies, a n d V idić a n d Ev r a set t lin g in , Rio a n d Edw in v a n der Sa r beca m e t h e defen siv e fu lcr u m of t h e t ea m in t h e secon d h a lf of t h a t deca de. I pla y ed Rio on ce in t h e cen t r e of m idfield, in 2 0 0 6 a g a in st Bla ck bu r n Rov er s, a n d h e g ot h im self sen t off. Robbie Sa v a g e w a s t h e v ict im of t h e t a ck le t h a t pu t Rio ba ck in t h e ch a n g in g r oom . T h is m a y su r pr ise som e, bu t Pa llist er w a s a s g ood a foot ba ller a s Rio. Oddly , h e w a s qu ick er , t oo, bu t h e w a s n o fa n of r u n n in g . Pa lly w a s a n t i-w or k , a n d I sa y t h a t a ffect ion a t ely . He u sed t o sa y t h a t t h e less h e did, t h e bet t er h e felt . He w a s t h e w or ld’s w or st t r a in er . I w a s a lw a y s a ft er h im . In t h e fir st 1 5 m in u t es h e w ou ld st a g g er ou t of ou r pen a lt y a r ea a ft er a n opposit ion a t t a ck , g a spin g for a ir . I w ou ld sa y t o Br ia n Kidd: ‘Look a t t h a t Pa lly – h e’s dy in g !’ I con fess I u sed t o sla u g h t er h im . Pick in g h im u p on e n ig h t for a clu b din n er , I en t er ed

h is h ou se t o fin d a g ia n t bot t le of Coca -Cola on h is fir eside t a ble a n d a big ba g of sw eet s: Cr u n ch ies, Rolos, Ma r s Ba r s. I sa id t o Ma r y , h is w ife, ‘W h a t a bou t t h is?’ ‘I don ’t k n ow h ow m a n y t im es I t ell h im , boss, h e doesn ’t list en ,’ Ma r y sa id. So w e h ea r foot st eps on t h e st a ir s a n d Pa lly descen ds t o see m e st u dy in g t h is v a st st a sh of k iddie food. ‘W h y do y ou bu y a ll t h a t st u ff, Ma r y ?’ h e sa y s t o h is w ife. So I fir e ba ck : ‘Y ou big la zy so-a n d-so, I’m fin in g y ou for t h a t !’ Ga r y w a s n o A don is bu t h e w a s a ser iou sly g ood pla y er w it h a sw eet n a t u r e. A lov ely la d. Lik e Rio, h e cou ld pa ss a ba ll a n d w a s qu ick w h en h e w a n t ed t o be. In h is la st sea son w it h u s, h e su st a in ed a cu t on h is ey ebr ow a n d w a s h ow lin g , com pla in in g t h a t it w a s t h e fir st t im e h e h a d been cu t in h is life. It didn ’t g o w it h h is im a g e. Pa lly t h ou g h t h e w a s Ca r y Gr a n t . I w a sn ’t con sciou sly look in g for a cen t r e-ba ck w h o cou ld ca r r y t h e ba ll ou t of defen ce, or sen d a n in cisiv e pa ss lik e Fr a n z Beck en ba u er . Pa ce, a n d t h e a bilit y t o r ea d t h e g a m e, a r e n on -n eg ot ia bles a t t h e t op in m oder n foot ba ll. Rio h a d bot h , w h ich is w h y I sig n ed h im . Not on ly cou ld h e defen d, bu t h e cou ld br in g t h e ba ll ou t . So a lt h ou g h defen din g ca m e fir st w it h m e, it w a s en cou r a g in g t o k n ow m y n ew cen t r e-ba ck cou ld a lso st a r t m ov es fr om t h e ba ck , w h ich beca m e t h e n or m la t er , w it h Ba r celon a a n d ot h er s. A t poin t s in Rio’s ca r eer , it w a s fa ir t o sa y t h a t h is life ex pa n ded in m or e dir ect ion s t h a n w e w er e h a ppy w it h . I t old h im I w a s fed u p w it h r ea din g a bou t h im a t din n er s a n d la u n ch es. ‘Y ou k n ow t h e t h in g a bou t

foot ba ll? It ca t ch es y ou . W h a t h a ppen s on t h e foot ba ll field t ells ev er y body ,’ I t old h im . W h en y ou st a r t t o declin e, it h a ppen s qu ick ly . A t a sm a ll clu b y ou ca n g et a w a y w it h it . Bu t a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed t h er e w er e 7 6 ,0 0 0 pa ir s of ey es on u s a n d y ou cou ld n ev er k id t h em . I t old Rio t h a t if a n y of t h ese dist r a ct ion s r edu ced h is effect iv en ess a s a foot ba ller , h e w ou ld n ot be w it h u s m u ch lon g er beca u se I w ou ld n ot be pick in g h im . Bu t h e r espon ded w ell t o t h ose w a r n in g s. W e dev ised a sy st em in w h ich h is a g en t w a s oblig ed t o t ell u s ev er y t h in g h e w a s doin g , w h ich g a v e u s g r ea t er con t r ol. T h er e w a s a m u sic com pa n y , a film , a T V pr odu ct ion com pa n y a n d a m a g a zin e t h a t t ook h im t o A m er ica t o in t er v iew P Diddy . ‘Giv e m e a br ea k , Rio,’ I sa id w h en I h ea r d h e w a s g oin g t o m eet t h a t st a r of t h e A m er ica n r a p scen e. ‘Is h e g oin g t o m a k e y ou a bet t er cen t r e-h a lf?’ Rio w a s n ot a lon e in ex plor in g ot h er ou t let s. It a ll st em m ed fr om t h e celebr it y st a t u s of t h e m oder n foot ba ller . Som e look t o ex pa n d it . Beck h a m w a s on e, a n d Rio beca m e a n ot h er . Da v id’s su ccess in t h a t r espect w a s m ir a cu lou s. Not a ll Rio’s ou t side w or k w a s celebr it y dr iv en . His w or k for UNICEF in A fr ica w a s t er r ific. Y ou ca n n ev er dism iss t h e im pa ct a Rio Fer din a n d cou ld m a k e on t h e life of a bla ck ch ild in A fr ica . Ou r m essa g e w a s sim ply t h a t h e h a d t o ba la n ce fa m e w it h a n eed t o r em em ber w h a t m a de h im su ccessfu l in t h e fir st pla ce. Som e w on ’t do t h a t . Som e ca n ’t . W e a lso t h ou g h t Rio w a s a lw a y s pr epa r in g for h is life a ft er foot ba ll, w h ich w a s n ot u n r ea son a ble. I did m u ch

t h e sa m e by t a k in g m y coa ch in g ba dg es. T h a t t ook m e fou r y ea r s. So I a lso pr epa r ed for t h e secon d h a lf of m y life, a ft er pla y in g , bu t n ot by m eet in g P Diddy . T h er e is t h a t m om en t w h en a pla y er a sk s h im self w h a t h e is g oin g t o do, beca u se st oppin g is su ch a v oid. On e m in u t e y ou ’r e pla y in g in Eu r opea n fin a ls, FA Cu p fin a ls, w in n in g ch a m pion sh ips, t h en it a ll fa des t o n ot h in g . How t o cope w it h t h a t is a ch a llen g e a ll foot ba ller s fa ce. Fa m e offer s n o im m u n it y fr om t h e em ot ion a l com edow n . T h e secon d h a lf is n ot a s ex cit in g , so h ow do y ou r e-cr ea t e it ? How do y ou r epla ce t h e t h r ill of sit t in g in t h a t dr essin g r oom t en m in u t es befor e t h e k ick -off of a g a m e t h a t is g oin g t o det er m in e w h o w in s t h e Lea g u e? By t h e en d of m y t im e, Rio h a d dev eloped ba ck pr oblem s. W e pick ed ou t t h e g oa l w e con ceded t o Cit y ’s Cr a ig Bella m y in t h e Ma n ch est er der by of 2 0 0 9 a s a n ex a m ple of h im w or k in g u n der a ph y sica l h a n dica p. T w o y ea r s pr ev iou sly h e w ou ld h a v e t a k en t h e ba ll off Bella m y a n d t h r ow n h im a side. A n ot h er w a s t h e Fer n a n do T or r es g oa l a t Liv er pool, w h en T or r es bea t h im for speed a n d lea n ed on h im on e-on -on e in t h e pen a lt y box in fr on t of t h e Kop. W e a n a ly sed t h a t w it h h im in a DV D r ev iew . Rio st epped u p t o pla y T or r es offside a n d a y ea r pr ev iou sly w ou ld h a v e r ecov er ed fr om t h a t er r or t o dispossess h im . Bu t in t h is in st a n ce h e w a s fig h t in g t o g et ba ck t o dea l w it h t h e t h r ea t a n d T or r es sh ou lder ed h im ou t of t h e r oa d a n d bla st ed it in t o t h e n et . Nobody did t h a t t o Rio. It t old y ou t h e ba ck in ju r y w a s n ot on ly ca u sin g h im pa in , bu t a lso a dv er sely a ffect in g h is ba la n ce.

Rio a lw a y s cr u ised. He n ev er h a d t o fig h t t o r u n . A ft er t h e lon g la y -off t h a t ca u sed h im t o m iss m ost of t h e w in t er , h e ca m e ba ck br illia n t ly in t r a in in g , a n d ex celled a g a in st Cit y in t h e sem i-fin a l secon d leg in 2 0 0 9 a t Old T r a ffor d a ft er a lm ost t h r ee m on t h s ou t . In h is a u t u m n y ea r s I h a d t o t ell h im t o ch a n g e h is g a m e t o t a k e a ccou n t of a g e a n d w h a t it does t o a ll of u s. T h e y ea r s ca t ch u p w it h y ou . I t old h im , pu blicly a n d pr iv a t ely , t h a t h e n eeded t o st ep ba ck a y a r d or t w o t o g iv e h im self a ch a n ce a g a in st st r ik er s. Fiv e y ea r s pr ev iou sly it h a d been lollipop st u ff. W it h h is ch a n g e of pa ce h e’d r ob a cen t r e-for w a r d ju st w h en t h e st r ik er t h ou g h t h e w a s in bu sin ess. He cou ld n o lon g er do t h a t . He n eeded t o be on t h e scen e befor e t h e cr im e cou ld h a ppen . He w a s fin e w it h m y a n a ly sis. He w a sn ’t in su lt ed. I w a s sim ply ex pla in in g t h e ch a n g es in h is body . A n d h e h a d a g r ea t sea son in 2 0 1 1 –1 2 , m a r r ed on ly , for h im , by h is om ission fr om t h e En g la n d Eu r o 2 0 1 2 squ a d. W h en Roy Hodg son a sk ed m y opin ion a bou t w h et h er Rio cou ld w or k w it h Joh n T er r y I r eplied, ‘A sk h im . A sk Rio a bou t t h eir r ela t ion sh ip,’ beca u se I cou ldn ’t r ea lly g iv e h im a n a n sw er . A n ot h er m in or in ciden t w it h h im w a s w h en h e r efu sed t o w ea r a Kick It Ou t T -sh ir t in 2 0 1 2 –1 3 a ft er I t h ou g h t w e h a d a ll a g r eed t o pu blicly ba ck t h e ca m pa ig n . It w a s a la ck of com m u n ica t ion . W h en h e decided t o boy cot t t h e Kick It Ou t T -sh ir t , Rio sh ou ld h a v e com e t o m e, beca u se h e k n ew it w a s on t h e ca r ds for u s a ll t o w ea r t h em . I k n ow h e h a d a n issu e ov er A n t on , h is br ot h er , a n d Joh n T er r y bu t I didn ’t

a n t icipa t e it spillin g ov er in t h a t w a y . T er r y , of cou r se, w a s pu n ish ed by t h e FA for u sin g r a cia lly a bu siv e la n g u a g e a g a in st A n t on in a g a m e bet w een QPR a n d Ch elsea a t Loft u s Roa d. I w a s in m y office w h en Ma r k Ha lsey ca m e in t o t ell m e Rio w a s n ot w ea r in g t h e Kick It Ou t jer sey . I fou n d A lber t , ou r k it m a n , a n d in st r u ct ed h im t o t ell Rio t o pu t t h e g a r m en t on . T h e w or d ca m e ba ck t h a t Rio w ou ld n ot be pu t t in g it on . W h en I con fr on t ed h im h e sa id n ot h in g , bu t a ft er t h e g a m e ca m e in t o ex pla in t h a t h e felt t h e PFA w er e n ot doin g en ou g h t o fig h t r a cism . My posit ion w a s t h a t by n ot w ea r in g t h e T -sh ir t , h e w a sn ’t su ppor t in g t h e a n t ir a cism ca u se. If h e h a d a pr oblem w it h t h e PFA h e sh ou ld, I felt , t a k e t h a t u p w it h t h em . I t h ou g h t it w a s div isiv e n ot t o w ea r t h e T -sh ir t . My v iew on r a cism is t h a t I r ea lly don ’t com pr eh en d h ow a n y on e cou ld h a t e a n y on e else on t h e ba sis of t h eir colou r .

seven

A

WIND of ch a n g e w a s com in g . Bu t it w a s n ot h er e y et . Fr om t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 3 t o Ma y 2 0 0 6 w a s on e of m y lea st fer t ile spells. W e w on t h e FA Cu p in 2 0 0 4 a n d t h e Lea g u e Cu p t w o y ea r s la t er , bu t A r sen a l a n d Ch elsea w er e t h e Lea g u e’s t it le-w in n in g ou t fit s in t h a t per iod.

Befor e Cr ist ia n o Ron a ldo a n d W a y n e Roon ey cou ld becom e t h e cor e of ou r 2 0 0 8 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e w in n in g side, t h er e w a s a r ock y r oa d w h en w e a t t em pt ed t o im pla n t ex per ien ced pla y er s, m a n y of w h om fa iled t o m a k e t h e ex pect ed im pa ct . Da v id Beck h a m h a d left for Rea l Ma dr id a n d V er ón w a s t o lea v e for Ch elsea . Ba r t h ez w a s r epla ced in g oa l by T im How a r d, a n d Kléber son , Er ic Djem ba -Djem ba a n d Da v id Bellion w er e a m on g t h e n ew fa ces. Ron a ldin h o m ig h t h a v e been , t oo, h a d h e n ot sa id y es, t h en n o, t o ou r offer . Y ou ca n ’t dodg e t h e t r u t h a bou t t h ose y ea r s. W e r u sh ed dow n t h e pa t h of bu y in g in pr ov en pla y er s – w h o w e t h ou g h t w ou ld m a t ch ou r st a n da r ds r ig h t a w a y . Kléber son , for ex a m ple, w a s a W or ld Cu p w in n er

w it h Br a zil a n d w a s on ly 2 4 . V er ón w a s a n est a blish ed pla y er w it h a w or ldw ide r epu t a t ion . Djem ba -Djem ba h a d been pla y in g a t a decen t lev el in Fr a n ce. T h ey w er e ea sy or obv iou s sig n in g s, a fa ct t h a t w or r ied m e. I don ’t lik e ea sy sig n in g s. I lik e h a v in g t o fig h t for a pla y er on t h e g r ou n ds t h a t a ba t t le t o ex t r ica t e h im m ea n s y ou ’r e a cqu ir in g som et h in g v a lu a ble. I lik ed it w h en t h e sellin g clu b w er e desper a t e t o h a n g on t o t h eir m a n . Bu t t h e pla y er s w e bou g h t a r ou n d t h en w er e ea sy t o r ecr u it . It felt a s if w e w er e sig n in g ev er y g oa lk eeper in t h e cou n t r y . Ma r k Bosn ich w a s a pr im e ex a m ple. T h e Bosn ich bu y st em m ed fr om Pet er Sch m eich el a n n ou n cin g in t h e a u t u m n of h is fin a l sea son t h a t h e w ou ld be r et ir in g , w h ich ca u g h t u s on t h e h op. W e ju m ped in t o decision s. W e m et Bosn ich in Ja n u a r y , despit e r epor t s filt er in g t h r ou g h t o u s a bou t h is con du ct off t h e pit ch . I sen t som eon e dow n t o w a t ch h im in t r a in in g . He w a s doin g n ot h in g in t h e session s t h a t con v in ced m e h e w a s t h e r ig h t m a n for Ma n ch est er Un it ed. So I ch a n g ed t a ck a n d w en t for Edw in v a n der Sa r in st ea d, spok e t o h is a g en t a n d t h en t o Ma r t in Edw a r ds, w h o t old m e, ‘A lex , I’m sor r y , I’v e sh a k en h a n ds w it h Bosn ich .’ T h a t w a s a blow . Ma r t in h a d sh a k en Ma r k ’s h a n d a n d w ou ld n ot g o ba ck on h is w or d, w h ich I r espect . Bu t it w a s a ba d piece of bu sin ess. Bosn ich w a s a pr oblem . His t r a in in g a n d fit n ess lev els w er e below w h a t w e n eeded. W e pu sh ed h im t o a h ig h er t ier a n d felt w e did qu it e w ell w it h h im . He w a s t er r ific in ou r v ict or y ov er Pa lm eir a s in t h e In t er con t in en t a l Cu p, in w h ich h e

ou g h t t o h a v e been m a n of t h e m a t ch , a h ea d of Gig g s. Not m u ch la t er , w e pla y ed dow n a t W im bledon in Febr u a r y , a n d Bosn ich w a s t u ck in g in t o ev er y t h in g : sa n dw ich es, sou ps, st ea k s. He w a s g oin g t h r ou g h t h e m en u , ea t in g lik e a h or se. I t old h im : ‘For Ch r ist ’s sa k e, Ma r k , w e’v e g ot t h e w eig h t off y ou , w h y a r e y ou t u ck in g in t o a ll t h a t st u ff?’ ‘I’m st a r v in g , g a ffer ,’ h e sa id. W e a r r iv ed ba ck in Ma n ch est er , a n d Ma r k w a s on a m obile ph on e t o a Ch in ese r est a u r a n t t o or der a t a k ea w a y . ‘Is t h er e n o en d t o y ou ?’ I a sk ed h im . ‘T h in k w h a t y ou ’r e doin g .’ I ju st cou ldn ’t m a k e a n im pa ct on h im . Y ou don ’t r ecov er ea sily fr om losin g a Pet er Sch m eich el. He w a s t h e best g oa lk eeper in t h e w or ld, a n d h is pr esen ce, h is per son a lit y , w er e su dden ly n o lon g er t h er e. W e sh ou ld h a v e r epla ced h im w it h V a n der Sa r . His a g en t h a d t old m e, ‘Y ou ’ll n eed t o be bu sy , beca u se h e’s t a lk in g t o Ju v en t u s,’ bu t w e m issed t h e boa t . I h a d t o r et u r n t o Edw in ’s a g en t a n d t ell h im w e h a d a lr ea dy a g r eed t o t a k e som eon e else a n d t h a t I w ou ld h a v e t o w it h dr a w m y in t er est . I sh ou ld h a v e t a k en h im a s w ell, a s a secon d pu r ch a se. W e’d h a v e soon fou n d ou t a bou t Bosn ich a n d Edw in w ou ld h a v e pla y ed fr om t h e en d of t h e Sch m eich el er a pr et t y m u ch t o m y la st y ea r s in ch a r g e. I w ou ldn ’t h a v e n eeded t o spen d m on ey on Ma ssim o T a ibi or Ba r t h ez, w h o w a s a g ood g oa lk eeper , bu t h a d pr oblem s ba ck in Fr a n ce.

La t er w e sa w t h a t V a n der Sa r ’s qu a lit ies w er e in t h e sa m e lea g u e a s t h ose of Sch m eich el. T h er e w a s lit t le bet w een t h em , t a len t -w ise. Sch m eich el pu lled off sa v es h e w a sn ’t en t it led t o m a k e. T h er e w er e m om en t s of w on der . ‘Jesu s, h ow did h e do t h a t ?’ I w ou ld a sk . He h a d su ch spr in g , su ch a t h let icism . W it h V a n der Sa r I w ou ld poin t t o h is com posu r e, h is ca lm n ess, h is u se of t h e ba ll, h is or g a n isa t ion a l a bilit y . It w a s a differ en t st y le of g oa lk eepin g bu t st ill in v a lu a ble. It a ffect ed people a r ou n d h im in a g ood w a y . Sch m eich el, by con t r a st , had a lov e–h a t e r ela t ion sh ip w it h St ev e Br u ce a n d Ga r y Pa llist er . He w ou ld com e ou t scr ea m in g a n d ba w lin g a t t h em a n d Br u cey w ou ld sa y , ‘Get ba ck in y ou r g oa l, y ou big Ger m a n t a r t .’ Sch m eich el h a t ed t h a t . ‘I’m n ot Ger m a n ,’ h e w ou ld h iss. T h ey w er e g r ea t bu ddies off t h e field, t h ou g h . On it , Sch m eich el w a s a v ola t ile in div idu a l. In t h e dr essin g r oom , V a n der Sa r w a s v er y em ph a t ic a bou t per for m a n ces. He h a d a st r on g v oice, a Du t ch v oice. ‘No m essin g a bou t h er e!’ h e w ou ld ba r k . Sch m eich el w ou ld im pose h is v oice on t h e t ea m a s w ell. I w a s lu ck y t o h a v e t h e t w o best g oa lk eeper s of t h ose t h r ee deca des. A n h on ou r a ble m en t ion w ou ld h a v e t o g o t o Pet er Sh ilt on , a n d t o Gia n lu ig i Bu ffon ; bu t t o m e, Sch m eich el a n d V a n der Sa r w er e t h e best fr om 1 9 9 0 – 2 01 0. T h er e is m or e t o t h e a r t t h a n t h e g oa lk eepin g . It ’s a qu est ion of t h e per son a lit y y ou br in g t o t h e job. Not on ly do k eeper s h a v e t o dea l w it h t h e bu sin ess of m a k in g sa v es, t h ey m u st cope w it h t h e pr ocess of

m a k in g er r or s. Y ou n eed a big ch a r a ct er a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed t o h a n dle t h e a ft er m a t h of a h ig h -pr ofile m ist a k e. I h a d scou t ed Sch m eich el h a lf a dozen t im es. A la n Hodg k in son , t h e g oa lk eepin g coa ch , h a d t old m e: ‘He’s a cer t a in t y . T a k e h im .’ A t fir st I w a s a m biv a len t a bou t br in g in g for eig n g oa lk eeper s in t o t h e En g lish g a m e. On e of Sch m eich el’s ea r ly g a m es w a s a g a in st W im bledon . T h e ‘Cr a zy Ga n g ’ w er e blit zin g h im , dr oppin g bom bs on t op of h im a n d elbow in g h im . Sch m eich el w a s g oin g cr a zy , sh ou t in g for t h e officia ls t o h elp h im . ‘Refer ee, r efer ee!’ I w a t ch ed t h is scen e u n fold a n d t h ou g h t , ‘He’s g ot n o ch a n ce.’ T h e r ef cou ldn ’t g et ba ck u p t h e pit ch a n d a w a y fr om t h e con flict zon e qu ick ly en ou g h . In a n ot h er of h is ea r ly m a t ch es, Pet er ca m e ou t for a cr oss a t t h e ba ck post a n d m issed it by a bou t t w o da y s. Lee Ch a pm a n k n ock ed it in . So h e did m a k e m ist a k es w h ile h e w a s a dju st in g t o t h e g a m e in t h is cou n t r y , a n d people w er e sa y in g , ‘W h a t h a v e w e g ot h er e?’ Bu t h e a lso h a d a n in cr edible ph y siqu e, h e cov er ed t h e g oa l a n d h e w a s br a v e. His dist r ibu t ion of t h e ba ll w a s m a r v ellou s. A ll t h ose qu a lit ies ca m e t o h is a ssist a n ce in t h ose t or r id ea r ly da y s. V a n der Sa r ov er sa w a lot of ch a n g e in ou r defen ce. Sch m eich el st ood beh in d t h e sa m e ba ck fou r ju st a bou t ev er y w eek . Pa r k er , Br u ce, Pa llist er , Ir w in . T h ey pla y ed v ir t u a lly ev er y g a m e. V a n der Sa r h a d t o g et u sed t o differ en t cen t r e-ba ck s, n ew fu ll-ba ck s. T h er e w a s flu x . In t h ose cir cu m st a n ces it ’s a g r ea t cr edit t o h im t h a t h e w a s a ble t o or g a n ise t h a t pa r t of t h e t ea m so w ell.

T h is w a s a t im e w h en Pet er Ken y on w a s ou r ch ief ex ecu t iv e in ch a r g e of t r a n sfer dea lin g s. A r sen a l’s Pa t r ick V ieir a w a s on e w e lik ed a lot . I a sk ed Pet er t o ph on e A r sen a l t o in qu ir e a bou t V ieir a . He t old m e h e h a d. On e da y la t er I m en t ion ed it t o Da v id Dein a n d h e look ed a t m e a s if I h a d h or n s on m y h ea d. T h er e w a s n o r ecog n it ion of w h a t I w a s t a lk in g a bou t . On e of t h em w a s pla y in g h is ca r ds close t o h is ch est a n d, t o t h is da y , I h a v e n o idea w h ich on e it w a s. T im e a n d a g a in I h a d a g en t s ph on in g m e t o sa y , ‘My m a n w ou ld lov e t o pla y for Ma n ch est er Un it ed.’ I n ev er dou bt ed t h e cla im . Bu t I a lso k n ew t h ey w ou ld h a v e lov ed t o pla y for A r sen a l, Rea l Ma dr id, Ba y er n Mu n ich a n d a ll t h e ot h er elit e t ea m s. Pla y er s obv iou sly lik e t o g et t o t h e big clu bs. T h e a g en t g et s m or e ou t of it , t oo. It w a s in t h a t ph a se of pla y in g t h e m a r k et t h a t w e fix ed ou r g a ze on V er ón . T h e t ea m w a s a lt er in g . It ’s n ot a n ea sy t h in g for a m a n a g er t o see ch a n g e com in g fr om a lon g w a y dow n t h e r oa d. T h e old ba ck fou r br ok e u p fa st est . W h en t h ese su dden ch a n g es st r ik e, y ou r ea lise y ou don ’t n ecessa r ily h a v e t h e ba ck u p. La t er I m a de it m y policy t o pla n m u ch fu r t h er a h ea d. V er ón w a s a su per b foot ba ller w it h im m en se st a m in a . I con fess I fou n d w or k in g w it h A r g en t in ia n foot ba ller s qu it e difficu lt . T h er e w a s deep pa t r iot ism t ow a r ds A r g en t in a . T h ey a lw a y s h a d t h e fla g r ou n d t h em . I h a d n o pr oblem w it h t h a t , bu t t h e on es I m a n a g ed didn ’t t r y pa r t icu la r ly h a r d t o spea k En g lish . W it h V er ón it w a s ju st , ‘Mist er .’ Bu t w h a t a g ood foot ba ller . His in t ellig en ce in t h e

g a m e a n d h is en g in e w er e fir st -r a t e. T h e pr oblem ? W e cou ldn ’t fin d a posit ion in w h ich t o pla y h im . If w e pla y ed h im in t h e cen t r e of m idfield h e w ou ld en d u p a t cen t r e-for w a r d, or w ide r ig h t , or w ide left . He ju st h u n t ed t h e ba ll. W e fou n d it in cr ea sin g ly h a r d t o fit h im , Sch oles a n d Kea n e in t o a m idfield. A lt h ou g h h e pla y ed som e t er r ific g a m es for u s, y ou cou ldn ’t see t h e sh a pe of t h e t ea m for m in g . Y ou cou ldn ’t see t h e posit ion a l st a bilit y t h a t y ou look for n or m a lly . Beck h a m h a d left u s, Ry a n w a s g et t in g older , a s w er e Roy a n d Pa u l, a n d w e w er e look in g for t h a t fr esh n ess t o g iv e u s t h e im pet u s t o ev olv e a bit . A lt h ou g h t h er e w er e spect a cu la r con t r ibu t ion s, V er ón ju st cou ldn ’t pla y in ou r t ea m . He w a s a n in div idu a l. He w a s t h e sor t w h o, if y ou pla y ed r ed v . y ellow on t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d, V er ón w ou ld pla y for bot h t ea m s. He ju st pla y ed ev er y w h er e. He w en t w h er ev er h e lik ed. If I m a n a g ed h im for a h u n dr ed y ea r s I w ou ldn ’t k n ow w h er e t o pla y h im . He w a s t h e w ild ca r d, t h e jok er . Som ebody on ce sa id t o m e: ‘Ha v e y ou ev er t h ou g h t of pla y in g h im in a sit t in g posit ion , h oldin g , in fr on t of t h e t w o cen t r e-ba ck s?’ I r eplied, ‘A r e y ou dr ea m in g ? I ca n ’t g et h im t o st a y in a n y ot h er posit ion , w h y w ou ld h e st a y in t h a t on e?’ A ppa r en t ly h e h a d pla y ed t h er e for La zio a n d been m a g n ificen t . Bu t h e w a s a fr ee bir d, fly in g ev er y w h er e. T h er e w er e m om en t s w h en h e w ou ld t a k e y ou t o t h e h ea v en s. In on e pr e-sea son g a m e h e bea t a cou ple of m en on t h e by -lin e a n d k n ock ed it in for V a n Nist elr ooy t o scor e. He h it a pa ss for Beck h a m w it h t h e ou t side of h is foot , a n d n o ba ck lift , a n d it ben t a w a y r ou n d t h e defen ce. Beck h a m r a n on t o it a n d lobbed t h e

g oa lk eeper . In m om en t s h e cou ld be su blim e. T a len t w ise t h er e w a s a bsolu t ely n ot h in g w r on g w it h h im . He h a d t w o fin e feet , h e cou ld r u n , h is con t r ol w a s m a g n ificen t , h is v ision w a s br illia n t – h e ju st cou ldn ’t fit in t o t h e t ea m . T h e En g lish g a m e w a s n ot a ba r r ier t o h im . He w a s br a v e. He a lw a y s h a d t h e ba lls t o pla y . T h er e w a s t a lk du r in g h is t im e w it h u s of V er ón fa llin g ou t w it h ot h er pla y er s, bu t I don ’t t h in k h e did, pa r t ly beca u se h e n ev er spok e t o a n y on e. He w a s a lon e in t h e dr essin g r oom . He didn ’t spea k t h e la n g u a g e. He w a sn ’t a n t isocia l; h e ju st w a sn ’t a com m u n ica t or . I’d com e in for w or k : ‘Mor n in g , Seba .’ ‘Mor n in g , m ist er .’ A n d t h a t w a s it . Y ou cou ldn ’t dr a g a n y t h in g fr om h im . I do r em em ber a fa ll-ou t w it h Roy Kea n e, a ft er a Eu r opea n t ie. T h a t beca m e a bit u g ly . T h er e w a s a n ot h er w it h Ga br iel Hein ze a t Por t sm ou t h . Hein ze w a s r ea dy t o fig h t h im . Bu t n o, h e w a s n ot a disr u pt iv e in flu en ce. W e w er e t r y in g t o a lt er t h e w a y w e pla y ed in Eu r ope. T w o y ea r s a ft er t h e 1 9 9 9 Eu r opea n Cu p w in , w e w en t t o pla y A n der lech t in Belg iu m a n d PSV in Ein dh ov en a n d w e w er e ba t t er ed. On ly on t h e cou n t er -a t t a ck . W e pla y ed t h e t r a dit ion a l Un it ed w a y , 4 –4 –2 , a n d w er e t h u m ped. I t old t h e pla y er s a n d st a ff t h a t if w e cou ld n ot k eep t h e ba ll bet t er a n d st a y solid in m idfield, w e w er e g oin g t o su ffer m or e t h a t w a y beca u se oppon en t s h a d su ssed u s ou t . So w e sw it ch ed t o pla y in g t h r ee in t h e cen t r e of t h e pa r k . V er ón w a s pa r t of t h a t dev elopm en t . Ma n a g in g ch a n g e, w h ich I h a d t o do so oft en ov er t h a t deca de, I ca m e u p a g a in st m a n y pla y er s I

a dm ir ed. I t r ied so h a r d, for ex a m ple, t o g et Pa olo Di Ca n io. T h e dea l w a s a ll don e. W e h a d m a de a n offer t h a t h e h a d a ccept ed, bu t t h en h e ca m e ba ck sa y in g h e w a n t ed m or e. W e cou ldn ’t a g r ee t o t h e n ew dem a n d. Bu t h e w a s t h e sor t of pla y er Ma n ch est er Un it ed sh ou ld h a v e: on e w h o ca n pu t bu m s on sea t s a n d g et people off t h em , t oo. I h a d pla y er s lik e t h a t for t h e w h ole t im e I w a s t h er e. T h en t h er e w a s Ron a ldin h o, a n ot h er w h o slipped t h e h ook . I a g r eed a dea l t o br in g h im t o Old T r a ffor d. Ca r los w a s t h er e a n d w ou ld v ou ch for t h a t . T h e a t t em pt t o bu y Ron a ldin h o r eflect ed t h e fa ct t h a t Un it ed h a v e a lw a y s spor t ed t a lism a n ic pla y er s. I w a s a lw a y s h u n t in g for t h a t k in d of t a len t . My lin e of r ea son in g w a s, ‘W e’r e g et t in g t w en t y -fiv e m illion pou n ds for Beck h a m , a n d w e’r e g et t in g Ron a ldin h o for n in et een m illion . For God’s sa k e, w a k e u p. It w a s a st ea l.’ On t h e w a y h om e fr om ou r t r ip t o A m er ica , w e st opped in New fou n dla n d t o r efu el, a t a t in y ou t post . On ly a sin g le h u t m a r k ed t h e la n dsca pe. A s w e w a it ed for t h e r efu ellin g , t h e ca bin cr ew open ed t h e door t o let fr esh a ir in a n d a sm a ll boy w a s st a n din g a t t h e fen ce, a lon e w it h a Un it ed fla g . W e w er en ’t a llow ed t o disem ba r k . W e cou ld st a n d on t h e st eps bu t n ot t h e t a r m a c, so a ll w e cou ld do w a s w a v e t o t h is lit t le Un it ed fa n , pr essed a g a in st a fen ce in t h e m iddle of n ow h er e. Ret u r n in g t o Eu r ope, for a st op in Por t u g a l, w e sold V er ón , w h o h a d t old Qu in t on For t u n e h e w ou ld be join in g Ch elsea . I w ou ldn ’t let h im g o for less t h a n £1 5 m illion . Ch elsea offer ed £9 m illion . I sa id, ‘No w a y , h e’s

n ot g oin g for n in e m illion .’ Bu t in Por t u g a l, Ken y on t old m e, ‘I’v e a g r eed t h e dea l – fift een m illion .’ T h en ca m e t h e g a m e a g a in st Spor t in g Lisbon a n d Ron a ldo v . Joh n O’Sh ea . I ca n st ill h ea r m y self sh ou t in g a t Joh n , ‘Get close t o h im , Sh ea sy .’ ‘I ca n ’t ,’ ca m e t h e pla in t iv e r eply . On e m on t h la t er Da v id Gill r a n g a n d sa id, ‘W h a t a bou t t h is, Ken y on is off t o Ch elsea .’ Da v id t ook ov er a n d w a s fa n t a st ic – a big im pr ov em en t . Pet er Ken y on , I felt , t r ied t o t a k e on t oo m u ch a n d w a s con sequ en t ly u n a ble t o deliv er on som e of t h e m ost im por t a n t t a sk s. T h e ex per t ise y ou n eed in a ch ief ex ecu t iv e r ole is a t a len t for com plet in g m ission s. W h en Da v id Gill m ov ed in t o t h e h ot sea t , I su spect h e w a s u n cer t a in a bou t h is fu n ct ion . Da v id w a s a n a ccou n t a n t by t r a de. My a dv ice w a s, ‘On t h e ba ck of Pet er Ken y on , don ’t t a k e on t oo m u ch . Deleg a t e.’ W it h ou t dou bt h e w a s t h e best a dm in ist r a t or or ch ief ex ecu t iv e I ev er dea lt w it h . Fir st cla ss. St r a ig h t a s a die. V er y a ppr oa ch a ble. Kept h is feet on t h e g r ou n d a n d k n ew t h e v a lu e of t h e g a m e. Un der st ood it , t oo. Ma r t in Edw a r ds a lso h a d a g ood k n ow ledg e of t h e g a m e, bu t t h er e w er e n o com plica t ion s w it h Da v id. He m ig h t t ell y ou som et h in g y ou didn ’t lik e, bu t h e w ou ld n ot sh ir k fr om sa y in g it . T h a t w a s t h e on ly w a y t o be. A lt h ou g h Ma r t in su ppor t ed m e a t t h e m ost im por t a n t t im es, I w a s a lw a y s u n der pa id u n t il Da v id t ook ch a r g e. T h er e is n o su bst it u t e for bein g a ppr ecia t ed a t w or k . T o be t old y ou a r e doin g a fin e job is a ll v er y w ell, a s fa r a s it g oes, bu t t h er e h a s t o be m on et a r y r ecog n it ion .

Dea lin g w it h ch a n g es in ow n er sh ip is im m en sely difficu lt for clu b dir ect or s. A ft er a t a k eov er t h e w h ole pict u r e ch a n g es. Do t h ey fa n cy y ou ? Do t h ey w a n t a n ew m a n a g er , a n ew ch ief ex ecu t iv e? T h e Gla zer bu y u p w a s t h e t ou g h est per iod for Da v id. T h e m edia focu s w a s in t en se. T h e debt issu e w a s n ev er ou t of t h e n ew s. Bu t Da v id’s a ccou n t a n cy qu a lifica t ion s g a v e h im a n a dv a n t a g e in t h a t r espect . My v ision of t h e clu b w a s a s a pla ce w h er e y ou n g t a len t cou ld dev elop. T o su st a in t h a t a im w e n eeded t o pr eser v e t h e fou n da t ion of Gig g s, Sch oles a n d Nev ille. A n d Roy Kea n e. W e h a d en ou g h ba ck bon e t o en a ble u s t o sh op a r ou n d for pot en t ia l. V a n der Sa r w a s a n ot h er fou n da t ion pla y er . He w a s on e of m y best -ev er sig n in g s. T h e sea r ch for t h e n ew Br y a n Robson h a d led u s t o Kea n e. Er ic Djem ba -Djem ba st r u ck u s a s pot en t ia lly a n ot h er t op cen t r a l m idfielder . I w en t t o see h im pla y in g in Fr a n ce a n d h e did r ea lly w ell. He u n der st ood t h e g a m e, n ipped a t t a ck s in t h e bu d v er y w ell a n d w a s a v a ila ble for 4 m illion eu r os. I w a s a t t h a t g a m e t o see t h e Ren n es g oa lk eeper t oo: Pet r Ĉech , w h o w a s 1 8 or 1 9 . I t old m y self h e w a s t oo y ou n g for u s. Som et im es y ou lost on e pla y er bu t g a in ed a n ot h er of sim ila r m er it . W e m issed ou t on Pa u l Ga scoig n e, for ex a m ple, bu t la n ded Pa u l In ce. W e didn ’t per su a de A la n Sh ea r er t o join u s bu t w e did sig n Er ic Ca n t on a . T h e ba lls a r e a lw a y s in t h e a ir . Y ou h a v e a r a n g e of t a r g et s a n d com pen sa t e fr om t h e list w h en on e g et s a w a y . T h e u n ify in g a im w a s t o dev elop w h ich ev er pla y er w e en ded u p w it h . Ca n t on a w a s in h is m id-

t w en t ies, bu t ou r n or m a l t a r g et a r ea w ou ld be y ou n g er t h a n t h a t . Roon ey a n d Ron a ldo ca m e a s t een a g er s. A ft er 2 0 0 6 or so, w e r edou bled ou r effor t s t o a v oid fa llin g in t o t h e old t r a p of seein g a t ea m g r ow old t og et h er . W e r efocu sed on t h a t . W it h A n dy Cole, Dw ig h t Y or k e a n d T eddy Sh er in g h a m , t h er e w a s eit h er a fa llin g off in per for m a n ce lev els or a n a dv a n ce in y ea r s. In t h ose cir cu m st a n ces, t h e dem a n ds on t h e scou t in g n et w or k in t en sify . T h e h ea t is on t h e t a len t spot t er s. Y ou a r e sa y in g t o t h em a ll t h e t im e, ‘Com e on , w h a t h a v e y ou seen ou t t h er e?’ T h e Kléber son sig n in g ca m e a ft er h e h a d ex celled for Br a zil a t t h e 2 0 0 2 W or ld Cu p. He w a s st ill pla y in g in h is h om ela n d w h en w e sig n ed h im . Bu t h e w a s a n ex a m ple of t h e r isk s a ssocia t ed w it h m a k in g a pu r ch a se in a h u r r y . W h a t w e w er e look in g for w a s som eon e t o t a k e ov er ev en t u a lly fr om Kea n e, w h ich is h ow V ieir a h a d en t er ed t h e pict u r e. He w ou ld h a v e been idea l. He w a s u sed t o t h e En g lish g a m e, a n im posin g fig u r e; a lea der . On e sig n of a g r ea t pla y er is t h a t t h e opposin g fa n s sin g son g s a g a in st h im . Opposin g fa n s a lw a y s sa n g son g s a g a in st Pa t r ick V ieir a . T h a t t ells y ou t h ey fea r ed h im . A la n Sh ea r er w a s a n ot h er . A lw a y s on t h e w r on g en d of ch a n t s fr om t h e opposit ion . Kléber son w a s a t a len t ed pla y er . Bu t h e ex em plifies m y poin t a bou t ca r efu l ex a m in a t ion of ba ck g r ou n d a n d ch a r a ct er . W e a cqu ir ed h im t oo ea sily . It m a de m e u n com for t a ble. W h en t h e boy a r r iv ed, w e discov er ed h e h a d m a r r ied a 1 6 -y ea r -old g ir l. He w a s 2 3 . Sh e br ou g h t a ll h er fa m ily ov er . In pr e-sea son t r a in in g in Por t u g a l a t V a le do Lobo, on ly t h e pla y er s w er e m ea n t t o com e t o br ea k fa st befor e t r a in in g . Kléber son br ou g h t

h is fa t h er -in -la w . He seem ed t o h a v e n o a u t h or it y in t h a t a r ea . Lov ely la d, bu t h e la ck ed t h e con fiden ce t o lea r n En g lish . In g a m es h e displa y ed t er r ific st a m in a a n d a h ig h deg r ee of sk ill bu t w a s u n a ble t o im pose h is per son a lit y . Per h a ps t h e w a y Br a zil h a d u sed h im w a s n ot t h e w a y w e w a n t ed t o em ploy h im . W it h h is cou n t r y h e sa t in fr on t of t h e ba ck fou r t o h elp Rober t o Ca r los a n d Ca fú bom b on fr om fu ll-ba ck . W h en t h er e is a su dden r u sh t o solv e pr oblem s, m ist a k es a r e m a de. W e w er e a t ou r best w h en w e w or k ed fr om a pla n , ov er y ea r s, a n d st u died pla y er s, com piled det a iled in for m a t ion . W e k n ew a ll a bou t Cr ist ia n o Ron a ldo befor e w e sig n ed h im . W e t r ied t o g et Roon ey a t 1 4 , a n d t r ied a g a in a t 1 6 . Fin a lly w e cr a ck ed it w h en h e w a s 1 7 . Y ou cou ld pla n for Roon ey . He w a s a n obv iou s t a r g et for u s. T h a t w a s Ma n ch est er Un it ed’s scou t in g a t it s v er y best . T h e V er ón s a n d t h e Kléber son s w er e im pr ov ised. Not pa n ic bu y s, bu t r u sh ed. Djem ba -Djem ba , a n ot h er sm a sh in g la d, w as h a m m er ed by t h e pr ess for n ot bein g a sig n a t u r e sig n in g . T h ey a lw a y s lik ed t h e m a r qu ee n a m es a n d t ook a m u ch dim m er v iew of pla y er s w it h a low er r ecog n it ion r a t in g . T h ey lov ed V er ón , a t fir st . T h ey w er e lu k ew a r m a bou t Kléber son a n d Djem ba -Djem ba . Da v id Bellion w a s y ou n g a n d w e felt w e cou ld dev elop h im . He w a s lig h t n in g qu ick , a ch a r m in g boy , a Ch r ist ia n , bu t a lso v er y sh y . He h a d been a t Su n der la n d a n d h a d com e on a s a su b a g a in st u s. T or e u s a pa r t . W e m a de a m ov e for h im w h en h is con t r a ct

w a s u p. Ha d w e look ed in t o h is ba ck g r ou n d m or e, w e’d h a v e k n ow n h e w a s diffiden t . W e sold h im t o Nice for 1 m illion eu r os, a n d h e m ov ed fr om t h er e t o Bor dea u x , w h ich br ou g h t u s a n a ddit ion a l fee. T h e Bellion t r a n sfer w a s n ot on e y ou cou ld cla ssify a s a n a t t em pt t o la y a fou n da t ion st on e for a n ew side. He w a s a n a dd-on w h o w a s a v a ila ble a t a g ood pr ice. T h e t u r n in g poin t in t h is w h ole ch a pt er w a s ca pt u r in g Ron a ldo a n d Roon ey , w h ich g a v e u s t h e sig n a t u r e sig n in g s w e n eeded: t a lism a n ic, m a t ch w in n in g pla y er s, in lin e w it h ou r t r a dit ion . Pa t r ice Ev r a a n d Nem a n ja V idić, in Ja n u a r y 2 0 0 6 , w er e t o be ot h er st ella r a cqu isit ion s. T h e fir st poin t in ou r n ot es on V idić w a s h is cou r a g e, h is det er m in a t ion . He cou ld t a ck le, h ea d t h e ba ll clea r . W e w er e look in g a t a t y pica l En g lish cen t r e-ba ck . V ida h a dn ’t pla y ed sin ce t h e en d of t h e sea son in Moscow , in Nov em ber . In h is fir st g a m e for u s, a g a in st Bla ck bu r n , h e w a s br ea t h in g ou t of h is ba ck side. He n eeded a pr e-sea son . T h a t w a s t h e g ist of it . A t left -ba ck , in Den is Ir w in ’s old posit ion , w e h a d Hein ze br iefly bu t t h en m ov ed on t o Ev r a , w h o w a s u sed a s a w in g -ba ck a t Mon a co, w h er e h e fea t u r ed in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l a g a in st Por t o. W it h fu ll-ba ck s it ’s lik e sea r ch in g for a r a r e bir d. W h en w e fir st sa w Ev r a , h e w a s pla y in g a s a w in g ba ck , bu t h e h a d t h e speed a n d w a s y ou n g en ou g h t o sw it ch t o fu ll-ba ck in ou r sy st em . W e k n ew plen t y a bou t h is a t t a ck in g ca pa bilit ies. He w a s qu ick , h a d su per b t ech n iqu e a n d a st r on g per son a lit y . V er y st r on g . Hein ze w a s a n ot h er m a t t er . Ru t h less, w ou ld

k ick h is g r a n n y . Bu t a n a bsolu t e w in n er w h o cou ld a lso pla y cen t r e-ba ck . In bot h ca ses w e w er e su ccessfu l. A s a ll Un it ed fa n s w ill r em em ber , Ev r a ’s debu t ca m e in t h e Ma n ch est er der by a t Ea st la n ds a n d w a s a t ot a l disa st er . Y ou cou ld see h im t h in k in g , ‘W h y a m I h er e?’ Ev en t u a lly h e set t led a n d dev eloped. Hein ze, on t h e ot h er h a n d, h a d a m er cen a r y st r ea k a n d I a lw a y s h a d t h e sen se h e w a s sca n n in g t h e h or izon for h is n ex t dea l. A ft er on e y ea r h e w a n t ed t o lea v e. W e w er e pla y in g V illa r r ea l, a n d st a t ion ed in a lov ely com plex ou t side V a len cia , w h en h is a g en t ca m e t o see m e t o sa y h e w a n t ed t o m ov e. T h in g s w er e n ev er t h e sa m e a ft er t h a t . T h e follow in g da y h e in ju r ed h is cr u cia t e. W e did ev er y t h in g possible t o a ccom m oda t e h im . He w a s a llow ed t o pu r su e h is r eh a bilit a t ion in Spa in . He w a s t h er e for six m on t h s a n d ca m e ba ck for a sin g le g a m e. W e did ou r best . Bu t a t t h e en d of Decem ber h e ca m e ba ck w a n t in g a w a y , w a n t in g n ew t er m s, a n ew con t r a ct . W h en h e r et u r n ed fu lly fr om in ju r y , h e w en t t o see Da v id Gill w it h h is a g en t a n d w e a g r eed w e w ou ld be bet t er off w it h ou t h im . W e a g r eed t o let h im g o for £9 m illion . T h ey w en t st r a ig h t t o Liv er pool, w h o sa id t h ey w ou ld t a k e h im . Ga br iel w a s t old, w it h n o a m big u it y , t h a t h ist or ica lly Ma n ch est er Un it ed do n ot sell pla y er s t o Liv er pool, a n d v ice v er sa . Hein ze’s a dv iser s t h en t r ied t o m a k e a leg a l issu e of it , w h ich led t o a m eet in g in Lon don , in w h ich t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e sided w it h u s. Du r in g t h a t pr ocess, t h e ch a ir m a n of Cr y st a l Pa la ce con t a ct ed Da v id Gill t o sa y som eon e r epr esen t in g Hein ze h a d a sk ed t h em t o bu y h im so t h ey cou ld la t er

sell h im on t o Liv er pool. W e u sed t h a t in for m a t ion a s pa r t of ou r ev iden ce. T h e ju dg m en t ca m e dow n in ou r fa v ou r a n d ev en t u a lly w e offloa ded h im t o Rea l Ma dr id. T h ese g u y s m ov e a r ou n d. Hein ze h a d been a t t w o Spa n ish clu bs a lr ea dy befor e h e w en t t o PSG, fr om w h er e h e ca m e t o u s. A la n Sm it h w a s a n ot h er a ddit ion fr om t h a t t im e, in Ma y 2 0 0 4 , for £7 m illion . Leeds w er e in fin a n cia l t r ou ble by t h en a n d w or d ca m e t h r ou g h t o Da v id Gill t h a t A la n cou ld be bou g h t for a r ou n d £5 m illion . I h a d a lw a y s lik ed A la n . He w a s w h a t I ca lled a n a t t it u de pla y er , w it h a g ood ch a r a ct er . He cou ld pla y a few posit ion s: w ide r ig h t , m idfield, cen t r e-for w a r d. He w a s a Ma r k Hu g h es-t y pe pla y er : n ot a g r ea t g oa l-scor er bu t u sefu l t o t h e t ea m . W e la t er sold h im t o New ca st le for £6 m illion . A la n did a fa ir job for u s a n d pu t in som e sm a sh in g per for m a n ces. His leg -br ea k a t Liv er pool in 2 0 0 6 w a s on e of t h e m ost h or r ific I’v e seen . I’ll a lw a y s r em em ber r u sh in g t o see h im a s h e la y on t h e Liv er pool t r ea t m en t t a ble – Liv er pool’s doct or w a s ex em pla r y , I sh ou ld sa y – w h ile t h ey in ject ed h im t o st op t h e on set of t r a u m a . His foot w a s poin t in g in a ll sor t s of dir ect ion s. Bobby Ch a r lt on , w h o w a s w it h m e, w in ced. A n d h e h a d been t h r ou g h t h e Mu n ich a ir disa st er . A la n , on t h e ot h er h a n d, w a s u n per t u r bed. He w a s sit t in g t h er e em ot ion less. It w a s a h or r or of a n a cciden t . A la n ’s r ea ct ion t old m e t h a t som e m en ’s pa in t h r esh olds a r e h ig h er t h a n ot h er s’. Ja bs t er r ify m e. I’m h opeless w it h n eedles. In m y pu b-k eepin g da y s in Gla sg ow , du r in g a k eg -ch a n g e on e Su n da y m or n in g , I w a s r elea sin g a spea r t o let t h e a ir ou t w h en a r a t ju m ped on m y

sh ou lder . I lea pt ba ck a n d t h e spea r of t h e k eg sa n k in t o m y ch eek . Y ou ca n st ill see t h e sk in g r a ft . I dr ov e t h e t w o m iles t o t h e h ospit a l, a fr a id t o t ou ch it . T h e n u r se w h ipped it ou t a n d I fa in t ed a s soon a s t h ey pu t t h e n eedle in m e. T h e n u r se sa id: ‘T h is is t h e big cen t r efor w a r d of Ra n g er s Foot ba ll Clu b a n d h e’s fa in t in g .’ I w a s dy in g t h er e. A la n w a s sit t in g w it h on e of t h e w or st in ju r ies I’v e ev er seen a n d n ot a bit of st ir in h im . T h a t ’s w h a t A la n w a s: a su pr em ely br a v e la d. He w a s a g ood, h on est pr ofession a l, t oo. W h a t h e la ck ed w a s t h e r ea l t op qu a lit y y ou n eed t o ex cel a t t h e big g est clu bs. W h en w e w er e offer ed t h e m on ey by New ca st le, w e h a d t o let h im g o. Ou r fin a l u se of h im w a s a s a defen siv e m idfielder . He t a ck led w ell bu t didn ’t r ea d t h e g a m e lik e a n a u t h en t ic h oldin g pla y er . He w a s a m idfield pla y er w h o cou ld t a ck le, w h er ev er t h e ba ll w a s. In h is cen t r e-for w a r d da y s, cen t r e-ba ck s seldom h a d a n ea sy t im e w it h A la n . Bu t t h e w h ole pr ocess of r epla cin g Roy r equ ir ed u s t o fin d a pla y er w h o cou ld sit in g ood a r ea s of t h e pit ch , t h e w a y Ow en Ha r g r ea v es did for a w h ile. A la n w a sn ’t t h a t t y pe, bu t h e w a s a g ood, h on est pla y er w h o lov ed pla y in g for u s. It t ook m e a lon g t im e t o per su a de h im t h a t I cou ldn ’t g u a r a n t ee h im a g a m e. T h e t ea m h a d m ov ed on . Lou is Sa h a w a s a n ot h er m a jor sig n in g , fr om Fu lh a m in Ja n u a r y 2 0 0 4 , bu t per sist en t in ju r ies cou n t ed a g a in st h im , a n d u s. W e w a t ch ed h im a cou ple of t im es a t Met z bu t t h e scou t in g r epor t s g a v e n o in dica t ion t h a t h e w ou ld be a t a r g et for t h e big g est clu bs. He t u r n ed u p a t Fu lh a m , a n d ev er y t im e h e pla y ed

a g a in st u s h e g a v e u s a ‘doin g ’. In a n FA Cu p t ie a t Cr a v en Cot t a g e, h e t u r n ed W es Br ow n on t h e h a lfw a y lin e, flew a t ou r g oa l, cu t it ba ck a n d Fu lh a m scor ed. Fr om t h en on w e w a t ch ed h im a ll t h e t im e, a n d by Ja n u a r y w er e r ea dy t o m a k e ou r m ov e. Dea lin g w it h Moh a m m ed Fa y ed, Fu lh a m ’s ow n er , w a s a com plica t ed pr ocess. W or d ca m e ba ck t h a t a fig u r e h a d been a g r eed a n d w e w er e t old: ‘T h is is t h e best y ou ’r e g oin g t o g et .’ It w a s a m iddle posit ion : £1 2 m illion . Of a ll t h e cen t r e-for w a r ds w e em ploy ed, w h en y ou t a lk a bou t t h eir t a len t s (t w o-foot ed, g ood in t h e a ir , spr in g , speed, pow er ), Sa h a w ou ld be on e of t h e best . He posed a per pet u a l t h r ea t . Bu t t h en ca m e t h e in ju r ies. Lou is, w h o liv ed a bou t 5 0 y a r ds fr om m e, a n d w a s a lov ely la d, h a d t o be 1 5 0 per cen t t o pla y . It w a s a g on y for u s. A n d it w a sn ’t a ca se of h im bein g ou t for w eek s; it t en ded t o be m on t h s. T h e r ea son for sellin g h im w a s t h a t n o m a t t er h ow t a len t ed h e w a s, I cou ld n ev er pla n a r ou n d h im , cou ld n ev er sa y , ‘T h is is m y t ea m for t h e n ex t t w o or t h r ee y ea r s.’ Sa h a w a s y ou n g en ou g h t o be v iew ed in t h a t w a y , a s a cor n er st on e pla y er , bu t t h e u n cer t a in t y ca u sed by h is con st a n t n on -a v a ila bilit y r en der ed it im possible t o look fa r dow n t h e lin e. It beca m e so v ex in g t o h im t h a t h e con sider ed r et ir in g . ‘Y ou ’r e a y ou n g m a n , y ou don ’t g iv e in beca u se of a n in ju r y , y ou ’v e ju st g ot t o w or k t o g et ba ck . T h is ca n ’t la st for ev er ,’ I t old h im . He w a s a ssa iled by g u ilt . He t h ou g h t h e w a s let t in g u s dow n . He w ou ld sen d m e a polog et ic t ex t s t o t h a t effect . I t r ied t o im pr ess on h im t h a t h e h a d been

u n lu ck y , a n d t h a t u n lu ck y pla y er s cou ld be fou n d t h r ou g h ou t foot ba llin g h ist or y . V iv A n der son w a s on e. W h en w e w er e a ssessin g V iv ’s pla y in g r ecor d a t A r sen a l, w e n ot iced t h a t in fou r y ea r s h e m issed fou r g a m es. Su spen sion , ev er y t im e. V iv ca m e t o u s a n d w a s n ev er fit . W e g a v e h im a fr ee t r a n sfer t o Sh effield W edn esda y a n d h e pla y ed t h er e for t h r ee y ea r s a n d h a r dly m issed a g a m e. I u sed t o g iv e h im st ick a bou t t h a t . I’d sa y , ‘I don ’t t h in k y ou w a n t ed t o pla y for m e.’ He’s a big Un it ed fa n a n d w a s desper a t e t o sh in e for u s, bu t w a s h a lt ed by per sist en t k n ee t r ou ble. Lou is k n ew h is in ju r ies w er e h a m per in g h is for m , a n d t h a t ’s w h er e t h e g u ilt com plex beg a n bit in g a w a y a t h im . Ca r los dev ised a t w o-w eek pr og r a m m e for h im t o en a ble h im t o be fu lly r ea dy in a for t n ig h t . T h is w a s t a ilor ed w or k , w h ich h e did on h is ow n . W e ex pla in ed t h a t t o h im , a n d h e em br a ced it – sh oot in g , t u r n in g , a n d g en er a lly t h r ow in g h im self in t o t h ese pr epa r a t or y ex er cises. He w a s fly in g . Fr ida y , t h e da y befor e t h e g a m e, a n d Sa h a w a lk s off, sa y in g h e h a d felt som et h in g in h is h a m st r in g . W e w er e n ev er g oin g t o con qu er t h a t ph y sica l sen sit iv it y , so w e r ea ch ed a dea l w it h Ev er t on in 2 0 0 8 . Ev er t on copied ou r a ppr oa ch a n d t r ied t o r a ise Lou is t o a lev el w h er e h e w ou ld be con fiden t of pla y in g . It m ig h t h a v e h elped h im t o be a w a y fr om t h e pr essu r e of Ma n ch est er Un it ed. He w a s a fa n t a st ic cen t r e-for w a r d, t h ou g h . In t h e 2 0 0 9 –1 0 sea son , I t h ou g h t Fr a n ce w ou ld be m a d n ot t o t a k e h im t o t h e W or ld Cu p. A con st a n t in ou r discu ssion s a bou t y ou n g pla y er s – in t er m s of w h et h er t h ey cou ld h a n dle t h e dem a n ds of

t h e Old T r a ffor d cr ow d a n d t h e sh or t pa t ien ce spa n of t h e m edia – w a s t em per a m en t . W ou ld t h ey g r ow or sh r in k in a Un it ed sh ir t ? W e k n ew t h e m a k e-u p of ev er y y ou n g h om eg r ow n pla y er w h o ca m e in t o t h e Un it ed st a r t in g X I, fr om t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d, fr om r eser v e t ea m foot ba ll. Y ou ca n ’t lea v e y ou r ch a r a ct er in t h e dr essin g r oom . It h a s t o com e ou t of t h a t r oom , dow n t h e t u n n el a n d on t o t h a t pit ch . In t h e 2 0 0 3 –0 4 sea son w e fin ish ed t h ir d in t h e Lea g u e beh in d t h e In v in cibles of A r sen a l, bu t fin ish ed off w it h a 3 –0 w in ov er Millw a ll in t h e FA Cu p fin a l in Ca r diff. Ron a ldo w a s m a jest ic in t h a t m a t ch , scor in g ou r fir st g oa l w it h a h ea der befor e V a n Nist elr ooy a dded t w o m or e, on e fr om t h e pen a lt y spot . T h e y ea r h a d been ov er sh a dow ed by t h e dea t h of Jim m y Da v is in a r oa d a cciden t . Jim m y , 2 1 , w a s on e of t h ose br ig h t , br eezy in div idu a ls. He h a d a ch a n ce t oo. He w ou ld h a v e h a d a ca r eer in t h e g a m e. W e h a d loa n ed h im t o W a t for d. On t h e w a y t o a n a ca dem y g a m e a t ou r pla ce t h a t Sa t u r da y m or n in g , I h ea r d t h a t W a t for d’s g a m e t h a t a ft er n oon h a d been post pon ed. T h er e w er e n o det a ils g iv en . T h en I w a s t old, a t t h e a ca dem y g a m e, of Jim m y ’s dea t h in a r oa d a cciden t . He w a s a t en a ciou s w ee la d, v er y popu la r . A la r g e n u m ber fr om t h e clu b a t t en ded h is fu n er a l. T w o y ea r s la t er , a t a w eddin g , I felt a cr eepin g sen se of déjà v u . A s t h e ph ot og r a ph s w er e bein g t a k en ou t side, t h e m in ist er ca m e ov er t o m e a n d sa id, ‘W ou ld y ou lik e t o com e r ou n d a n d see Jim m y ’s g r a v e?’ I h a dn ’t m a de t h e con n ect ion , a n d it ch illed m e t o t h e cor e. It w a s so sa d.

He w ou ld n ot be for g ot t en by Ma n ch est er Un it ed.

eight

CRISTIANO Ron a ldo w a s t h e m ost

g ift ed pla y er I m a n a g ed. He su r pa ssed a ll t h e ot h er g r ea t on es I coa ch ed a t Un it ed. A n d I h a d m a n y . T h e on ly on es w h o cou ld be pla ced n ea r h im w ou ld be a cou ple of t h e h om epr odu ced pla y er s, Pa u l Sch oles a n d Ry a n Gig g s, beca u se t h ey con t r ibu t ed so pr odig iou sly t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed for t w o deca des. T h a t lon g ev it y , con sist en cy a n d t h ose beh a v iou r pa t t er n s w er e qu it e ex cept ion a l. W e lost ou r w iza r d, Cr ist ia n o, t o Rea l Ma dr id, in t h e en d, bu t w e look ed ba ck a t h is t im e w it h u s w it h pr ide a n d g r a t it u de. In six sea son s w it h u s, fr om 2 0 0 3 t o 2 0 0 9 , h e scor ed 1 1 8 t im es in 2 9 2 g a m es a n d w on t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e, t h r ee Pr em ier Lea g u e t it les, on e FA Cu p a n d t w o Lea g u e Cu ps. He scor ed in t h e 2 0 0 8 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l, a g a in st Ch elsea in Moscow , a n d k ick ed a ba ll for u s for t h e fin a l t im e 1 2 m on t h s la t er , in t h e fin a l a g a in st Ba r celon a in Rom e. In bet w een w e w a t ch ed a specia l t a len t bloom on ou r t r a in in g pit ch es a t Ca r r in g t on a n d in ou r fir st X I, w h ich pa ssed t h r ou g h a lea n spell in t h e m iddle y ea r s

of t h e deca de. W e h elped Ron a ldo t o be t h e pla y er h e w a s a n d h e h elped u s r eca pt u r e t h e ex cit em en t a n d self-ex pr ession of Ma n ch est er Un it ed t ea m s. Ma dr id pa id £8 0 m illion in ca sh for h im , a n d do y ou k n ow w h y ? It w a s a w a y for Flor en t in o Pér ez, t h eir pr esiden t , t o sa y t o t h e w or ld, ‘W e a r e Rea l Ma dr id, w e a r e t h e big g est of t h e lot .’ It w a s a clev er m ov e by t h em a n d a decla r a t ion of t h eir in t en t t o ch a se t h e g a m e’s m ost fa m ou s pla y er s. Ra m ón Ca lder ón , Pér ez’s pr edecessor , h a d cla im ed t h e pr ev iou s y ea r t h a t Cr ist ia n o w ou ld on e da y be a Rea l Ma dr id pla y er . I k n ew fu ll w ell t h a t if t h ey pr odu ced t h e £8 0 m illion , h e w ou ld h a v e t o g o. W e cou ld n ot block h is fer v en t w ish t o r et u r n t o Iber ia a n d w ea r t h e fa m ou s w h it e sh ir t of Di St efa n o or Zida n e. T h e r ea lit y of m a n a g in g Ron a ldo, a s of ot h er t a len t s w h o ca m e t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed a s t een a g er s, w a s t h a t y ou cou ld ov er see t h e ea r ly y ea r s fa ir ly com for t a bly , beca u se t h ey w er e n ot y et g loba l idols, t h ey w er e on t h e w a y u p. A t t h e poin t t h ey beca m e m eg a -st a r s, a s Ron a ldo did, y ou a sk ed y ou r self a qu est ion t h a t Ca r los Qu eir oz a n d I discu ssed a ll t h e t im e: ‘How lon g a r e w e g oin g t o be a ble t o k eep Cr ist ia n o Ron a ldo?’ Ca r los w a s a s a ccu r a t e a s it w a s possible t o be. He sa id: ‘A lex , if y ou g et fiv e y ea r s ou t of h im , y ou ’v e st r u ck g old. T h er e’s n o pr eceden t for a Por t u g u ese pla y er g oin g t o a n ot h er cou n t r y a t sev en t een y ea r s old a n d st a y in g fiv e y ea r s.’ T h e fa ct t h a t w e h a d h im for six w a s a bon u s. In t h a t per iod w e w on a Eu r opea n Cu p a n d t h r ee Lea g u e t it les w it h h im . I con sider t h a t a pr et t y g ood r et u r n .

W h en t h e possibilit y of h im lea v in g edg ed t ow a r ds bein g a pr oba bilit y , I r ea ch ed a g en t lem a n ’s a g r eem en t w it h h im . I w en t t o Ca r los’s h ou se in Por t u g a l t o fin d t h e boy ex pr essin g a n u r g e t o g o t o Rea l Ma dr id, a n d t old h im : ‘Y ou ca n ’t g o t h is y ea r , n ot a ft er t h e w a y Ca lder ón h a s a ppr oa ch ed t h is issu e.’ I sa id, ‘I k n ow y ou w a n t t o g o t o Rea l Ma dr id. Bu t I’d r a t h er sh oot y ou t h a n sell y ou t o t h a t g u y n ow . If y ou per for m , don ’t m ess u s a bou t , a n d som eon e com es a n d offer s u s a w or ld r ecor d fee, t h en w e w ill let y ou g o.’ I h a d a lr ea dy con v ey ed t h a t m essa g e t o h is a g en t Jor g e Men des. I did w ell t o ca lm h im dow n . I t old h im t h a t t h e r ea son I w a s r efu sin g t o sell h im t h a t y ea r w a s beca u se of Ca lder ón . I sa id, ‘If I do t h a t , a ll m y h on ou r ’s g on e, ev er y t h in g ’s g on e for m e, a n d I don ’t ca r e if y ou h a v e t o sit in t h e st a n ds. I k n ow it w on ’t com e t o t h a t , bu t I ju st h a v e t o t ell y ou I w ill n ot let y ou lea v e t h is y ea r .’ I r epor t ed t h is con v er sa t ion t o Da v id Gill, w h o pa ssed it t h r ou g h t o t h e Gla zer s. I’m su r e it fou n d it s w a y ba ck t o Rea l Ma dr id a s w ell. A t t h a t poin t w e w er e pet r ified t h a t t h e det a ils of ou r a g r eem en t m ig h t cr eep ou t . W e w a r n ed Cr ist ia n o t o t h a t effect . I don ’t believ e h e w ou ld h a v e t old Rea l Ma dr id. His a g en t Jor g e Men des is, I sh ou ld sa y , t h e best a g en t I dea lt w it h , w it h ou t a dou bt . He w a s r espon sible, look ed a ft er h is pla y er s t o a n in cr edible ex t en t a n d w a s v er y fa ir w it h clu bs. My feelin g w a s t h a t h e w a s a n x iou s a bou t Cr ist ia n o g oin g t o Spa in for t h e obv iou s r ea son t h a t Rea l m ig h t ju st sw a llow h im u p. Differ en t a g en t s, differ en t people. I t h in k h e fea r ed losin g h im .

W h a t I a lw a y s t h ou g h t a bou t Ron a ldo w a s t h a t , ev en if h e w a s h a v in g a dir e g a m e, h e w ou ld a lw a y s cr ea t e t h r ee ch a n ces. Ev er y g a m e. Look a t a ll t h e m a t ch es. In t h e m ou n t a in of v ideo ev iden ce, y ou cou ld n ot fin d on e in st a n ce w h er e h e fa iled t o cr ea t e a t lea st t h r ee ch a n ces. He possessed a n u n believ a ble t a len t . I ca n pla ce ev er y t h in g on t h a t list : t r a in in g per for m a n ces, st r en g t h , cou r a g e, sk ill w it h eit h er foot , h ea din g a bilit y . In t h e ea r ly da y s, t h er e is n o dou bt t h a t h e a ct ed a bit . His ea r liest lesson s w er e in a t h ea t r ica l foot ba llin g cu lt u r e. In ju st ice w a s n ev er fa r fr om t h e ju dg m en t s for m ed a r ou n d h im . Bu t h e ch a n g ed. On e a spect fr equ en t ly ig n or ed by h is cr it ics w a s t h e speed h e m ov ed a t . Y ou on ly n eed t o t a p a pla y er g oin g t h a t fa st a n d t h er e is a t en den cy for h im t o g o ov er . Hu m a n ba la n ce isn ’t r efin ed en ou g h t o pr ot ect t h e r u n n er fr om t ippin g ov er a t a n u n n a t u r a lly fa st speed. A w ee pr od in t o t h e side of t h e leg or a n elbow in t o t h e body ca n dist u r b t h e equ ilibr iu m . T h e fa ilu r e t o a ppr ecia t e t h a t speed-t o-ba la n ce fa ct or w a s u n fa ir . In t h e ea r ly da y s, I a ccept , h e sh ow boa t ed a lot , a n d Ca r los w or k ed h a r d on t h a t pa r t of h is r eper t oir e. He w ou ld sa y t o Cr ist ia n o a ll t h e t im e, ‘Y ou ’r e on ly a g r ea t pla y er w h en people ou t side t h e clu b st a r t r ecog n isin g y ou a s su ch . It ’s n ot en ou g h t o be a g r ea t pla y er t o u s a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. W h en y ou st a r t deliv er in g t h e pa sses, deliv er in g t h e cr osses, a t t h e r ig h t t im e, people w on ’t be a ble t o r ea d y ou . T h a t ’s w h en t h e g r ea t pla y er s em er g e.’ Oppon en t s k n ew w h a t t o ex pect of h im . T h ey k n ew

h e w a s g oin g t o h old on t o t h e ba ll. If y ou look ed a t h is g oa l in t h e sem i-fin a l a g a in st A r sen a l, y ou see t h e t r a n sit ion . W e st r u ck on t h e cou n t er -a t t a ck , Ron a ldo ba ck -h eeled it in t o Ji-Su n g Pa r k a n d w e w er e u p a t t h e ot h er en d w it h in n in e secon ds. It t ook n in e secon ds t o pu t t h e ba ll in t h e ba ck of t h e n et . T h a t w a s t h e t r a n sfor m a t ion fr om t h e w ee sh ow -off w h o w a s desper a t e t o con v in ce ev er y on e h ow g ood h e w a s. Y es, t h a t ’s r ea lly w h a t it w a s: t h e n eed t h a t so m a n y g ift ed pla y er s h a v e t o pr ov e ju st h ow blessed t h ey a r e. A n d n obody cou ld k ick h im ou t of t h a t . No m a t t er h ow m a n y t a ck les or fou ls h e a bsor bed, h is w h ole bein g ex pr essed defia n ce: ‘Y ou ’r e n ot g oin g t o k ick m e ou t of t h is g a m e. I’m Ron a ldo.’ He h a d t h a t w on der fu l cou r a g e a n d con fiden ce in h is a bilit y . He elev a t ed h im self, in m y m in d, a n d in t h ose of t h e ot h er Un it ed pla y er s, t o a poin t w h er e t h ose a r ou n d h im w er e in a w e of h is t a len t . T h e pla y er s w er e g ood w it h h im in t r a in in g . T h ey h elped h im lea r n . A t fir st w h en h e w a s t a ck led a t Ca r r in g t on h e w ou ld let ou t a t er r ible scr ea m . ‘A a g g h !’ T h e pla y er s w ou ld g iv e h im pelt er s. He soon lea r n ed n ot t o m a k e t h a t k in d of r a ck et . His in t ellig en ce h elped. He w a s a v er y sm a r t boy . On ce h e r ea lised t h e pla y er s w ou ld n ot be a w illin g a u dien ce for h is scr ea m in g a n d a m a t eu r dr a m a t ics in t r a in in g , h e st opped. Ov er t im e it er a sed it self fr om h is g a m e. In h is la st sea son h e ov er r ea ct ed a cou ple of t im es t o ea r n h im self a fou l, bu t n o m or e t h a n a n y on e else. He w a s g r a n t ed a pen a lt y k ick a g a in st Bolt on in 2 0 0 8 t h a t w a s n ev er a pen a lt y k ick . Equ a lly h e h a dn ’t t r ied t o ea r n t h a t a dv a n t a g e. It w a s ju st a ba d m ist a k e by t h e

r efer ee. T h e defen der st r et ch ed t o w in t h e ba ll, in t er cept ed it clea n ly a n d Ron a ldo w en t ov er . It w a s em ba r r a ssin g , n ot fr om Ron a ldo’s poin t of v iew , bu t for Rob St y les, t h e m a t ch officia l. Despit e ev er y on e sa y in g t h ey cou ld h a v e sig n ed h im (Rea l Ma dr id a n d A r sen a l m a de t h a t cla im ), w e h a d a n a llia n ce w it h Spor t in g Lisbon , h is fir st clu b in Por t u g a l. W e w er e sen din g coa ch es ov er t h er e a n d t h ey w er e dispa t ch in g t h em in t h e opposit e dir ect ion . W h en Ca r los join ed u s in 2 0 0 2 , h e t old m e, ‘T h er e’s a y ou n g boy a t Spor t in g a n d w e n eed t o k eep a n ey e on h im .’ ‘W h ich on e?’ I a sk ed. Beca u se t h er e w er e t w o or t h r ee. ‘Ron a ldo,’ h e sa id. W e k n ew a ll a bou t h im . A t t h a t st a g e Cr ist ia n o h a d been pla y in g cen t r e-for w a r d. Ca r los sa id w e w ou ld n eed t o a ct beca u se t h is boy w a s specia l, so w e sen t Jim Ry a n t o w a t ch Spor t in g Lisbon t r a in a s pa r t of ou r r ecipr oca l dea l. Jim r et u r n ed a n d sa id, ‘W ow , I’v e seen a pla y er . I t h in k h e’s a w in g er , bu t h e’s been pla y in g cen t r e-for w a r d in t h e y ou t h t ea m . I w ou ldn ’t be w a it in g t oo lon g . A t sev en t een som eon e w ill g a m ble.’ So w e t h r ew t h e boy w on der ’s n a m e in t o a con v er sa t ion w it h Spor t in g . T h e r espon se w a s t h a t t h ey w a n t ed t o k eep h im for t w o m or e y ea r s. I su g g est ed a dea l t h a t w ou ld k eep h im a t Spor t in g for t h a t len g t h of t im e befor e w e t ook h im t o En g la n d. A t t h is poin t , t h ou g h , w e h a d n ot spok en t o t h e a g en t or t h e pla y er . It w a s pu r ely a clu b-t o-clu b discu ssion . T h a t su m m er Ca r los left , t o coa ch Rea l Ma dr id, a n d w e w en t t o A m er ica on t ou r . Pet er Ken y on left , Ju a n

Seba st iá n V er ón left . Pa r t of ou r a r r a n g em en t w a s t h a t w e w ou ld pla y a g a in st Spor t in g Lisbon in t h eir n ew st a diu m , w h ich h a d been bu ilt for t h e 2 0 0 4 Eu r opea n Ch a m pion sh ip. So ov er w e w en t . Joh n O’Sh ea w a s r ig h t -ba ck . People per sist in sa y in g Ga r y Nev ille w a s in t h a t u n en v ia ble posit ion . Bu t it w a s Joh n O’Sh ea . T h e fir st pa ss Ron a ldo t ook pr om pt ed m e t o h ow l: ‘For Ch r ist ’s sa k e, Joh n , g et t ig h t t o h im !’ Joh n sh r u g g ed h is sh ou lder s. A look of pa in a n d bew ilder m en t w a s cr eepin g a cr oss h is fa ce. T h e ot h er pla y er s in t h e du g -ou t w er e sa y in g : ‘Bloody h ell, boss, h e’s som e pla y er , h im .’ I sa id: ‘It ’s a ll r ig h t . I’v e g ot h im sor t ed.’ A s if t h e dea l h a d been don e t en y ea r s a g o. I t old A lber t , ou r k it m a n : ‘Get u p t o t h a t dir ect or s’ box a n d g et Ken y on dow n a t h a lf-t im e.’ I t old Pet er , ‘W e’r e n ot lea v in g t h is g r ou n d u n t il w e’v e g ot t h a t boy sig n ed.’ ‘Is h e t h a t g ood?’ Ken y on a sk ed. ‘Joh n O’Sh ea ’s en ded u p w it h m ig r a in e!’ I sa id. ‘Get h im sig n ed.’ Ken y on spok e t o t h e Lisbon people a n d a sk ed t h eir per m ission t o spea k t o Cr ist ia n o. T h ey w a r n ed u s t h a t Rea l Ma dr id h a d offer ed £8 m illion for h im . ‘Offer t h em n in e, t h en ,’ I sa id. Ron a ldo w a s dow n st a ir s in a sm a ll r oom , w it h h is a g en t , w h er e w e t old h im h ow m u ch w e w ou ld lov e t o sig n h im for Ma n ch est er Un it ed. In fr on t of Jor g e Men des I sa id, ‘Y ou w on ’t pla y ev er y w eek , I’m t ellin g

y ou t h a t n ow , bu t y ou ’ll becom e a fir st -t ea m pla y er . T h er e’s n o dou bt in m y m in d a bou t t h a t . Y ou ’r e sev en t een y ea r s of a g e, it ’ll t a k e t im e for y ou t o a dju st . W e’ll look a ft er y ou .’ A pr iv a t e pla n e w a s h ir ed for h im , h is m ot h er , h is sist er , Jor g e Men des a n d h is la w y er t o com e ov er t h e n ex t da y . W e n eeded t o g et t h a t dea l don e. Speed of a ct ion w a s pa r a m ou n t . I u sed t o scou t m y self, on a Sa t u r da y m or n in g in Gla sg ow , a n d I w ou ld a lw a y s sa y t o t h e m en I em ploy ed in t h a t ca pa cit y : ‘It m u st be g r ea t w h en y ou ca n spot som eon e y ou k n ow is g oin g t o be t h e bu sin ess.’ On e n ig h t I w a s w a t ch in g a m ov ie, White Fang, t h e Ja ck Lon don book a bou t g oin g dow n t o Klon dik e in sea r ch of g old. T h a t ’s w h a t it m u st be lik e for a scou t . Y ou ’r e st a n din g w a t ch in g a g a m e on a Sa t u r da y m or n in g a n d y ou see a Geor g e Best , a Ry a n Gig g s or a Bobby Ch a r lt on . T h a t ’s w h a t I felt t h a t da y in Lisbon . A r ev ela t ion . T h a t w a s t h e big g est su r g e of ex cit em en t , of a n t icipa t ion , I ex per ien ced in foot ba ll m a n a g em en t . T h e n ex t best w a s fr om Pa u l Ga scoig n e, for a differ en t r ea son . New ca st le h a d been fig h t in g r eleg a t ion a n d Ga scoig n e h a d been ou t in ju r ed. W e w er e a t St Ja m es’ Pa r k on t h e Ea st er Mon da y . I pla y ed Nor m a n W h it eside a n d Rem i Moses in t h e cen t r e of t h e pa r k . It w a s h a r dly a m idfield of ch oir boy s. Y ou w ou ldn ’t da n ce r ou n d t h a t du o. W ell, Ga scoig n e n u t m eg g ed Moses r ig h t in fr on t of w h er e I w a s sit t in g in t h e du g -ou t , a n d t h en pa t t ed h im on t h e h ea d. I flew ou t of t h a t du g -ou t , sh ou t in g , ‘Get t h a t so-a n d-so …’

W h it eside a n d Moses t r ied t o im pr ess on Ga scoig n e t h a t h e h a d ju st m a de a ser iou s er r or of ju dg m en t . A lit t le r e-edu ca t ion w a s in or der . Bu t Ga scoig n e ju st sk ipped a ll r ou n d t h em . W e t r ied ou r best t o sig n h im t h a t su m m er . Bu t New ca st le sold h im t o T ot t en h a m in st ea d. W h en y ou h a v e t h a t ex per ien ce, of seein g t h is t a len t r ig h t befor e y ou r ey es, y ou k n ow y ou ’r e ex per ien cin g on e of t h ose m om en t s y ou sea r ch for ev er y h ou r in m a n a g em en t . A n d t h a t sen se of discov er y r u sh ed m e in t o t r y in g t o t ie u p a dea l for Ga scoig n e t h a t v er y da y . W it h Ron a ldo, in con t r a st , Ken y on did m a n a g e t o com plet e t h e dea l. I sen sed t h a t Spor t in g m ig h t h a v e been h a ppy n ot t o h a v e sold h im t o a Spa n ish clu b. T h e dea l w a s con clu ded qu it e sw ift ly , w it h a dd-on s t h a t t ook it u p t o a bou t £1 2 m illion , w it h t h e sole con dit ion t h a t , sh ou ld w e ev er sell h im , Spor t in g w ou ld h a v e t h e opt ion of t a k in g h im ba ck . A cou ple of da y s befor e w e sold h im t o Rea l Ma dr id, w e h a d t o t ell Spor t in g t h a t t h ey cou ld h a v e h im ba ck , bu t it w ou ld cost t h em £8 0 m illion . Not su r pr isin g ly , n o ch equ e w a s for t h com in g . A s Cr ist ia n o st a r t ed h is n ew life in Ch esh ir e, h is m ot h er a n d sist er ca m e w it h h im . T h a t w a s g ood. His m ot h er w a s v er y pr ot ect iv e, a s y ou w ou ld ex pect , a n d w a s a g ood, st r a ig h t -t a lk in g w om a n , w it h n o a ir s or g r a ces. Sh e w a s h ig h ly m a t er n a l. I ex pla in ed t o Ron a ldo t h a t Ly n a n d Ba r r y Moor h ou se w ou ld look a ft er t h em w it h t h in g s for t h e h ou se, ba n k a ccou n t s a n d so on . W e g ot t h em som e dw ellin g s, t u ck ed a w a y , n ea r A lder ley Edg e, a n d t h ey set t led in qu ick ly . W e h a d r et u r n ed fr om A m er ica , a ft er t h e Spor t in g

Lisbon g a m e, in a pla n e belon g in g t o t h e Da lla s Cow boy s, w h o h a d r en t ed it t o u s for t h e su m m er . Fer din a n d, Gig g s, Sch oles a n d Nev ille en t h u sed a bou t Ron a ldo a ll t h e w a y h om e: ‘Get h im sig n ed, g et h im sig n ed.’ So Ron a ldo ca m e in t o t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d k n ow in g t h a t ou r pla y er s k n ew a ll a bou t h im a n d h a d a sen se of h ow g ood h e w a s. I t h in k t h a t h elped. His fir st a ppea r a n ce w a s a g a in st Bolt on a t h om e on 1 6 A u g u st 2 0 0 3 , w h er e h e st a r t ed on t h e ben ch . T h e Bolt on defen der s en ded u p in k n ot s. T h e r ig h t -ba ck r a t t led h im st r a ig h t a w a y in t h e cen t r e of t h e pa r k , t ook t h e ba ll off h im , bu t Cr ist ia n o g ot st r a ig h t ba ck u p a n d dem a n ded a n ot h er pa ss. Rig h t a w a y . ‘He’s g ot t h e ba lls, a n y w a y ,’ I t h ou g h t . T h e n ex t m in u t e h e w a s pu lled dow n a n d w on a pen a lt y . V a n Nist elr ooy m issed it . T h en , of h is ow n v olit ion , Ron a ldo m ov ed ou t t o t h e r ig h t -h a n d side a n d h it t w o su per b cr osses in . On e w a s m et by Sch oles, w h o pa ssed t o V a n Nist elr ooy ; h is sh ot w a s pa r r ied by t h e k eeper a n d Gig g s t a pped t h e ba ll in for t h e secon d g oa l. T h e cr ow d on t h a t side of t h e g r ou n d r espon ded a s if a Messia h h a d m a t er ia lised r ig h t befor e t h eir ey es. T h e Old T r a ffor d cr ow d bu ild u p h er oes qu ick ly . T h ey see som eon e w h o g et s t h eir r ea r s off sea t s a n d t a k e t o t h em r ig h t a w a y . Ron a ldo h a d t h e big g est im pa ct on Ma n ch est er Un it ed fa n s of a n y pla y er sin ce Er ic Ca n t on a . He cou ld n ev er h a v e m a t ch ed t h e idola t r y t h a t ca m e w it h Ca n t on a , beca u se Er ic h a d a ll t h is defia n t ch a r ism a , bu t h is t a len t w a s in st a n t ly a ppa r en t .

T h e g oa l Ron a ldo scor ed on t h e br ea k in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l a t A r sen a l in 2 0 0 9 con fir m ed h is m a jest y a s a cou n t er -a t t a ck er . T h e ba ll m ov ed fr om Pa r k t o Roon ey t o Ron a ldo w it h dev a st a t in g speed. I a lw a y s sa id t o h im : ‘W h en y ou ’r e g oin g t h r ou g h on g oa l, len g t h en y ou r st r ide.’ By len g t h en in g y ou r st r ide y ou slow y ou r self dow n a n d y ou r t im in g is en h a n ced. W h en y ou ’r e st ill spr in t in g , y ou h a v e less coor din a t ion in y ou r body , bu t w h en y ou slow y ou r m ech a n ics dow n y ou g iv e t h e br a in a bet t er ch a n ce. He did t h a t . Y ou w a t ch h im . In t h e spr in g befor e t h e 2 0 0 4 FA Cu p fin a l in Ca r diff, w h er e w e bea t Millw a ll 3 –0 , W a lt er Sm it h , w h o h a d join ed m e a s a ssist a n t m a n a g er in Ma r ch , a sk ed m e a bou t t h e v a r iou s t a len t lev els of a ll ou r pla y er s. ‘W h a t a bou t Ron a ldo,’ h e sa id, ‘is h e t h a t g ood?’ I t old h im : ‘Oh y es, u n believ a ble. Ev en in t h e a ir . He’s a m a g n ificen t h ea der of t h e ba ll.’ La t er , W a lt er sa id, t en t a t iv ely : ‘Y ou k eep t ellin g m e t h is Ron a ldo is a m a g n ificen t h ea der of t h e ba ll. I see h im h ea din g t h e ba ll in t r a in in g bu t n ev er in a g a m e.’ T h a t Sa t u r da y , a g a in st Bir m in g h a m , Ron a ldo scor ed w it h a su per b h ea der . I t u r n ed t o W a lt er . ‘I k n ow , I k n ow ,’ h e sa id. I h a d w a t ch ed Millw a ll bea t Su n der la n d in t h e sem ifin a l a n d t old m y st a ff: ‘T h a t T im Ca h ill’s n ot ba d, y ou k n ow .’ Good lea p for a lit t le la d. No g r ea t t a len t on t h e ba ll, bu t h e w a s a con st a n t n u isa n ce. A pest . Y ou cou ld h a v e bou g h t h im t h en for a m illion . He w ou ld h a v e scor ed a lot of g oa ls in a g ood t ea m . Den n is W ise w a s

especia lly com ba t iv e in t h a t m a t ch . Bu t t h er e h a v e been plen t y of n a st y lit t le pla y er s lik e h im dow n t h e y ea r s, t h e sor t w h o pr om pt y ou t o t h in k : ‘I w ish t o Ch r ist I w a s st ill pla y in g .’ T h er e w ill be plen t y w h o w ou ld h a v e sa id t h a t a bou t Den n is W ise. He w ou ld n ev er h a v e su r v iv ed in t h e old da y s, I’m cer t a in of th at. If y ou ’r e cu t e en ou g h in t h e m oder n g a m e, y ou ca n g et a w a y w it h a k in d of u n der h a n d ph y sica lit y . W ise w ou ld be g ood a t lea v in g h is foot in , a r r iv in g a fr a ct ion la t e. He pla y ed h is g a m e w ell. In t h e m oder n g a m e it is h a r d t o pick ou t g en u in ely t h u g g ish pla y er s: t h ose w h o st ep ou t t o ca u se h u r t . It h a r dly m a t t er ed, beca u se Ron a ldo dest r oy ed Millw a ll t h a t da y . T h e on e polit ica l dr a m a w e h a d w it h Ron a ldo w a s, of cou r se, t h e 2 0 0 6 W or ld Cu p, w h en h e w in k ed a t t h e Por t u g a l ben ch a ft er W a y n e Roon ey h a d st a m ped on Rica r do Ca r v a lh o. T h is r a ised t h e br ief possibilit y t h a t t h e t w o m en w ou ld fa ll ou t t o su ch a n ex t en t t h a t t h ey w ou ld n ev er be a ble t o pla y t og et h er a g a in . W h a t sa v ed t h e da y for Ron a ldo w a s Roon ey , w h o w a s t er r ific. On h olida y , I t ex t ed Roon ey a n d a sk ed h im t o ca ll m e. He su g g est ed t h e t w o of t h em g r a n t in g a n in t er v iew t og et h er t o sh ow t h er e w a s n o ba d blood. T h e n ex t da y I r a n it pa st Mick Ph ela n , w h o t h ou g h t it m ig h t look a bit pr om pt ed a n d a r t ificia l. I decided h e w a s r ig h t . Bu t t h e g en er osit y of Roon ey w a s w h a t im pr essed Ron a ldo, w h o t h ou g h t it m ig h t be im possible for h im t o g o ba ck t o Ma n ch est er . He felt h e h a d bu r n ed h is boa t s a n d t h a t t h e pr ess w ou ld k ill h im . Roon ey ca lled h im a cou ple of t im es t o r ea ssu r e h im . It w a sn ’t

t h e fir st t im e t w o Un it ed t ea m -m a t es h a d cla sh ed in t h e in t er n a t ion a l a r en a . I’ll t a k e y ou ba ck t o Scot la n d v . En g la n d in 1 9 6 5 , a n d Nobby St iles’ fir st g a m e for h is cou n t r y . Den is La w is st a n din g in t h e Scot la n d lin e a n d Nobby sh u ffles ov er t o h im a n d sa y s, ‘A ll t h e best , Den is.’ Nobby idolised Den is, w h o sa y s, ‘Eff off, y ou En g lish so-a n d-so, y ou .’ So Nobby is left t h er e, st u n n ed. Y es, Ron a ldo did r u n t o t h e r efer ee t o h elp g et Roon ey in t r ou ble, w h ich is com m on in t h e m oder n g a m e. Bu t Ron a ldo w a s t h in k in g on ly of on e t h in g – w in n in g t h a t g a m e for h is cou n t r y . He w a sn ’t t h in k in g a bou t pla y in g for Ma n Un it ed t h e follow in g sea son . T h a t w a s a W or ld Cu p g a m e. A n d h e did r eg r et it . W h en w e v isit ed h im it w a s clea r h e u n der st ood t h e im plica t ion s. T h e w in k w a s m isin t er pr et ed. T h e m a n a g er h a d t old h im t o st a y ou t of t r ou ble, so t h e w in k w a s n ot t o con v ey plea su r e t o t h e ben ch a t h is ow n r ole in Roon ey ’s sen din g -off. I believ ed h im w h en h e t old m e h e w a s n ot sa y in g , w it h t h a t g est u r e: ‘I sor t ed h im ou t , I g ot h im sen t off.’ W e m et a t a v illa in Por t u g a l a n d h a d lu n ch . Jor g e Men des w a s pr esen t . Roon ey ca llin g h im h a d h elped t o ch a n g e Ron a ldo’s m in d a n d pu t h im a t ea se. I t old Cr ist ia n o, ‘Y ou ’r e on e of t h e br a v est pla y er s t o com e t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed, bu t w a lk in g a w a y isn ’t cou r a g e.’ I qu ot ed t h e Beck h a m sit u a t ion in 1 9 9 8 : ‘It w a s ex a ct ly t h e sa m e a s t h is. T h ey w er e h a n g in g effig ies of h im ou t side pu bs in Lon don . He w a s t h e dev il in ca r n a t e. Bu t h e h a d t h e ba lls t o fig h t it .’ Beck h a m ’s fir st g a m e a ft er t h a t in ciden t h a d been a g a in st W est Ha m – t h e w or st possible pla ce t o g o a ft er

su ch a dr a m a w it h En g la n d – a n d h e w a s t er r ific. ‘Y ou ’v e g ot t o g et t h r ou g h it ,’ I t old Ron a ldo. T h e n ex t g a m e in Lon don for Ron a ldo w a s a t Ch a r lt on on a W edn esda y n ig h t . T o beg in w it h I w a t ch ed fr om t h e dir ect or s’ box , w h er e t h er e w a s a loca l g u y scr ea m in g u n believ a ble a bu se: ‘Y ou Por t u g u ese ba st a r d’ w a s on e of t h e polit er epit h et s. Fiv e m in u t es befor e h a lf-t im e, Ron a ldo r eceiv ed t h e ba ll, da n ced r ou n d a bou t fou r pla y er s a n d h it t h e u n der side of t h e ba r w it h a sh ot . T h a t g u y didn ’t r ise fr om h is sea t a g a in . It defla t ed h im . Per h a ps h e t h ou g h t t h a t h is scr ea m in g h a d m ot iv a t ed h im . Ron a ldo w a s fin e, h a d a g ood st a r t t o t h e sea son a n d w a s g et t in g on w ell w it h Roon ey . T h ese y ou n g la ds w ill h a v e t h eir cla sh es. Roon ey w a s g oin g t o be sen t off a n y w a y , bu t equ a lly Ron a ldo’s in t er v en t ion w a s u n h elpfu l. I w a s so r eliev ed t h a t t h e in ciden t pa ssed a n d w e w er e a ble t o k eep h im in t h e side t h a t w a s t o g o on a n d w in t h e 2 0 0 8 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l in Moscow . In t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 2 , I a t t en ded a Q &A h ost ed by t h e BBC’s Da n W a lk er , w it h Pet er Sch m eich el a n d Sa m A lla r dy ce. A g u y a sk ed: ‘W h o’s t h e bet t er pla y er , Ron a ldo or Messi?’ My r eply w a s: ‘W ell, Ron a ldo’s g ot a bet t er ph y siqu e t h a n Messi, h e’s bet t er in t h e a ir , h e’s g ot t w o feet a n d h e’s qu ick er . Messi h a s som et h in g m a g ica l a bou t h im w h en t h e ba ll t ou ch es h is feet . It ’s a s if it ’s la n ded on a bed of fea t h er s. His low sen se of g r a v it y is dev a st a t in g .’ Sch m eich el t h ou g h t Ron a ldo cou ld pla y in a ba d t ea m w h ile Messi cou ld n ot . T h a t w a s a fa ir poin t . Bu t

Messi w ou ld st ill pr odu ce g r ea t m om en t s w it h t h e ba ll on h is t oes. Pet er ’s poin t w a s t h a t Messi depen ded on X a v i a n d In iest a dir ect in g t h e ba ll t o h im . Ron a ldo is m u ch t h e sa m e in t h e sen se t h a t y ou n eed t o k eep feedin g h im . In a ll t h e t im es I’m a sk ed I fin d it im possible t o defin it ely sa y w h ich is t h e bet t er pla y er beca u se t o r eleg a t e eit h er t o secon d pla ce w ou ld feel w r on g . A lm ost a s im por t a n t t o m e a s h is br illia n t displa y s in ou r colou r s w a s t h a t w e st a y ed close a ft er h e left for Ma dr id. Ou r bon d su r v iv ed ou r pa r t in g : a h a ppy ou t com e in a g a m e of t r a n sit or y r ela t ion sh ips.

nine

ROY

Kea n e w a s a pla y er of en er g y , of g u t s a n d blood, w it h a fin e in st in ct for t h e g a m e a n d it s st r a t eg ies. He w a s t h e m ost in flu en t ia l pr esen ce in t h e dr essin g r oom in t h e t im e w e w or k ed t og et h er . Roy t ook a lot of t h e on u s off m e in m a k in g su r e t h e dr essin g r oom w a s oper a t in g a t a h ig h lev el of m ot iv a t ion . A m a n a g er cou ld n ev er be dism issiv e of t h a t k in d of h elp fr om a pla y er . Bu t by t h e t im e Roy left Un it ed in Nov em ber 2 0 0 5 , ou r r ela t ion sh ip h a d br ok en dow n . I h a v e st r on g v iew s a bou t t h e sequ en ce of ev en t s t h a t led t o h im join in g Celt ic. Bu t fir st , I sh ou ld set ou t w h y h e w a s su ch a n im m en se dr iv in g for ce for ou r clu b. If Roy Kea n e t h ou g h t y ou w er en ’t pu llin g y ou r w eig h t h e w ou ld be r ig h t on t op of y ou , st r a ig h t a w a y . Ma n y pla y er s fa ced h is w r a t h for com m it t in g t h a t cr im e a n d t h er e w ou ld be n o pla ce t o h ide fr om h im . I n ev er felt t h a t w a s a ba d a spect of h is ch a r a ct er . In a ll m y t im e, t h e st r on g per son a lit ies h a v e h elped sh a pe t h e t ea m ’s a ct ion s. Br y a n Robson , St ev e Br u ce, Er ic

Ca n t on a : t h ose pla y er s en for ced m a n a g er a n d t h e clu b.

th e

w ill

of

th e

In m y pla y in g da y s, m a n a g er s seldom in t er r og a t ed pla y er s in t h e a dr en a lin e-dr en ch ed m om en t s st r a ig h t a ft er t h e m a t ch . T h e in it ia l fin g er -poin t in g t en ded t o com e fr om t h e pla y er s, oft en in t h e ba t h . Or t h er e w ou ld be con fr on t a t ion s w h ile t h e w a t er w a s st ill r u n n in g : ‘Y ou , y ou m issed t h a t ch a n ce, y ou …’ A s a pla y er I w a s a lw a y s h a v in g a g o a t t h e g oa lk eeper s a n d defen der s for con cedin g g oa ls. So I k n ew t h a t if I m issed a ch a n ce a t t h e ot h er en d, I w ou ld be r eceiv in g it ba ck w it h in t er est fr om t h ose w it h t h e less g la m or ou s jobs w h om I h a d cr it icised on pr ev iou s occa sion s. T h ose w er e t h e r isk s of bein g ou t spok en . T h ese da y s, m a n a g er s a lw a y s h a v e t h eir sa y a ft er t h e g a m e. If t h ey w a n t t o a n a ly se, cr it icise or pr a ise, t h er e’s a n a r ea of m a n a g er ia l in v olv em en t r ig h t a ft er t h e fin a l w h ist le w h er e in flu en ce ca n be br ou g h t t o bea r : 1 0 t o 1 5 m in u t es. W it h Roy t h er e w er e episodes of g r ea t fr ict ion a n d dr a m a a s h e t r ied t o im pose h is w ill on t h e t ea m . On on e occa sion , a s I ca m e in t o t h e dr essin g r oom , Roy a n d Ru u d v a n Nist elr ooy w er e a t it , h a m m er a n d t on g s. T h ey h a d t o be pu lled a pa r t by t h e pla y er s. A t lea st V a n Nist elr ooy h a d t h e cou r a g e t o st a n d u p t o Roy , beca u se n ot ev er y on e did. He w a s a n in t im ida t in g , fer ociou s in div idu a l. His m ode w h en a n g r y w a s t o a t t a ck , t o la y in t o people. I believ e – a n d Ca r los Qu eir oz w a s a t on e w it h m e on t h is – t h a t Roy Kea n e’s beh a v iou r pa t t er n ch a n g ed w h en h e r ea lised h e w a s n o lon g er t h e Roy Kea n e of old.

W e’r e cer t a in of t h a t . A ct in g on a con v ict ion t h a t som e of h is st r en g t h s h a d been st olen fr om h im by in ju r y a n d a g e, w e t r ied t o ch a n g e h is job descr ipt ion , for h is ben efit a s m u ch a s ou r s. W e t r ied t o a lt er h is r ole by discou r a g in g h im fr om ch a r g in g a ll ov er t h e pit ch a n d m a k in g for w a r d r u n s. Ev er y t im e a t ea m -m a t e r eceiv ed t h e ba ll, Roy w ou ld w a n t it off h im . T h a t w a s a n a dm ir a ble qu a lit y . T h e r elig ion a t Un it ed w a s t h a t w h en on e of ou r pla y er s h a d t h e ba ll, w e m ov ed, a n d a ll t h e ot h er s su ppor t ed t h e pla y . Roy w a s a t a n a g e w h er e h e sh ou ldn ’t h a v e been doin g t h a t , bu t h e cou ld n ot a ccept t h e n ew r ea lit y . I t h in k h e cou ld see t h e t r u t h of w h a t w e w er e sa y in g t o h im , bu t t o su r r en der t o it w a s t oo t h r ea t en in g t o h is pr ide. He w a s a pla y er con st r u ct ed a r ou n d h is ow n pa ssion s. In t h e sea son pr ior t o t h e fa ll-ou t , h e w a s beg in n in g t o sh ow ph y sica l sig n s of w ea k n ess in t er m s of g et t in g ba ck t o fu lfil h is defen siv e du t ies. He w a sn ’t t h e sa m e pla y er – bu t h ow ca n y ou be, a ft er h ip oper a t ion s, a n d cr u cia t e k n ee lig a m en t oper a t ion s, a n d bein g on t h e fr on t lin e of so m a n y fer ociou s ba t t les for so lon g ? T h e en er g y Roy ex pen ded in g a m es w a s qu it e ex cept ion a l, bu t w h en y ou en t er y ou r t h ir t ies it ’s h a r d t o com pr eh en d w h er e y ou ’r e g oin g w r on g . Y ou ca n ’t ch a n g e t h e n a t u r e t h a t h a s dr iv en y ou t o so m u ch su ccess. It beca m e t r a n spa r en t t o u s t h a t w e w er e n o lon g er dea lin g w it h t h e sa m e Roy Kea n e. Ou r solu t ion w a s t o t ell h im t o st a y in t h a t sa m e a r ea of cen t r a l m idfield. He cou ld con t r ol t h e g a m e fr om

t h er e. Deep dow n , I believ e, h e k n ew t h a t bet t er t h a n a n y on e, bu t h e sim ply cou ld n ot br in g h im self t o a ba n don h is old t a lism a n ic r ole. T h a t w a s t h e lon g -t er m con t ex t t o t h e con fr on t a t ion t h a t en ded w it h h im lea v in g t h e clu b a n d join in g Celt ic. He t h ou g h t h e w a s Pet er Pa n . Nobody is. Ry a n Gig g s is t h e closest y ou m ig h t com e t o t h a t m y t h ica l a g eless fig u r e, bu t Ry a n n ev er h a d a n y ser iou s in ju r ies. Roy h a d som e ba d on es. His h ip pr oblem w a s t h e on e t h a t ca u sed t h e big g est det er ior a t ion in h is ph y sica l pr ow ess. T h e fir st m a jor fr a ct u r e in ou r r ela t ion sh ip a ppea r ed in pr e-sea son , befor e t h e 2 0 0 5 –0 6 ca m pa ig n , on ou r t r ip t o a t r a in in g ca m p in Por t u g a l. Ca r los Qu eir oz w en t ou t t o set it u p beca u se it h a d been h is idea , a n d led u s t o t h e m ost m a r v ellou s fa cilit y . V a le do Lobo. It w a s ou t of t h is w or ld. T r a in in g pit ch es, a g y m a n d sm a ll h ou ses, w h ich w er e per fect for t h e pla y er s. I a r r iv ed t h er e a t t h e en d of m y su m m er h olida y in Fr a n ce. A ll t h e st a ff a n d pla y er s w er e n icely en scon ced in t h eir v illa s. Bu t ba d n ew s a w a it ed m e. Ca r los w a s h a v in g a n ig h t m a r e w it h Roy . I a sk ed w h a t t h e pr oblem w a s. Ca r los ex pla in ed t h a t Roy con sider ed t h e h ou ses a t V a le do Lobo t o be ben ea t h t h e r equ ir ed st a n da r d a n d w a s n ot w illin g t o st a y in h is. A ccor din g t o Ca r los, Roy h a d r eject ed t h e fir st h ou se beca u se on e of t h e r oom s la ck ed a ir con dit ion in g . T h e secon d t h r ew u p a sim ila r pr oblem . T h e t h ir d, w h ich I sa w , w a s a fa n t a st ic h ou se. Roy w ou ldn ’t t a k e it . He w a n t ed t o st a y in t h e n ex t v illa g e, Qu in t a do La g o, w it h h is fa m ily .

T h a t fir st n ig h t , w e or g a n ised a ba r becu e on t h e pa t io of t h e h ot el. It w a s bea u t ifu lly pr esen t ed. Roy a ppr oa ch ed m e a n d sa id h e n eeded t o t a lk t o m e. ‘Roy , com e on , n ot n ow . W e’ll t a lk in t h e m or n in g ,’ I sa id. A ft er t r a in in g I pu lled h im t o on e side. ‘W h a t ’s g oin g on , Roy ?’ I st a r t ed. ‘I’v e look ed a t t h e h ou ses, t h ey ’r e fin e.’ Roy er u pt ed, issu in g a lon g list of com pla in t s, w h ich in clu ded t h e a ir con dit ion in g . T h en h e st a r t ed on Ca r los. W h y w er e w e doin g t h e pr e-sea son h er e?, a n d so on . It w a s a ll cr it icism . It pla ced a st r a in on h is r ela t ion sh ip w it h u s. He beca m e qu it e r eclu siv e, I t h ou g h t , on t h a t t ou r . I w a s disa ppoin t ed. Ca r los h a d w or k ed h is sock s off t o m a k e t h e t r ip r ig h t for ev er y on e. W h en t h e v isit w a s ov er , I r esolv ed t o br in g Roy u p t o t h e office t o a t lea st g et h im t o sa y sor r y t o Ca r los. He w a s h a v in g n on e of it . W h en w e w er e em br oiled in a n a r g u m en t on ce, Roy sa id t o m e, ‘Y ou ’v e ch a n g ed.’ I r eplied, ‘Roy , I w ill h a v e ch a n g ed, beca u se t oda y is n ot y est er da y . It ’s a differ en t w or ld w e’r e in n ow . W e h a v e pla y er s fr om t w en t y differ en t cou n t r ies in h er e. Y ou sa y I’v e ch a n g ed? I h ope I h a v e. I w ou ld n ev er h a v e su r v iv ed if I h a dn ’t ch a n g ed.’ He sa id: ‘Y ou ’r e n ot t h e sa m e m a n .’ W e h a d a r ea l set -t o. A pr oper a r g u m en t . I t old h im h e w a s ou t of or der . ‘Y ou ’r e t h e ca pt a in . Y ou sh ow ed n o

r espon sibilit y t o t h e ot h er pla y er s. It ’s n ot a s if w e a sk ed y ou t o liv e in a h ov el. T h ey w er e n ice h ou ses. Good pla ces.’ T h e ba d feelin g didn ’t su bside. T h e det er ior a t ion in ou r r ela t ion sh ip r ea lly st a r t ed t h er e. T h en ca m e t h e MUT V in t er v iew episode, in w h ich Roy let r ip a t som e of t h e y ou n g er m em ber s of t h e squ a d for su pposedly fa ilin g in t h eir du t ies. W e h a d a r ot a for MUT V in t er v iew s, a n d on t h is occa sion it w a s Ga r y Nev ille’s t u r n . On t h e Mon da y a ft er w e pla y ed Middlesbr ou g h , I w a s n ot pa r t icu la r ly in t er est ed w h en a pr ess officer in for m ed m e t h a t Roy w a s t a k in g ov er t h e slot fr om Ga r y . It didn ’t st r ik e m e a s sig n ifica n t . Bu t a ppa r en t ly Roy h a d been g iv in g t h e ot h er pla y er s t er r ible st ick a bou t Sa t u r da y ’s g a m e. Cu t t o 4 p.m . I r eceiv e a ca ll a t h om e: ‘Y ou n eed t o see t h is.’ In t h e in t er v iew Roy descr ibed Kier a n Rich a r dson a s a ‘la zy defen der ’, dou bt ed w h y ‘people in Scot la n d r a v e a bou t Da r r en Flet ch er ’ a n d sa id of Rio Fer din a n d, ‘Ju st beca u se y ou a r e pa id a h u n dr ed a n d t w en t y t h ou sa n d pou n ds a w eek a n d pla y w ell for t w en t y m in u t es a g a in st T ot t en h a m , y ou t h in k y ou a r e a su per st a r .’ T h e pr ess office h a d ph on ed Da v id Gill r ig h t a w a y . It w a s st opped pen din g a decision fr om m e on w h a t w e ou g h t t o do w it h t h e t a pe. ‘OK, g et t h e v ideo t o m y office t om or r ow m or n in g a n d I’ll h a v e a look a t it ,’ I sa id. Jesu s. It w a s u n believ a ble. He sla u g h t er ed ev er y on e. Da r r en Flet ch er g ot it . A la n Sm it h . V a n der Sa r . Roy w a s t a k in g t h em a ll dow n .

T h er e w a s n o g a m e t h a t w eek a n d I w a s du e t o g o t o Du ba i t o v isit ou r soccer sch ool. T h a t m or n in g Ga r y Nev ille ca lled m e fr om t h e pla y er s’ dr essin g r oom a n d a sk ed m e t o com e in . Dow n I w en t , ex pect in g Roy t o h a v e a polog ised. I t ook m y sea t . Ga r y pr om pt ly a n n ou n ced t h a t t h e pla y er s w er e n ot h a ppy w it h t h e t r a in in g . I cou ldn ’t believ e m y ea r s. ‘Y ou w h a t ?’ I sa id. Roy h a d a m a jor in flu en ce on t h e dr essin g r oom a n d I believ e t h a t h e h a d u sed t h a t in flu en ce t o t r y a n d t u r n t h e sit u a t ion . List en , Ca r los Qu eir oz w a s a g r ea t coa ch , a g r ea t t r a in er . Y es, h e cou ld be r epet it iv e w it h som e ex er cises, bu t t h a t ’s w h a t m a k es foot ba ller s: for ce of h a bit . I let t h em h a v e it . ‘Y ou pu lled m e dow n h er e t o com pla in a bou t t h e t r a in in g ? Don ’t y ou st a r t , t h e pa ir of y ou … W h o a r e y ou t a lk in g t o?’ A n d I w a lk ed ou t . La t er , Roy ca m e u p t o see m e a n d I t old h im , ‘I k n ow w h a t ’s h a ppen ed.’ T h en I st a r t ed on t h e v ideo. ‘W h a t y ou did in t h a t in t er v iew w a s a disg r a ce, a jok e. Cr it icisin g y ou r t ea m -m a t es. A n d w a n t in g t h a t t o g o ou t .’ Roy ’s su g g est ion w a s t h a t w e sh ou ld sh ow t h e v ideo of t h e in t er v iew t o t h e pla y er s a n d let t h em decide. I a g r eed a n d t h e w h ole t ea m ca m e u p t o see it . Da v id Gill w a s in t h e bu ildin g , bu t declin ed m y in v it a t ion t o t a k e a sea t for t h e sh ow . He t h ou g h t it best t o lea v e it t o m e. Bu t Ca r los a n d a ll t h e st a ff join ed t h e a u dien ce. Roy a sk ed t h e pla y er s w h et h er t h ey h a d a n y t h in g t o sa y a bou t w h a t t h ey h a d ju st seen . Edw in v a n der Sa r sa id y es. He t old Roy h e w a s ou t of lin e cr it icisin g h is t ea m -m a t es. So Roy a t t a ck ed Edw in .

W h o did h e t h in k h e w a s, w h a t did Edw in k n ow a bou t Ma n ch est er Un it ed? V a n Nist elr ooy , t o h is cr edit , piped u p t o su ppor t V a n der Sa r , so Roy r ou n ded on Ru u d. T h en h e st a r t ed on Ca r los. Bu t h e sa v ed t h e best for m e. ‘Y ou br ou g h t y ou r pr iv a t e life in t o t h e clu b w it h y ou r a r g u m en t w it h Ma g n ier ,’ h e sa id. A t t h a t poin t , pla y er s st a r t ed w a lk in g ou t . Sch oles, V a n Nist elr ooy , For t u n e. T h e h a r dest pa r t of Roy ’s body is h is t on g u e. He h a s t h e m ost sa v a g e t on g u e y ou ca n im a g in e. He ca n debilit a t e t h e m ost con fiden t per son in t h e w or ld in secon ds w it h t h a t t on g u e. W h a t I n ot iced a bou t h im t h a t da y a s I w a s a r g u in g w it h h im w a s t h a t h is ey es st a r t ed t o n a r r ow , a lm ost t o w ee bla ck bea ds. It w a s fr ig h t en in g t o w a t ch . A n d I’m fr om Gla sg ow . A ft er Roy h a d left , Ca r los sa w I w a s qu it e u pset . Nev er in h is life, h e sa id, h a d h e w it n essed a scen e of t h a t n a t u r e. He ca lled it t h e w or st im a g in a ble spect a cle in t h e life of a pr ofession a l foot ba ll clu b. ‘He n eeds t o g o, Ca r los,’ I sa id. ‘On e h u n dr ed per cen t ,’ h e sa id. ‘Get r id of h im .’ I w a s a w a y u n t il t h e follow in g W edn esda y , bu t ph on ed Da v id Gill fr om Du ba i a n d t old h im , ‘W e n eed t o m ov e Roy ou t .’ His r espon se w a s t h a t , fr om t h e a ccou n t s I h a d g iv en h im , t h er e w a s n o ch oice. He sa id h e w ou ld n eed t o spea k t o t h e Gla zer s, w h o a ppr ov ed t h e m ov e. I a g r eed w it h Da v id Gill t h a t t h e clu b w ou ld pa y Roy ’s con t r a ct u p a n d h on ou r h is t est im on ia l. No on e cou ld sa y w e h a d t r ea t ed Roy u n ju st ly . W h en

I r et u r n ed fr om

t h e Middle Ea st ,

Da v id

in st r u ct ed m e t h a t t h e Gla zer s w er e com in g ov er on t h e Fr ida y , a n d t h a t h e h a d ph on ed Mich a el Ken n edy t o sa y w e w a n t ed a m eet in g w it h h im . W e ca lled Mich a el a n d Roy in t o t h e m eet in g a n d set ou t ou r decision , w it h a ll t h e det a ils. Roy sa id pu blicly la t er t h a t h e w a s disa ppoin t ed I didn ’t en d h is Ma n ch est er Un it ed ca r eer on m y ow n . Bu t a ft er t h e or ig in a l con fr on t a t ion , I w a s fin ish ed w it h h im . T h er e w a s n o w a y I w a n t ed a n ot h er w a r w it h h im or ev en t o g et in v olv ed w it h h im a g a in . I w a lk ed ou t t o t h e t r a in in g pit ch a n d t old t h e pla y er s, a n d r eg ist er ed t h e sh ock on ea ch fa ce. I a lw a y s felt t h a t m y best m om en t s a s a m a n a g er w er e w h en I m a de qu ick decision s ba sed on ir r efu t a ble fa ct , on con v ict ion . It w a s so clea r t o m e w h a t I h a d t o do t o st em t h is cr isis. If I h a d pr ev a r ica t ed, it w ou ld h a v e g iv en Roy m or e st r en g t h in t h e dr essin g r oom , m or e con fiden ce in h is ow n m in d t h a t h e h a d been r ig h t , m or e t im e t o con v in ce ev er y on e h e w a s cor r ect in h is beh a v iou r . A n d h e w a s n ot r ig h t . W h a t h e did w a s w r on g . T h er e w a s so m u ch t o look ba ck on , so m u ch t o pr ocess a s Roy Kea n e beca m e a n ex -Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er . Hig h on t h e list w ou ld be t h e 2 0 0 2 W or ld Cu p, a n d Roy fly in g h om e a ft er a bu st -u p w it h Mick McCa r t h y , t h e Repu blic of Ir ela n d m a n a g er . My br ot h er Ma r t in h a d t a k en m e for a w eek ’s h olida y for m y 6 0 t h bir t h da y . A t din n er I didn ’t t a k e m y ph on e a lon g w it h m e, bu t Ma r t in h a d t a k en h is, a n d a s w e left , it r a n g . It w a s Mich a el Ken n edy sa y in g h e h a d been t r y in g t o con t a ct m e. Mich a el m a de it clea r t h er e

h a d been a n er u pt ion in Sa ipa n , w h er e t h e Repu blic of Ir ela n d t ea m h a d a r r iv ed t o pr epa r e for t h e W or ld Cu p. ‘Y ou n eed t o t a lk t o h im . Y ou ’r e t h e on ly m a n h e’ll list en t o,’ Mich a el sa id. I w a s ba ffled. I cou ldn ’t im a g in e w h a t Mich a el cou ld h a v e been so dist r essed a bou t . He t old m e t h e st or y of Roy ’s con fr on t a t ion w it h Mick McCa r t h y . T h e n u m ber Mich a el g a v e m e w a s n o g ood so I su g g est ed Roy sh ou ld r in g m e in st ea d. Kea n e’s v oice ca m e on t h e lin e. ‘Roy , w h a t on ea r t h a r e y ou t h in k in g a bou t ?’ Roy u n spooled a ll h is a n g er a t McCa r t h y . I sa id: ‘Ca lm dow n . A bit of a dv ice. Y ou ca n n ot a ffor d t o m a k e y ou r ch ildr en g o t o sch ool ev er y da y w it h t h is a s t h e ba ck g r ou n d t o t h eir liv es. T h in k of y ou r fa m ily . It w ill be h or r en dou s. For g et t h e W or ld Cu p fin a ls. T h is w ill be t h e big g est st or y a ll su m m er .’ He k n ew I w a s r ig h t . I t old h im t o g et ba ck in t h er e w it h McCa r t h y , ju st t h e t w o of t h em , sor t it ou t a n d t ell t h e m a n a g er h e w ou ld be pla y in g . Roy a g r eed. Bu t by t h e t im e h e w en t ba ck , Mick h a d a lr ea dy g iv en a pr ess con fer en ce t o ex pla in w h a t h a d been g oin g on . T h er e w a s n o w a y ba ck for Roy . I defen ded Roy t o t h e h ilt beca u se h e h a d com e fr om Ma n ch est er Un it ed, w it h t h e h ig h st a n da r ds w e h a d. Goin g t o a su bst a n da r d t r a in in g ba se, w it h n o t r a in in g k it , is a r ea son a ble issu e t o g et a n g r y a bou t , a n d a s ca pt a in h e h a d ev er y r ea son t o com pla in . T h e qu est ion in life is: h ow fa r do y ou t a k e a g r iev a n ce? A s ba d a s t h e con dit ion s w er e in Kor ea , Roy sh ou ldn ’t h a v e pu sh ed h is a n g er t o su ch lev els. Bu t t h a t w a s Roy . He w a s a m a n of ex t r em es. I a lw a y s pr ot ect ed m y pla y er s a n d Roy w a s n o

ex cept ion . It w a s m y job. For t h a t r ea son I ca n ’t a polog ise for t h e t im es I st u ck u p for t h em w h en t h er e w er e sou n d r ea son s t o lu r ch t h e ot h er w a y . T h er e w er e t im es w h en I t h ou g h t , ‘Ch r ist , w h a t w er e y ou t h in k in g a bou t ?’ Ca t h y posed t h a t qu est ion t o m e m a n y t im es. Bu t I cou ldn ’t t a k e sides a g a in st m y pla y er s. I h a d t o fin d solu t ion s ot h er t h a n ca st ig a t in g t h em in pu blic. Som et im es I h a d t o fin e or pu n ish t h em , of cou r se, bu t I cou ld n ev er let it ou t of t h e dr essin g r oom . I w ou ld h a v e felt I h a d bet r a y ed t h e on e con st a n t pr in ciple of m y t im e a s a m a n a g er : t o defen d. No, n ot t o defen d, bu t t o pr ot ect t h em fr om ou t side ju dg m en t s. In m oder n foot ba ll, celebr it y st a t u s ov er r ides t h e m a n a g er ’s pow er . In m y da y y ou w ou ldn ’t w h isper a w or d a bou t y ou r m a n a g er . Y ou w ou ld fea r cer t a in dea t h . In m y la t er y ea r s, I w ou ld h ea r con st a n t ly a bou t pla y er s u sin g t h eir pow er a g a in st m a n a g er s, a n d t h e pla y er r eceiv in g t h e su ppor t of t h e pu blic a n d ev en t h e clu b. T h e pla y er w ill a lw a y s spill h is r esen t m en t s t o w h oev er m ig h t ca r e t o list en , bu t t h e m a n a g er w ill n ot do t h a t , beca u se h e h a s w ider r espon sibilit ies. I t h in k Roy r ea lised h e w a s com in g t o t h e en d of h is pla y in g ca r eer a n d w a s st a r t in g t o t h in k h e w a s t h e m a n a g er . He w as a ssu m in g m a n a g er ia l r espon sibilit ies, a n d, of cou r se, it ’s n ot a m a n a g er ia l r espon sibilit y t o g o on Ma n ch est er Un it ed t elev ision a n d sla u g h t er y ou r t ea m -m a t es. By st oppin g it g oin g ou t , w e sa v ed Roy fr om losin g t h e r espect of ev er y on e in t h a t dr essin g r oom . Bu t on ce t h e m eet in g in m y r oom dev eloped su ch a v en om ou s

t on e, t h a t w a s t h e en d of h im . T h e on e t h in g I cou ld n ev er a llow w a s loss of con t r ol, beca u se con t r ol w a s m y on ly sa v iou r . A s w it h Da v id Beck h a m , I k n ew t h e m in u t e a foot ba ll pla y er st a r t ed t r y in g t o r u n t h e clu b, w e w ou ld a ll be fin ish ed. T h e r ea l pla y er s lik e t h a t . T h ey lik e a m a n a g er w h o’s t ou g h . Or ca n be t ou g h . T h ey lik e t h e m a n a g er t o be a m a n . T h er e’s a r ew a r d. T h e pla y er w ill be t h in k in g : ‘1 . Ca n h e m a k e u s w in n er s? 2 . Ca n h e m a k e m e a bet t er foot ba ller ? 3 . Is h e loy a l t o u s?’ T h ese a r e v it a l con sider a t ion s, fr om t h e pla y er ’s side. If t h e a n sw er t o a ll t h r ee is y es, t h ey w ill t oler a t e m u r der s. I h a d som e t er r ible m ood-st or m s a ft er g a m es a n d w a s n ev er pr ou d of m y ou t bu r st s. Som e n ig h t s I w ou ld g o h om e a ssa iled by fea r of t h e con sequ en ces. Ma y be t h e pla y er s w ou ldn ’t be t a lk in g t o m e n ex t t im e I en t er ed t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d. Per h a ps t h ey w ou ld be r a g in g or con spir in g a g a in st m e. Bu t on Mon da y s, t h ey w ou ld be m or e t er r ified of m e t h a n I w a s of t h em , beca u se t h ey h a d seen m e lose m y t em per a n d w er e n ot k een t o see it h a ppen a g a in . Roy ’s a n in t ellig en t g u y . I sa w h im r ea din g som e in t er est in g book s. He’s a g ood con v er sa t ion a list a n d g ood com pa n y w h en h e’s in t h e r ig h t m ood. T h e ph y sio w ou ld com e in a n d a sk , ‘W h a t sor t of m ood is Roy in t oda y ?’ beca u se t h a t w ou ld det er m in e t h e w h ole m ood of t h e dr essin g r oom . T h a t ’s h ow in flu en t ia l h e w a s in ou r da ily liv es. W it h h is con t r a dict ion s a n d m ood sw in g s h e cou ld be w on der fu l on e m in u t e a n d a n t a g on ist ic t h e n ex t . T h e sw it ch w ou ld flick in a m om en t .

In on e deep sen se, h im lea v in g w a s t h e best t h in g t h a t cou ld h a v e h a ppen ed, beca u se a lot of t h e pla y er s w er e in t im ida t ed by h im in t h e dr essin g r oom , a n d t h ose pla y er s em er g ed w ell fr om h is depa r t u r e. Joh n O’Sh ea and Da r r en Flet ch er w er e cer t a in ly ben eficia r ies. W h en w e w en t t o Fr a n ce t o pa y Lille in Pa r is in Nov em ber 2 0 0 5 , t h e pla y er s w er e booed on t h e pit ch in t h e w a r m -u p, pa r t ly a s a con sequ en ce of w h a t Roy h a d sa id in t h e MUT V in t er v iew . Flet ch er a n d O’Sh ea t ook m ost of t h e h eck lin g . I t h in k t h e dr essin g r oom r ela x ed w h en Roy left . Relief sw ept t h e r oom . T h ey n o lon g er h a d t o list en t o t h e ba r r a g e t h a t som e of t h em h a d g r ow n t o ex pect . Beca u se h e’d been a declin in g for ce, t h e g a p h e left w a s n ot a s big a s it w ou ld h a v e been t h r ee y ea r s pr ev iou sly . I w a t ch ed h im in a Celt ic v . Ra n g er s g a m e a n d sa id t o Ca r los befor eh a n d, ‘He’ll be t h e st a r m a n t oda y .’ Roy w a s n ev er in t h e g a m e. He pla y ed a pa ssiv e r ole. T h e dy n a m ic, fist -clen ch in g , dem a n din g Roy Kea n e w a sn ’t t h er e. He lov ed it a t Celt ic Pa r k . I spok e t o h im a bou t it a n d h e pr a ised t h e t r a in in g , t h e fa cilit ies, t h e Pr ozon e. T h in g s did set t le dow n bet w een u s. A bou t t w o m on t h s la t er I w a s sit t in g in m y office discu ssin g t ea m bu sin ess w it h Ca r los, w h en a m em ber of st a ff ca lled t o sa y t h a t Roy w a s h er e t o see m e. I w a s st a r t led. ‘I ju st w a n t t o a polog ise t o y ou for m y beh a v iou r ,’ h e sa id. T h a t ’s w h en h e beg a n descr ibin g t h e scen e a t Celt ic a n d t ellin g m e h ow w ell h is w or k w a s g oin g . Bu t w h en I sa w h im in t h a t Ra n g er s–Celt ic g a m e I k n ew h e w ou ldn ’t ca r r y on w it h it .

Ch a n g es w er e a lr ea dy in m ot ion befor e Roy left , bu t t h ey w er en ’t y et a ppa r en t . T h er e is on e a bidin g t r u t h a bou t Ma n ch est er Un it ed: w e a r e a lw a y s ca pa ble of pr odu cin g n ew pla y er s, fr esh n a m es, a n d w e h a d t h em on t a p a g a in a s Roy w a s h ea din g ou t . Flet ch er w a s a cqu ir in g m a t u r it y a n d ex per ien ce; I br ou g h t Ji-Su n g Pa r k t o t h e clu b; Jon n y Ev a n s w a s br ea k in g t h r ou g h . Oft en fir st -t ea m pla y er s ca n ’t r ecog n ise t h e r eg en er a t ion g oin g on a r ou n d t h em beca u se t h ey ca n ’t see bey on d t h em selv es. T h ey h a v e n o clu e w h a t ’s g oin g on fu r t h er dow n t h e sca le. Gig g s, Sch oles a n d Nev ille w er e ex cept ion s. Ma y be Rio a n d W es Br ow n . Ot h er s w ou ld h a v e n o idea . T h ey see t h eir job a s pla y in g . Bu t I cou ld see fou n da t ion s dev elopin g . T h a t w a sn ’t a g r ea t per iod for u s in t er m s of t r oph ies. Y et w h en y ou ’r e m a n a g in g ch a n g e, y ou h a v e t o a ccept t h e qu iet er spells a n d a ck n ow ledg e t h a t t r a n sfor m a t ion s t a k e lon g er t h a n a y ea r . I cou ld n ev er a sk for t h r ee or fou r y ea r s t o a ch iev e ch a n g e, beca u se a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed y ou w ou ld n ev er h a v e t h a t t im e, so y ou t r y t o ex pedit e it , a n d be bold som et im es: pla y y ou n g pla y er s, t est t h em . I w a s n ev er a fr a id of t h a t . It w a s n ev er ju st a du t y , bu t a pa r t of t h e job I lov ed. It ’s w h o I a m . I did it a t St Mir r en a n d A ber deen a n d Ma n ch est er Un it ed. So, w h en w e fa ced t h ose per iods, w e a lw a y s pu t ou r t r u st in y ou n g er pla y er s. In t er m s of r ecr u it m en t t a r g et s, Ca r los fa n cied A n der son st r on g ly . In on e da y , Da v id Gill t r a v elled t o Spor t in g Lisbon t o sig n Na n i a n d t h en dr ov e u p t h e m ot or w a y t o bu y A n der son fr om Por t o. T h ey cost a bit

of m on ey , bu t it sh ow ed w h a t w e t h ou g h t , a s a clu b, a bou t y ou n g t a len t . W e h a d a g ood defen siv e n u cleu s of Fer din a n d, V idić a n d Ev r a . W e w er e a solid u n it a t t h e ba ck . Roon ey w a s dev elopin g . W e let Lou is Sa h a g o beca u se h e w a s a lw a y s pick in g u p in ju r ies. W e h a d Hen r ik La r sson for a w h ile, a n d h e w a s a r ev ela t ion . A ft er a n in it ia l r a ppr och em en t , r ela t ion s w it h Roy sou r ed a g a in . I sa w a r em a r k h e h a d m a de in t h e n ew spa per s t o t h e effect t h a t h e h a d w a sh ed Ma n Un it ed ou t of h is life. His cla im w a s t h a t w e w ou ld a ll h a v e for g ot t en h im by t h en . How cou ld a n y on e for g et w h a t h e did for t h e clu b? T h e pr ess u sed t o see h im a s a qu a si-m a n a g er , beca u se of h is w in n in g a ppet it e, a n d t h e w a y h e dr ov e t h e t ea m on . T h ey w ou ld a sk m e a ll t h e t im e: ‘Do y ou t h in k Roy Kea n e w ill be a m a n a g er ?’ A s h is ca r eer in coa ch in g dev eloped, it beca m e a ppa r en t t h a t h e n eeded t o spen d m on ey t o a ch iev e r esu lt s. He w a s a lw a y s look in g t o bu y pla y er s. I didn ’t feel Roy h a d t h e pa t ien ce t o bu ild a t ea m . In t h e 2 0 1 1 –1 2 sea son , w e cr ossed sw or ds a g a in w h en Roy w a s h ig h ly cr it ica l of ou r y ou n g pla y er s a ft er t h e defea t in Ba sel, w h ich k n ock ed u s ou t of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e, a n d I r espon ded by r efer r in g t o h im a s a ‘T V cr it ic’. If y ou st u died h is fin a l da y s a t Su n der la n d a n d Ipsw ich , h is bea r d w ou ld g et w h it er a n d h is ey es bla ck er . Som e m ig h t be im pr essed w it h h is opin ion s on T V a n d t h in k : ‘W ell, h e’s g ot t h e ba lls t o t a k e on A lex Fer g u son .’ Fr om t h e m in u t e h e beca m e a T V cr it ic, I k n ew h e w ou ld focu s on Un it ed. A s for bla m in g t h e y ou n g pla y er s? He w ou ldn ’t h a v e a im ed t h a t a ccu sa t ion a t W a y n e Roon ey , w h o w ou ldn ’t

h a v e st ood for it . T h e sen ior pla y er s w ou ld sor t h im ou t . Flet ch er a n d O’Sh ea a r e t h e t w o h e pick ed on , a n d t h ey w er e booed a s a r esu lt by ou r fa n s w h en w e pla y ed Lille in Pa r is. His t w o spells in m a n a g em en t pr ov ed on e t h in g : h e n eeds m on ey . He spen t a t Su n der la n d a n d fa iled. He spen t a lot a t Ipsw ich a n d ca m e u p sh or t . He g a v e a n in t er v iew t o Da v id W a lsh of t h e Sunday Tim es sa y in g I on ly look ed a ft er m y self, a n d u sed t h e Joh n Ma g n ier /Rock of Gibr a lt a r sit u a t ion a s a n ex a m ple. Un believ a ble. T h a t da y in m y office, w h en w e cla sh ed, I sa w t h e a n g er in h im . His ey es bla ck en ed. He w en t on a bou t Joh n Ma g n ier t h a t da y a s w ell. I n ev er u n der st ood h is obsession w it h t h e Rock of Gibr a lt a r a ffa ir . In t h e a r r a n g em en t w e r ea ch ed on t h a t m om en t ou s Fr ida y , it w a s a g r eed t h a t n o on e w ou ld ev er t a lk a bou t ou r fa ll-ou t . I w ou ld h a v e h on ou r ed t h a t a g r eem en t , bu t for t h e fa ct t h a t Roy br ea ch ed it fir st . W h en Roy w a s a t Su n der la n d h e a ccu sed Un it ed of in su lt in g h im a n d ly in g t o h im in t h e bu ild-u p t o h is depa r t u r e. T h e clu b con sider ed leg a l a ct ion a g a in st h im . Roy sa id h e w ou ld n ot r et r a ct t h e a ccu sa t ion . My feelin g w a s t h a t h e w a s look in g for a da y in cou r t t o im pr ess t h e fa n s. He w a s st ill a h er o t o t h em , a ft er a ll. So m y a dv ice t o Da v id Gill w a s t o pu ll t h e leg a l a ct ion . I feel w e pr eser v ed ou r dig n it y .

ten

T H E foot ba ll-w a t ch in g

pu blic pr oba bly sa w m e a s a n obsessiv e w h o seldom look ed bey on d Ma n ch est er Un it ed for en t er t a in m en t . Bu t a s t h e dem a n ds of t h e job in t en sified, I fou n d r efu g e in n u m er ou s in t er est s a n d h obbies t h a t k ept m y m in d st r et ch ed, m y book sh elv es pa ck ed a n d m y cella r st ock ed w it h g ood w in es. A pa r t fr om m y lov e of h or se r a cin g , t h is ot h er life st a y ed h idden fr om v iew . It w a s t h e w or ld I r et u r n ed t o w h en t h e da y h a d r u n it s cou r se a t Ca r r in g t on , ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d, or w h en t h e m a t ch h a d been pla y ed, com m en t ed u pon a n d filed a w a y . Ov er t h e fin a l t en y ea r s or so, I ea sed m y self in t o a r a n g e of ot h er in t er est s t h a t h elped m e m a n a g e Un it ed m or e effect iv ely . I w or k ed ju st a s h a r d bu t u sed t h e m u scles of t h e m in d in a m or e v a r ied w a y . Hom e w a s a ba se for a ll m y fa scin a t ion s, fr om biog r a ph ies of t h e dict a t or s t o docu m en t s on t h e Joh n F. Ken n edy a ssa ssin a t ion a n d files on m y w in e collect ion . My polit ica l con v ict ion s h a v e r em a in ed la r g ely u n ch a n g ed fr om m y t im e a s a sh op st ew a r d in t h e

sh ipy a r ds of Gov a n . People’s opin ion s ch a n g e ov er t im e w it h su ccess a n d w ea lt h , bu t in m y y ou t h I a cqu ir ed n ot so m u ch a r a n g e of ideolog ica l v iew s a s a w a y of seein g life; a set of v a lu es. I’v e n ev er been a ct iv e in t h e sen se of becom in g a La bou r Pa r t y a n im a l w h o a t t en ded ev er y din n er a n d popped u p in ev er y elect ion ca m pa ig n . Bu t I a lw a y s su ppor t ed loca l La bou r MPs. Ca t h y w ou ld sa y t h a t t h e m in u t e y ou ex t en d y ou r self in t o polit ics, t h ey w ill w a n t y ou ev er y t im e. A n ex pect a t ion w ill dev elop t h a t y ou ’r e a lw a y s r ea dy a n d w illin g t o g iv e y ou r t im e. Bein g a believ er in t h e La bou r Pa r t y a n d socia list pr in ciples is on e t h in g , bu t becom in g a n a ct iv e m em ber w a s a n ot h er . I ju st didn ’t h a v e t h e t im e a s Ma n Un it ed m a n a g er t o a ccom m oda t e t h ose dem a n ds. I w ou ld pu t m y cr oss on t h e ba llot pa per a n d su ppor t t h em in a v isu a l w a y . Y ou w ou ldn ’t see m e sit t in g beside Da v id Ca m er on , w ou ld y ou ? Y ou w ou ld see m e a lon g side a La bou r MP. T h a t w ou ld be m y im pa ct . I’v e a lw a y s been on t h e left of t h e pa r t y , w h ich ex pla in s m y h ig h opin ion of Gor don Br ow n ’s w or k . Joh n Sm it h ’s, t oo. T h e la t e Joh n Sm it h w ou ld h a v e been a fin e La bou r pr im e m in ist er . I felt sor r y for Neil Kin n ock : a g ood g u y w it h ba d lu ck . I w ou ld h a v e lov ed t o see h im in Dow n in g St r eet . He h a d t h a t fier y n a t u r e. I w a s closer t o Br ow n in pr in ciple bu t a ccept t h a t Bla ir ’s m or e popu list w a y w a s t h e r ou t e t o g et elect ed. He w a s cor r ect in h is posit ion in g . Plu s, h e h a d ch a r ism a t o g o w it h it a n d w a s popu la r for a lon g t im e u n t il t h e in v a sion of Ir a q u n der m in ed t h e pu blic’s v iew of h im . My

fr ien dsh ip w it h A la st a ir Ca m pbell dev eloped

t h r ou g h t h a t g r ea t m a n , v et er a n Scot t ish foot ba ll r epor t er a n d con fida n t of sev er a l La bou r pr im e m in ist er s, Jim Rodg er . He ca lled a n d a sk ed m e t o do a piece w it h A la st a ir , w h o w a s w it h t h e Mirror a t t h e t im e. A la st a ir a n d I g ot on w ell a n d h e w ou ld sen d m e w ee let t er s a n d so on . He w a s a g ood n et w or k er . T h en h e beca m e T on y ’s pr ess secr et a r y a n d w e beca m e g ood fr ien ds t h r ou g h h is r ole in t h e La bou r Pa r t y . I h a d din n er w it h A la st a ir , T on y a n d Ch er ie in t h e Midla n d Hot el in Ma n ch est er t h e w eek befor e t h e 1 9 9 7 elect ion . I t old T on y , ‘If y ou ca n k eep y ou r g ov er n m en t in on e r oom a n d lock t h e door y ou ’ll h a v e n o pr oblem s. T h e pr oblem w it h g ov er n m en t is t h a t t h ey a ll fly off on t h eir ow n , t h ey h a v e t h eir ow n a llies, t h eir ow n jou r n a list ic con t a ct s. Con t r ollin g t h e ca bin et is g oin g t o be t h e h a r d pa r t .’ T on y w a s r ecept iv e t o t h a t m essa g e. In a n y posit ion of pow er t h er e is fr a g ilit y . If y ou ’r e lea din g t h e cou n t r y t h er e is v a st r espon sibilit y a n d a cer t a in lon elin ess t h a t I cou ld r ela t e t o. I w ou ld sit in m y office in t h e a ft er n oon , w it h m y w or k com plet e, w a n t in g com pa n y . T h er e is a v a cu u m a t t a ch ed t o t h e job t h a t people don ’t w a n t t o br ea k in t o. T on y w a s a y ou n g m a n g oin g in t o t h a t posit ion . In h is m em oir s h e w r ot e t h a t h e h a d a sk ed m y opin ion on sa ck in g Gor don Br ow n w h en h e w a s pr im e m in ist er a n d Gor don w a s n ex t door in No. 1 1 . My r ecollect ion is t h a t T on y w a sn ’t specific a bou t Gor don . His qu est ion w a s a bou t su per st a r s a n d h ow I dea lt w it h t h em . My a n sw er w a s: ‘T h e m ost im por t a n t t h in g in m y job is con t r ol. T h e m in u t e t h ey t h r ea t en y ou r con t r ol, y ou h a v e t o g et r id of t h em .’ He did sa y h e w a s

h a v in g pr oblem s w it h Gor don bu t didn ’t a sk m e specifica lly w h a t I t h ou g h t h e sh ou ld do. I k ept m y a dv ice g en er a l beca u se I didn ’t w a n t t o g et in t o per son a lit y issu es. I’v e a lw a y s fou n d t h a t y ou h a v e t o t a k e t h e h a r d r oa d a ll t h e t im e, w h et h er it ’s popu la r or n ot . If y ou h a v e a w or r y a bou t on e of y ou r st a ff, t h a t t ells y ou st r a ig h t a w a y t h er e is a pr oblem . It n ev er m a de sen se t o m e t o g o t o bed ev er y n ig h t w or r y in g w h en y ou cou ld do som et h in g t o cu t t h e pr oblem a w a y . Pow er is u sefu l if y ou w a n t t o u se it , bu t I don ’t t h in k it r eson a t es w it h foot ba ller s, w h o a r e m ost ly w or k in g cla ss m en . Bu t con t r ol w a s m y a im . I cou ld u se m y pow er if I w ish ed, a n d I did, bu t w h en y ou r ea ch t h e st a t ion I a t t a in ed a t Un it ed, pow er ca m e w it h it n a t u r a lly . T h e big decision s y ou m a k e in t h ose jobs a r e u su a lly seen by ou t sider s a s ex er cises in pow er , w h en con t r ol is r ea lly w h a t it ’s a bou t . La bou r polit ics a n d t h e g r ea t v in ey a r ds a side, A m er ica w a s t h e sou r ce of m y m a in in t ellect u a l in t er est s. JFK, t h e Civ il W a r , V in ce Lom ba r di a n d t h e g r ea t A m er ica n ba ll g a m es: t h ese w er e a m on g m y esca pes fr om t h e pr essu r es of foot ba ll. New Y or k w a s m y en t r y poin t t o A m er ica n cu lt u r e. W e bou g h t a n a pa r t m en t t h er e, w h ich a ll t h e fa m ily u sed, a n d Ma n h a t t a n beca m e t h e idea l v en u e for sh or t br ea k s w h en t h e in t er n a t ion a l ca len da r t ook t h e pla y er s a w a y fr om Ca r r in g t on . T h e St a t es a lw a y s in t r ig u ed a n d in spir ed m e. I fed off A m er ica ’s en er g y a n d v a st n ess, it s v a r iet y . My fir st t r ip t h er e w a s in 1 9 8 3 , w h en A ber deen w on t h e

Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p. I t ook t h e fa m ily t o Flor ida , for a r ou t in e k in d of h olida y . By t h en , t h ou g h , A m er ica a n d it s h ist or y h a d a lr ea dy en t er ed m y blood. T h e k illin g of Joh n Ken n edy in Da lla s in 1 9 6 3 left it s m a r k on m e fr om t h e da y I h ea r d t h e n ew s. Ov er t im e I dev eloped a for en sic in t er est in h ow h e w a s k illed, by w h om , a n d w h y . I r em em ber t h e da y t h a t sh ook t h e w or ld. It w a s a Fr ida y n ig h t a n d I w a s sh a v in g in t h e m ir r or , a t t h e ba t h r oom sin k , befor e g oin g t o t h e da n cin g w it h m y m a t es. My da d, w h o w a s a bit dea f, ca lled ou t : ‘Is t h a t r ig h t t h a t Joh n Ken n edy h a s been sh ot ?’ ‘Da d, y ou ’r e dea f. Y ou ’r e im a g in in g it ,’ I ca lled ba ck , a n d dr ied m y self off, t h in k in g n ot h in g of it . Ha lf a n h ou r la t er t h e n ew s fla sh ed u p. He h a d been t a k en t o Pa r k la n ds Hospit a l. I a lw a y s r em em ber , a t t h e da n cin g , a t t h e Fla m in g o, n ea r Gov a n , h ea r in g t h e son g t h a t w en t t o No. 1 : ‘W ou ld Y ou Lik e t o Sw in g on A St a r ?’ T h e a t m osph er e w a s m u t ed. In st ea d of da n cin g w e sa t u pst a ir s a n d t a lk ed a bou t t h e m u r der . For a y ou n g la d lik e m e, Ken n edy ca pt u r ed t h e im a g in a t ion . He w a s a g ood-look in g boy a n d t h er e w a s a cer t a in spa r k a bou t h im . It r eson a t ed t h a t som eon e a s fr esh a n d dy n a m ic a s h im cou ld becom e pr esiden t . T h ou g h h e st a y ed in m y con sciou sn ess, a s a defin in g fig u r e, m y in t er est in t h e a ssa ssin a t ion dev eloped a lon g a n u n ex pect ed r ou t e w h en I w a s in v it ed t o spea k a t a din n er in St ok e by Br ia n Ca r t m el. St a n ley Ma t t h ew s a n d St a n Mor t en sen w er e bot h pr esen t , a lon g w it h Jim m y A r m field, a n d I r em em ber

t h in k in g : ‘W h a t a m I doin g h er e, w it h a ll t h ese g r ea t pla y er s? Su r ely t h ey ’d pr efer t o list en t o St a n ley Ma t t h ew s r a t h er t h a n m e?’ Bu t du r in g t h e din n er , Br ia n a sk ed m e, ‘W h a t a r e y ou r h obbies?’ ‘I don ’t h a v e t im e for h obbies,’ I sa id. I w a s obsessed w it h Un it ed. ‘I h a v e a sn ook er t a ble in t h e h ou se, I lik e a r ou n d of g olf a n d I lik e w a t ch in g m ov ies a t h om e.’ He pu lled ou t a ca r d. ‘My son h a s a fir m in Lon don , h e g et s a ll t h e ea r ly r elea ses. A n y t im e y ou w a n t a film , g iv e h im a ca ll.’ T h e pr ev iou s n ig h t I h a d been t o t h e pict u r es in W ilm slow t o see JFK. ‘A r e y ou in t er est ed in t h a t ?’ a sk ed Br ia n . By t h en I h a d a ssem bled sev er a l book s on t h e sh oot in g . ‘I w a s in t h e fift een t h ca r in t h e m ot or ca de,’ Br ia n sa id. T h er e w e w er e in T h e Pot t er ies a n d t h is g u y w a s t ellin g m e h e h a d been in t h e JFK m ot or ca de. ‘How ?’ ‘I w a s a Daily Expres s jou r n a list . I em ig r a t ed t o Sa n Fr a n cisco a n d w or k ed for Tim e m a g a zin e,’ h e sa id. ‘I a pplied t o t h e Ken n edy a dm in ist r a t ion in 1 9 5 8 t o w or k on t h e elect ion .’ Br ia n h a d been on t h e pla n e w h en Joh n son w a s sw or n in a s pr esiden t . T h a t per son a l con n ect ion dr ew m e deeper in . I st a r t ed g oin g t o a u ct ion s. A la d fr om A m er ica w h o h a d r ea d a bou t m y in t er est in t h e su bject sen t m e t h e a u t opsy r epor t . I k ept a cou ple of ph ot og r a ph s a t t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d – on e I bou g h t in a n a u ct ion , a n d a n ot h er t h a t w a s g iv en t o m e. I a lso bou g h t t h e W a r r en Com m ission r epor t sig n ed by Ger a ld For d a t

a u ct ion . T h a t cost m e $3 ,0 0 0 . W h en Ca t h y a n d I w en t ba ck t o t h e St a t es in 1 9 9 1 for ou r w eddin g a n n iv er sa r y w e t r a v elled t o Ch ica g o, Sa n Fr a n cisco, Ha w a ii, La s V eg a s a n d on t o fr ien ds in T ex a s, w it h New Y or k a t t h e fin ish . W e w en t m ost y ea r s a ft er t h a t . My book collect in g g a t h er ed pa ce. T h e defin it iv e biog r a ph y of Joh n Ken n edy is pr oba bly Rober t Da llek ’s An Unfinis hed Life, John F. Kennedy 1917– 1963. T h a t ’s a n ex cept ion a l book . Da llek h a d a ccess t o Ken n edy ’s m edica l files a n d sh ow ed t h a t h e w a s a w a lk in g m ir a cle, w it h A ddison ’s disea se a n d liv er pr oblem s. In t h e t h r ee y ea r s of h is pr esiden cy , plen t y of ba t t les ca m e h is w a y , w it h t h e fa iled Ba y of Pig s in v a sion , for w h ich h e t ook t h e bla m e, a s w ell a s seg r eg a t ion , t h e Cold W a r , V iet n a m a n d t h e Cu ba n m issile cr isis. Medica r e w a s a n ot h er r u m blin g issu e, a s it is t oda y . It w a s som e w or k loa d. Her e’s a n a side t h a t ca st s lig h t on t h e im por t a n ce of t h e w or ld’s fa v ou r it e g a m e. La t er , in 1 9 6 9 , do y ou k n ow h ow t h e CIA r ea lised t h e Sov iet s w er e a t w or k in Cu ba ? Foot ba ll pit ch es. A er ia l sh ot s of foot ba ll pit ch es la id ou t by Sov iet w or k er s. T h e Cu ba n s didn ’t pla y foot ba ll. Hen r y Kissin g er w a s Eu r opea n in t em per a m en t a n d u n der st ood t h a t . My r ea din g on t h e Ken n edy s br ou g h t m e in t o con t a ct w it h som e w on der fu l lit er a t u r e: Da v id Ha lber st a m ’s The Bes t and the Brightes t st a n ds ou t . It con cen t r a t es on t h e r ea son s for g oin g in t o V iet n a m , a n d t h e lies t h e Ken n edy br ot h er s w er e t old. Ev en Rober t McNa m a r a , US Secr et a r y of Defen se a n d a fr ien d of t h e fa m ily , w a s m islea din g t h em . He a polog ised, in r et ir em en t , t o t h e

Ken n edy fa m ily On ou r su m m er t ou r of A m er ica in 2 0 1 0 , I v isit ed Get t y sbu r g a n d w en t t o lu n ch a t Pr in cet on Un iv er sit y w i t h Ja m es M. McPh er son , t h e g r ea t Civ il W a r h ist or ia n w h o w r ot e Battle Cry of Freedom . I w a s a lso sh ow n r ou n d t h e W h it e Hou se. My fa scin a t ion w it h t h e Civ il W a r st a r t ed w h en som ebody g a v e m e a book a bou t t h e g en er a ls in t h a t con flict . Bot h sides h a d dozen s. T ea ch er s w er e m a de g en er a ls. Gor don Br ow n a sk ed m e on e da y w h a t I w a s r ea din g a bou t . ‘T h e Civ il W a r ,’ I sa id. Gor don sa id h e w ou ld sen d m e som e t a pes. Soon I w a s t a k in g deliv er y of 3 5 r ecor din g s of lect u r es by Ga r y Ga lla g h er , w h o w en t on t o w or k w it h Ja m es McPh er son on t h e r ole of t h e n a v y in t h e w a r , a la r g ely u n t old st or y . T h en a lon g ca m e h or se r a cin g , a n ot h er g r ea t pa ssion , a n ot h er ou t let . Ma r t in Edw a r ds, t h e for m er ch a ir m a n , h a d ca lled m e on e da y t o sa y , ‘Y ou sh ou ld t a k e a da y off.’ ‘I’m a ll r ig h t ,’ I r eplied. Bu t I w a s a t t h e st a g e w h er e Ca t h y w a s sa y in g , ‘Y ou ’r e g oin g t o k ill y ou r self.’ A t h om e, a ft er w or k , I w ou ld be on t h e ph on e u n t il 9 o’clock a t n ig h t a n d t h in k in g a bou t foot ba ll ev er y m in u t e. I bou g h t m y fir st h or se in 1 9 9 6 . On ou r 3 0 t h a n n iv er sa r y w e w en t t o Ch elt en h a m , w h er e I fir st m et t h a t fa n t a st ic m a n , Joh n Mu lh er n , t h e Ir ish t r a in er , for lu n ch . T h a t n ig h t I join ed t h em in Lon don for din n er . In ev it a bly I fou n d m y self sa y in g t o Ca t h y in t h e a ft er m a t h , ‘Do y ou fa n cy bu y in g a h or se? I t h in k it ’ll be a r elea se for m e.’

‘W h er e did y ou g et t h a t on e fr om ?’ sh e sa id. ‘A lex – t h e pr oblem w it h y ou is t h a t y ou ’ll w a n t t o bu y ev er y bloody h or se.’ Bu t it did open t h is r elea se v a lv e for m e. In st ea d of st a g n a t in g in m y office or bu r n in g t im e in en dless t eleph on e con v er sa t ion s, I cou ld sw it ch m y t h ou g h t s t o t h e T u r f. It w a s a w elcom e dist r a ct ion fr om t h e g r u ellin g bu sin ess of foot ba ll – a n d t h a t ’s w h y I t h r ew m y self in t o it , t o en a ble m e t o esca pe t h e obsession w it h m y job. W in n in g t w o Gr a de 1 r a ces w it h W h a t A Fr ien d h a s been a h ig h lig h t . T h e Lex u s Ch a se a n d t h e A in t r ee Bow l. T h e da y befor e t h e A in t r ee r a ce, w e h a d been bea t en by Ba y er n Mu n ich in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e. On e m in u t e m y h ea d w a s on t h e floor . T h e n ex t da y I w a s w in n in g a Gr a de 1 r a ce a t Liv er pool. My fir st h or se, Qu een sla n d St a r , w a s n a m ed a ft er a sh ip m y da d w or k ed on a n d h elped t o bu ild. T r a in er s h a v e t old m e of ow n er s w h o’v e n ev er h a d a w in n er . I’v e h a d 6 0 or 7 0 a n d I n ow h a v e sh a r es in a r ou n d 3 0 h or ses. I’m v er y k een on t h e Hig h cler e Sy n dica t e: Ha r r y Her ber t , w h o r u n s it , is a g r ea t per son a lit y a n d a fin e sa lesm a n . Y ou k n ow ex a ct ly w h a t ’s h a ppen in g w it h t h e h or ses, w it h in for m a t ion ev er y da y . Rock of Gibr a lt a r w a s a w on der fu l h or se; h e beca m e t h e fir st in t h e n or t h er n h em isph er e t o w in sev en con secu t iv e Gr ou p 1 r a ces, bea t in g Mill Reef’s r ecor d. He r a n in m y colou r s u n der a n a g r eem en t I h a d w it h t h e Coolm or e r a cin g oper a t ion in Ir ela n d. My u n der st a n din g w a s t h a t I h a d a h a lf sh a r e in t h e ow n er sh ip of t h e h or se; t h eir s w a s t h a t I w ou ld be en t it led t o h a lf t h e pr ize m on ey . Bu t it w a s r esolv ed.

T h e m a t t er w a s closed w h en w e r ea ch ed a set t lem en t a g r eein g t h a t t h er e h a d been a m isu n der st a n din g on bot h sides. Obv iou sly t h er e w a s a pot en t ia l cla sh bet w een m y r a cin g in t er est s a n d t h e ow n er sh ip of t h e clu b, a n d w h en a m a n st ood u p a t t h e A GM a n d in sist ed I r esig n t h er e w a s a w k w a r dn ess for m e. I h a v e t o sa y t h a t a t n o poin t w a s I sidet r a ck ed fr om m y du t ies a s m a n a g er of Ma n ch est er Un it ed. I h a v e a n ex cellen t fa m ily la w y er in Les Da lg a r n o a n d h e m a n a g ed t h e pr ocess on m y beh a lf. It didn ’t a ffect m y lov e of r a cin g a n d I a m on g ood t er m s n ow w it h Joh n Ma g n ier , t h e lea din g fig u r e a t Coolm or e. Ra cin g t a u g h t m e t o sw it ch off, a lon g w it h r ea din g book s a n d bu y in g w in e. T h a t side of m y life dev eloped r ea lly fr om 1 9 9 7 , w h en I h it t h a t w a ll a n d r ea lised I n eeded t o do som et h in g else t o div er t m y t h ou g h t s fr om foot ba ll. Lea r n in g a bou t w in e a lso h elped in t h a t r espect . I st a r t ed bu y in g w it h Fr a n k Coh en , a big collect or of con t em por a r y a r t a n d a n eig h bou r of m in e. W h en Fr a n k w en t a br oa d for a w h ile, I st a r t ed bu y in g on m y ow n . I cou ld n ev er ca ll m y self a n ex per t bu t I’m n ot ba d. I k n ow t h e g ood y ea r s a n d t h e g ood w in es. I ca n t a st e a w in e a n d r ecog n ise som e of it s pr oper t ies. My st u dies t ook m e t o Bor dea u x a n d t h e ch a m pa g n e r eg ion , bu t g en er a lly it w a s t h r ou g h r ea din g t h a t I ex t en ded m y k n ow ledg e, a n d t h r ou g h con v er sa t ion s w it h dea ler s a n d ex per t s ov er lu n ch or din n er . It w a s ex cit in g . I h a d din n er w it h w in e w r it er a n d T V pr esen t er Oz Cla r k e a n d t h e w in e m er ch a n t Joh n

A r m it . Cor n ey & Ba r r ow w in e ba r s pu t on g r ea t lu n ch es. T h ese m en w ou ld h old con v er sa t ion s a bou t g r a pes a n d y ea r s t h a t I cou ldn ’t h ope t o follow , bu t I w a s a lw a y s en t h r a lled. I per h a ps ou g h t t o h a v e lea r n ed m or e a bou t t h e g r a pes. T h a t w a s t h e essen ce of it a ll. Bu t soon I w a s dev elopin g a w or k in g k n ow ledg e. In t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 1 0 I w a s a sk ed a bou t r et ir em en t , a n d fou n d m y self sa y in g , in st in ct iv ely : ‘Ret ir em en t ’s for y ou n g people, beca u se t h ey h a v e ot h er t h in g s t h ey ca n do.’ A t 7 0 y ea r s of a g e, w it h idlen ess, t h e sy st em br ea k s dow n qu ick ly . Y ou h a v e t o h a v e som et h in g in pla ce w h en y ou r et ir e. Rig h t a w a y , t h e n ex t da y , n ot a ft er a t h r ee-m on t h h olida y . W h en y ou ’r e y ou n g , t h e 1 4 -h ou r da y s a r e n ecessa r y , beca u se y ou h a v e t o est a blish y ou r self, a n d t h e on ly w a y t o do t h a t is by w or k in g y ou r ba lls off. By t h ose m ea n s, y ou est a blish a w or k et h ic for y ou r self. If y ou h a v e fa m ily , it ’s pa ssed on t o t h em . My m ot h er a n d fa t h er con v ey ed t h e fr u it s of t h eir la bou r t o m e a n d I h a v e don e so w it h m y ow n ch ildr en a n d bey on d. W it h y ou t h y ou h a v e t h e ca pa cit y t o est a blish a ll t h e st a bilit y of la t er life. W it h a g e y ou h a v e t o m a n a g e y ou r en er g y . Keep fit . People sh ou ld k eep fit . Ea t t h e r ig h t foods. I w a s n ev er a g r ea t sleeper , bu t I cou ld g et m y fiv e t o six h ou r s, w h ich w a s a dequ a t e for m e. Som e people w a k e u p a n d lie in bed. I cou ld n ev er do t h a t . I w a k e a n d ju m p u p. I’m r ea dy t o g o som ew h er e. I don ’t lie t h er e w h ilin g m y t im e a w a y . Y ou ’v e h a d y ou r sleep – t h a t ’s w h y y ou w ok e u p. I w ou ld be u p a t six , m a y be qu a r t er pa st six , a n d be in t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d for sev en . I w a s on ly a qu a r t er of

a n h ou r a w a y . T h a t w a s m y h a bit . T h e r ou t in e n ev er ch a n g ed. I ca m e ou t of a w a r t im e g en er a t ion t h a t sa id: y ou ’r e bor n , t h a t ’s y ou . Y ou w er e sa fe. Y ou h a d t h e libr a r y a n d t h e sw im m in g ba t h s a n d foot ba ll. Y ou r pa r en t s w or k ed a ll t h e t im e, so eit h er y ou r g r a n n y look ed in t o m a k e su r e y ou w er e a ll r ig h t , or y ou r ea ch ed a n a g e w h er e y ou look ed a ft er y ou r self. Y ou r ba sic pa t t er n w a s la id dow n t h a t w a y . My m ot h er u sed t o sa y , ‘T h a t ’s t h e m in ce, t h a t ’s t h e t a t t ies, a ll y ou n eed t o do is pu t it on a t h a lf pa st fou r .’ It w ou ld a ll be r ea dy t o cook . Y ou w ou ld lig h t t h e fir e for t h em com in g in fr om w or k . My da d w ou ld g et in a bou t qu a r t er t o six w it h t h e t a ble a ll set – t h a t w a s y ou r du t y – a n d y ou w ou ld t a k e t h e a sh es dow n t o t h e m idden . T h ose w er e t h e ch or es w h en y ou ca m e in fr om sch ool, a n d w e did ou r h om ew or k la t er , m y br ot h er a n d I, a t sev en o’clock a t n ig h t . It w a s a sim ple r eg im e, bor n of a la ck of m oder n a m en it ies. Now w e h a v e m or e fr a g ile h u m a n bein g s. T h ey ’v e n ev er been in t h e sh ipy a r ds, n ev er been in a pit ; few h a v e seen m a n u a l la bou r . W e h a v e a g en er a t ion of fa t h er s, m y ow n son s in clu ded, w h o do bet t er for t h eir ch ildr en t h a n I did for t h em . T h ey a t t en d m or e fa m ily ev en t s t h a n I did. Picn ics, w it h t h e k ids. I n ev er or g a n ised a picn ic in m y life. I w ou ld sa y , ‘Go a n d pla y , boy s.’ T h er e w a s a sch ool g r ou n d beside ou r h ou se in A ber deen a n d t h e la ds w ou ld be ou t t h er e w it h t h eir pa ls ev er y da y . W e didn ’t h a v e a v ideo r ecor der u n t il 1 9 8 0 . It w a s g r a in y ,

t er r ible. Pr og r ess br in g s CDs a n d DV Ds a n d g r a n dson s w h o ca n pu ll u p t h eir fa n t a sy foot ba ll t ea m on y ou r h om e com pu t er . I didn ’t do en ou g h w it h m y boy s. Ca t h y did it , m y w ife did it , beca u se sh e w a s a g r ea t m ot h er . Sh e w ou ld sa y , ‘W h en t h ey g et t o six t een , t h ey ’ll be da ddy ’s boy s,’ w h ich w a s t r u e. A s t h ey g r ew older t h ey w er e v er y close, a n d t h e t h r ee br ot h er s w er e v er y close, w h ich plea sed m e g r ea t ly , a n d Ca t h y w ou ld sa y : ‘I t old y ou .’ ‘Bu t y ou pr odu ced t h em ,’ I w ou ld t ell h er . ‘If I ev er sa id a ba d w or d a bou t y ou t o t h ose t h r ee boy s, t h ey w ou ld k ill m e. Y ou ’r e st ill t h e boss.’ T h er e’s n o secr et t o su ccess in t h is w or ld. T h e k ey is g r a ft . Ma lcolm Gla dw ell’s book , Outliers : The Story of Succes s , cou ld ju st h a v e been ca lled Gr a ft . Ha r d Gr a ft . T h e ex a m ples t h er e r u n a ll t h e w a y ba ck t o Ca r n eg ie a n d Rock efeller . T h er e is a st or y a bou t Rock efeller I lov e. T h e fa m ily w er e big ch u r ch g oer s. On e da y h is son sa id t o h im , a s t h e con t r ibu t ion s t r a y w a s com in g r ou n d, a n d ea ch w or sh ipper w a s don a t in g a dolla r : ‘Da d, w ou ldn ’t it be bet t er if w e g a v e t h em fift y dolla r s for t h e w h ole y ea r ?’ ‘Y es,’ sa y s t h e fa t h er , ‘bu t w e’d lose t h r ee dolla r s, son . In t er est .’ He a lso t a u g h t h is bu t ler h ow t o m a k e a fir e t h a t w ou ld la st a n h ou r lon g er , h ow t o con st r u ct it t h a t w a y . A n d h e w a s a billion a ir e. Rock efeller ’s h a r d w or k in st illed a fr u g a l n a t u r e in h im . He didn ’t w a st e. T h er e is a t ou ch of t h a t in m e. Ev en t oda y , if m y g r a n dch ildr en lea v e som et h in g on

t h e pla t e, I t a k e it . I w a s t h e sa m e w it h m y t h r ee son s. ‘Don ’t lea v e a n y t h in g on y ou r pla t e,’ w a s a m a n t r a . Now , if I w en t n ea r Ma r k , Ja son or Da r r en ’s food, t h ey w ou ld cu t m y h a n d off! Y ou ca n n ot bea t h a r d w or k . Of cou r se, g r a ft a n d st r ess pla ce a n in v isible st r a in on t h e body . So does a g e. Fr om som ew h er e in t h a t m ix I dev eloped h ea r t t r ou ble. In t h e g y m n a siu m on e m or n in g , w it h t h e belt on , I sa w m y h ea r t r a t e soa r fr om 9 0 t o 1 6 0 . Su m m on in g t h e w eig h t t r a in er , Mik e Cleg g , I com pla in ed: ‘T h er e m u st be som et h in g w r on g w it h t h e belt .’ W e t r ied a n ot h er . Sa m e n u m ber s. ‘Y ou n eed t o see t h e doc,’ Mik e sa id. ‘T h a t ’s n ot r ig h t .’ T h e doct or r efer r ed m e t o Der ek Row la n ds, w h o h a d look ed a ft er Gr a em e Sou n ess. It w a s fibr illa t ion . His a dv ice w a s t o t r y elect r ic sh ock t r ea t m en t t o con t r ol t h e h ea r t r a t e. Sev en da y s la t er it w a s ba ck t o n or m a l. In ou r n ex t g a m e, h ow ev er , w e lost , a n d m y h ea r t r a t e sh ot ba ck u p. I bla m e ou r pla y er s. A v ict or y m ig h t h a v e k ept m e in side n or m a l pa r a m et er s. T h e t r ea t m en t h a d com e w it h a 5 0 –6 0 per cen t su ccess r a t e, bu t n ow I k n ew m or e a ct ion w a s r equ ir ed. T h e a dv ice w a s t o h a v e a pa cem a k er fit t ed a n d t a k e a n a spir in ev er y da y . T h e in ser t ion in A pr il 2 0 0 2 t ook h a lf a n h ou r . I w a t ch ed it on a scr een . I’ll a lw a y s r em em ber t h e blood spu r t in g u p. T h e dev ice w a s ch a n g ed in t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 1 0 . T h ey la st eig h t y ea r s. T h a t t im e I slept r ig h t t h r ou g h th e ch a n g eov er . T h r ou g h ou t t h ese con su lt a t ion s, I w a s t old I cou ld st ill do w h a t I lik ed in

life: ex er cise, w or k , dr in k m y w in e. T h e in it ia l episode did u n set t le m e, I a dm it . T h e pr ev iou s y ea r I h a d t a k en a h ea lt h ch eck a n d r et u r n ed a h ea r t r a t e of 4 8 . A lber t Mor g a n , ou r k it m a n , h a d sa id, ‘I a lw a y s t h ou g h t y ou h a dn ’t g ot a h ea r t .’ My fit n ess w a s ex cellen t . Y et 1 2 m on t h s la t er , t h er e I w a s in n eed of a pa cem a k er . W h a t it t old m e w a s t h a t g et t in g older com es w it h pen a lt ies. W e a r e a ll su scept ible. Y ou t h in k y ou a r e in dest r u ct ible. I did. Y ou k n ow life’s door w ill sla m in y ou r fa ce on e da y , bu t con sider y ou r self u n br ea k a ble u p t o t h a t da y . A ll of a su dden , God’s dr a w in g t h e r ein s in on y ou . In m y y ou n g er da y s I w ou ld be u p a n d dow n t h a t t ou ch lin e, k ick in g ev er y ba ll, im m er sin g m y self in ev er y n u a n ce of t h e g a m e. I m ellow ed w it h a g e. By t h e en d I w a s t en din g t o obser v e ev en t s m or e t h a n g et t in g ca u g h t u p in t h e dr a m a , t h ou g h som e g a m es st ill h a d t h e pow er t o su ck m e in . Fr om t im e t o t im e I w ou ld offer a r em in der t h a t I w a s st ill a liv e. T h a t m essa g e w ou ld g o t o r efer ees, m y pla y er s, oppon en t s. On h ea lt h g en er a lly I w ou ld sa y : if y ou g et t h e w a r n in g , h eed it . List en t o y ou r doct or s. Get t h e ch eck u ps. Pa y a t t en t ion t o y ou r w eig h t a n d w h a t y ou ’r e ea t in g . I’m g la d t o sa y t h a t t h e sim ple a ct of r ea din g is a m a r v ellou s r elea se fr om t h e h a ssles of w or k a n d life. If I w er e t o t a k e a g u est in t o m y libr a r y , t h ey w ou ld see book s on pr esiden t s, pr im e m in ist er s, Nelson Ma n dela , Rock efeller , t h e a r t of or a t or y , Nix on a n d Kissin g er , Br ow n , Bla ir , Mou n t ba t t en , Ch u r ch ill, Clin t on , Sou t h A fr ica a n d Scot t ish h ist or y . Gor don Br ow n ’s book on

t h e Scot t ish socia list polit icia n Ja m es Ma x t on is in t h er e. T h en t h er e w ou ld be a ll t h e v olu m es on Ken n edy . T h en I h a v e m y despot s sect ion . W h a t in t er est ed m e h er e w er e t h e ex t r em es t o w h ich h u m a n it y w ill g o. Y oung Stalin, Sim on Seba g Mon t efior e; t h e dict a t or s – St a lin a n d Hit ler , a n d Len in ; World War II: Behind Clos ed Doors by La u r en ce Rees; Stalingrad a n d Berlin: The Dow nfall 1945 by A n t on y Beev or . On a lig h t er n ot e I ca n pu ll ou t Edm u n d Hilla r y a n d Da v id Niv en . T h en it ’s ba ck t o t h e da r k side w it h cr im e: t h e Kr a y s a n d t h e A m er ica n Ma fia . I w a s so im m er sed in spor t in m y w or k in g life t h a t I t en ded n ot t o r ea d m a n y book s a bou t spor t . Bu t t h er e a r e a few t ou ch st on es on t h e sh elv es. Rea din g When Pride Still Mattered, t h e Da v id Ma r a n iss biog r a ph y of V in ce Lom ba r di, t h e g r ea t Gr een Ba y Pa ck er s coa ch , I w a s t h in k in g : ‘T h a t ’s m e h e’s w r it in g a bou t , I’m ju st lik e Lom ba r di.’ T h e obsession . I cou ld iden t ify closely w it h on e of Lom ba r di’s g r ea t est sa y in g s: ‘W e didn ’t lose t h e g a m e, w e ju st r a n ou t of t im e.’

eleven

I WAS a t

h om e on a sn ow y Ja n u a r y n ig h t in 2 0 1 0 w h en m y ph on e beeped w it h a t ex t m essa g e. ‘I don ’t k n ow w h et h er y ou r em em ber m e,’ it st a r t ed, ‘bu t I n eed t o ca ll y ou .’ Ru u d v a n Nist elr ooy . Ch r ist , w h a t w a s t h is? I sa id t o Ca t h y , ‘He left fou r y ea r s a g o.’ Ca t h y ’s r eply : ‘W h a t ’s h e w a n t in g ? Ma y be h e’d lik e t o com e ba ck t o Un it ed.’ ‘No, don ’t be silly ,’ I t old h er . I h a d n o idea w h a t it m ig h t be. Bu t I t ex t ed h im ba ck : OK. So h e r a n g . Fir st , t h e sm a ll t a lk . Ha d som e in ju r ies, fit n ow , n ot g et t in g a g a m e, bla h bla h . T h en h e ca m e ou t w it h it . ‘I w a n t t o a polog ise for m y beh a v iou r in m y la st y ea r a t Un it ed.’ I lik e people w h o ca n a polog ise. I’v e a lw a y s a dm ir ed t h a t . In t h e m oder n cu lt u r e of self-a bsor pt ion , people for g et t h er e is su ch a w or d a s sor r y . Foot ba ller s a r e cocoon ed by t h e m a n a g er a n d t h e clu b, t h e m edia , a g en t s, or pa ls w h o ju st t ell t h en h ow flippin g g ood t h ey a r e. It ’s r efr esh in g t o fin d on e w h o ca n pick u p a

ph on e m u ch la t er a n d sa y , ‘I w a s w r on g , a n d I’m sor r y .’ Ru u d offer ed n o ex pla n a t ion . Per h a ps I sh ou ld h a v e t a k en t h a t ch a n ce t o sa y , ‘W h y did it g o t h a t w a y ?’ Mu llin g ov er Ru u d’s ca ll t o m e, t h a t w in t er n ig h t , I k n ew t h a t t w o or t h r ee Pr em ier Lea g u e clu bs w er e look in g a t h im , bu t cou ldn ’t see t h a t bein g a r ea son for h im w a n t in g t o spea k t o m e. T h er e w ou ld h a v e been n o n eed for h im t o r epa ir h is r ela t ion sh ip w it h Ma n ch est er Un it ed in or der for h im t o pla y for a n ot h er clu b in En g la n d. Per h a ps it w a s a g u ilt com plex . It m ig h t h a v e been pla y in g on h is m in d for a g es. Ru u d w a s dou bt less a m or e m a t u r e per son by t h a t st a g e. T h e fir st sig n of t r ou ble in ou r r ela t ion sh ip h a d been t h a t Ru u d h a d st a r t ed t o m ou t h off a ll t h e t im e t o Ca r los Qu eir oz a bou t Ron a ldo. T h er e w er e a few st a n du p con fr on t a t ion s, bu t n ot h in g u n m a n a g ea ble. T h en Ru u d sw it ch ed h is fir e t o Ga r y Nev ille. Ga r y w a s r ea dy for t h a t a n d w on t h e ba t t le. Da v id Bellion w a s a n ot h er w h o seem ed t o a r ou se a n g er in Ru u d. T h er e w er e qu it e a few a lt er ca t ion s a ll t h e w a y t h r ou g h h is fin a l sea son w it h u s, bu t it w a s m a in ly V a n Nist elr ooy on Ron a ldo. A t t h e en d of t h e pr ev iou s sea son , 2 0 0 4 –0 5 , w e h a d r ea ch ed t h e fin a l of t h e FA Cu p, a g a in st A r sen a l. V a n Nist elr ooy h a d a h or r ible g a m e. T h e pr ev iou s W edn esda y h is a g en t , Rodg er Lin se, h a d sou g h t ou t Da v id Gill a n d a sk ed for a m ov e. ‘Ru u d w a n t s t o lea v e.’ Da v id poin t ed ou t t h a t w e h a d a Cu p fin a l on t h e Sa t u r da y , a n d t h a t per h a ps t h is w a sn ’t t h e best m om en t for ou r m a in cen t r e-for w a r d t o a sk t o lea v e. Da v id a sk ed w h y h e w a n t ed t o g o. Rodg er Lin se’s r eply

w a s t h a t V a n Nist elr ooy t h ou g h t t h e t ea m h a d st a g n a t ed a n d didn ’t believ e w e cou ld w in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e. His v iew w a s t h a t w e cou ldn ’t w in t h e Eu r opea n Cu p w it h y ou n g pla y er s – t h e lik es of Roon ey a n d Ron a ldo. A ft er t h e Cu p fin a l, Da v id ca lled Rodg er a n d a sk ed h im t o g et Ru u d in for a m eet in g w it h m e. Ou r posit ion w a s st r on g beca u se Rea l Ma dr id w er e n ot g oin g t o pa y £3 5 m illion for h im . T h a t w a s obv iou s. A n d it w a s t h e r ea son , I believ e, w h y Ru u d w a s a sk in g t o lea v e. Ha d Rea l Ma dr id been w illin g t o com e u p w it h £3 5 m illion , t h er e w ou ld h a v e been n o n eed for h im t o pu sh for a m ov e. He w a s h opin g t o ba r g a in w it h t h e clu b t o fin d a fee Un it ed w ou ld fin d a ccept a ble. Silly idea . So w e h a d ou r m eet in g . His st a n ce w a s t h a t h e w a sn ’t pr epa r ed t o w a it for Ron a ldo a n d Roon ey t o m a t u r e. ‘Bu t t h ey ’r e g r ea t pla y er s,’ I t old h im . ‘Y ou sh ou ld be lea din g t h ese y ou n g pla y er s. Helpin g t h em .’ Ru u d st ill sa id h e didn ’t w a n t t o w a it . ‘Look , w e’r e g oin g t o sig n pla y er s in t h e su m m er t o br in g u s ba ck t o ou r u su a l lev el,’ I sa id. ‘W e don ’t lik e losin g fin a ls, w e don ’t lik e losin g t h e Lea g u e. W h en y ou bu ild t ea m s y ou h a v e t o be pa t ien t . Not ju st m e, bu t t h e pla y er s, t oo. T h is is g oin g t o be a g ood t ea m .’ He a ccept ed m y a r g u m en t a n d w e sh ook h a n ds. In t h a t sea son w e h a d sig n ed V idić a n d Ev r a in t h e Ja n u a r y t r a n sfer w in dow . In dir ect ly , t h ose t w o a cqu isit ion s w er e t o ig n it e t h e big g est fla sh poin t in a ll t h e t im e Ru u d w a s w it h u s. In t h e Ca r lin g Cu p I h a d been pla y in g Lou is Sa h a a ll t h e w a y t h r ou g h . W h en w e r ea ch ed t h e fin a l I sa id t o Ru u d, ‘Look , it ’s n ot fa ir if I

don ’t pla y Sa h a . I k n ow y ou lik e t o pla y in fin a ls. Hopefu lly I ca n g et y ou a bit of t h e g a m e.’ I did sa y t h a t , n o dou bt a bou t it . W e w er e on cr u ise con t r ol a g a in st W ig a n a n d I sa w a n idea l oppor t u n it y t o g iv e Ev r a a n d V idić a t a st e of t h e g a m e. T h ey w er e m y fin a l su bst it u t ion s. I t u r n ed t o Ru u d a n d sa id: ‘I’m g oin g t o g iv e t h ese t w o la ds a pa r t of t h e g a m e.’ T h ey w er e g oin g t o g et a t ou ch , a sm ell of w in n in g som et h in g w it h Ma n ch est er Un it ed. ‘Y ou —,’ sa id V a n Nist elr ooy . I’ll a lw a y s r em em ber t h a t . Cou ld n ot believ e it . Ca r los Qu eir oz t u r n ed on h im . It beca m e fr a ct iou s in t h e du g -ou t . T h e ot h er pla y er s w er e t ellin g h im : ‘Beh a v e y ou r self.’ Bu t t h a t w a s t h e en d of h im . I k n ew w e w ou ld n ev er g et h im ba ck . He’d bu r n ed h is boa t s. A ft er t h a t in ciden t , h is beh a v iou r beca m e w or se a n d w or se. In t h e fin a l w eek of t h a t ca m pa ig n w e n eeded t o w in t h e la st g a m e of t h e sea son , a g a in st Ch a r lt on . W it h Sa h a ’s in ju r ies w e w er e w a lk in g on eg g sh ells w it h h im . How ev er , I didn ’t feel I cou ld select Ru u d. Ca r los w en t t o Ru u d’s r oom a n d sa id, ‘W e’r e n ot t a k in g y ou , g o h om e. T h e w a y y ou ’v e beh a v ed a ll w eek – w e’r e n ot h a v in g it .’ Ron a ldo h a d r ecen t ly lost h is fa t h er . Du r in g t h a t w eek , Ru u d h a d t a k en a k ick a t Ron a ldo on t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d a n d sa id: ‘W h a t a r e y ou g oin g t o do? Com pla in t o y ou r da ddy ?’ He m ea n t Ca r los, n ot Cr ist ia n o’s da d. He pr oba bly w a sn ’t t h in k in g . So t h en Ron a ldo w a s u pset , a n d w a n t in g t o h a v e a g o a t V a n Nist elr ooy , a n d Ca r los w a s u pset by t h e in su lt . Ca r los h a d look ed a ft er Ron a ldo, a s y ou w ou ld ex pect . He’s a

coa ch w it h Por t u g u ese or ig in s, fr om t h e sa m e cou n t r y . Her e w a s a y ou n g m a n w it h a dy in g fa t h er . If h e cou ldn ’t a sk for h elp fr om Ca r los, w h o cou ld h e seek it fr om ? T h e w h ole episode w a s v er y sa d. W h y Ru u d ch a n g ed, I don ’t k n ow . I ca n ’t sa y for su r e w h et h er it w a s h is w a y of g et t in g h im self ou t of Old T r a ffor d. It didn ’t do h im a n y fa v ou r s or br in g h im a n y cr edit in t h e sen se of r espect fr om t h e ot h er pla y er s. It w a s a pit y beca u se h is n u m ber s w er e sen sa t ion a l. He w a s on e of ou r clu b’s g r ea t est g oa l-scor er s. Pr oblem s fir st su r fa ced a ft er h is secon d sea son , w h en h e w a s u p for a n ew con t r a ct , in a ccor da n ce w it h h is or ig in a l dea l. He a sk ed for a cla u se t h a t w ou ld a llow h im t o lea v e for Rea l Ma dr id, specifica lly , in t h e ev en t of Rea l offer in g a specified su m . A bu y -ou t cla u se. I pon der ed t h is on e for a lon g t im e. My feelin g w a s t h a t , w it h ou t t h a t con cession , V a n Nist elr ooy w ou ld n ot h a v e sig n ed h is n a m e. Con v er sely , t o con cede t h a t g r ou n d w ou ld g iv e h im a con t r ollin g h a n d. W e r a n t h e r isk of losin g h im t h e follow in g sea son . So t h e fig u r e w e in ser t ed w a s £3 5 m illion , w h ich , w e t h ou g h t , w ou ld det er a ll-com er s, ev en Rea l Ma dr id. T h ey a g r eed it . T o Da v id, I sa id, ‘If t h ey com e ba ck n ex t y ea r a n d pa y t h ir t y -fiv e m illion , a t lea st w e’ll k n ow w e h a v e dou bled ou r m on ey on h im . If t h ey don ’t com e, w e’ll g et t h e t w o y ea r s in h is con t r a ct ou t of h im , a n d h e w ill be t w en t y -n in e by t h a t poin t . W e’v e h a d h im fou r y ea r s. W e’ll be a ble t o m ov e h im on .’ Fin e, bu t t h e m om en t Ru u d sig n ed t h a t con t r a ct h e ch a n g ed. In h is la st sea son h e beca m e a r ea lly difficu lt boy . I don ’t

t h in k h e w a s popu la r by t h e en d. T h e a lt er a t ion in h im w a s dr a m a t ic. My br ot h er Ma r t in h a d seen h im pla y for Heer en v een a n d sa id: ‘I r ea lly lik e t h is la d, h e does look t h e pa r t .’ W it h t h a t g low in g r ev iew I n eeded t o g et cr a ck in g . W e w en t ba ck t o see h im a g a in bu t r eceiv ed w or d h e h a d a lr ea dy sig n ed for PSV a m on t h pr ev iou sly . T h a t con fu sed m e. Bu t it seem ed a don e dea l. W e k ept a n ey e on h im r eg a r dless a n d m a de ou r m ov e in 2 0 0 0 . On a sh or t h olida y in Spa in , du r in g a n in t er n a t ion a l br ea k , I r eceiv ed ba d n ew s: a m essa g e fr om ou r doct or t o sa y Ru u d h a d fa iled t h e m edica l. W e w er e su r e w e h a d spot t ed cr u cia t e lig a m en t da m a g e. PSV disa g r eed, in sist in g t h a t a ll t h eir t est s h a d sh ow n on ly m in or lig a m en t disr u pt ion of t h e k in d t h a t w ou ld n ot pr ev en t h im pa ssin g t h e ex a m in a t ion . Mik e St on e, h ow ev er , w ou ld n ot sig n it off. So w e sen t h im ba ck t o PSV , w h o sen t h im ba ck in t o t r a in in g a n d film ed it , for ou r ben efit . In t h e pr a ct ice session Ru u d’s k n ee com plet ely w en t . T h e foot a g e fou n d it s w a y on t o T V , w h er e y ou cou ld see h im scr ea m in g . W h a t sh ou ld w e do? ‘T h ese da y s, if y ou h a v e t h e r ig h t people look in g a ft er y ou , y ou ca n be ba ck fr om t h is k in d of in ju r y in a few m on t h s,’ I t old Ma r t in Edw a r ds. V a n Nist elr ooy follow ed t h e t r u st ed r ou t e t o Dr Rich a r d St ea dm a n in Color a do a n d w a s ou t for a lm ost a y ea r . He r et u r n ed t ow a r ds t h e t a il en d of t h a t sea son a n d w e sig n ed h im in 2 0 0 1 , a ft er I h a d been t o w a t ch h im a g a in st A ja x . His m obilit y w a s n ot im pa ir ed a n d h is pa ce h a d n ot dim in ish ed. He w a sn ’t t h e qu ick est

st r ik er ; h e w a s a g a lloper w h o h a d a qu ick br a in in t h e pen a lt y box . I’d a lso been t o see h im a t h is h om e w h ile h e w a s con v a lescin g a n d h a d t old h im w e w ou ld st ill be t a k in g h im t o Old T r a ffor d, ir r espect iv e of h is in ju r y . T h a t w a s a n im por t a n t m essa g e for h im , beca u se I don ’t t h in k h e w a s t h e m ost con fiden t la d a t t h a t poin t in h is ca r eer . He w a s a cou n t r y boy . He w a s a t y pica l old-fa sh ion ed It a lia n -t y pe cen t r efor w a r d. For g et a ll t h a t r u n n in g ou t t o t h e w in g s a n d t a ck lin g . Ba ck in t h e ea r ly 1 9 6 0 s, Ju v en t u s h a d a cen t r e-for w a r d ca lled Piet r o A n a st a si, w h o w ou ld con t r ibu t e lit t le in g a m es befor e w in n in g t h em w it h su dden g oa l-scor in g bu r st s. T h a t w a s t h e k in d of cen t r e-for w a r d w h o dom in a t ed t h e g a m e in t h a t er a . Y ou left t h em t o do t h eir w or k in t h e pen a lt y box . V a n Nist elr ooy w a s fr om t h a t t em pla t e. Oppor t u n it ies h a d t o be cr ea t ed for h im . Bu t h e w a s a fla w less fin ish er w h o scor ed som e t r u e poa ch er ’s g oa ls. In fa ct , h e w a s on e of t h e m ost selfish fin ish er s I ev er sa w . His per son a l g oa l t a lly w a s h is g u idin g obsession . T h a t sin g le-m in dedn ess g a v e h im t h e edg e of a g r ea t a ssa ssin . He h a d n o in t er est in bu ild-u p pla y or h ow m a n y y a r ds h e h a d r u n in a g a m e, h ow m a n y spr in t s h e h a d m a de. T h e on ly a spect h e w a s ev er in t er est ed in w a s: h ow m a n y g oa ls did Ru u d v a n Nist elr ooy scor e. He w a s su per b a t t h e ‘ea r ly h it ’. He w ou ld da r t t o t h e side of t h e defen der a n d deliv er t h a t qu ick , let h a l st r ik e. If y ou pu t m y g r ea t g oa l-scor er s t og et h er (A n dy Cole,

Er ic Ca n t on a , V a n Nist elr ooy , Roon ey ), Ru u d w a s t h e m ost pr olific. Bu t t h e best n a t u r a l fin ish er w a s Solsk ja er . V a n Nist elr ooy scor ed som e m a g n ificen t g oa ls, bu t m a n y w er e sca bby , six -y a r d box g oa ls. A n dy Cole scor ed som e fin e g oa ls, t oo, bu t plen t y w er e close in , scr a m bled, off t h e leg , ju st -g et -it -in g oa ls. Solsk ja er ’s fin ish in g , t h ou g h , cou ld be m a jest ic. His t h ou g h t pr ocesses u n der pin n ed h is sk ills. He h a d t h a t a n a ly t ica l m in d. A s soon a s h e a r r iv ed in a sh oot in g posit ion , h e h a d it a ll sized u p. He h a d m en t a l pict u r es ev er y w h er e. Y et h e didn ’t pla y a ll t h e t im e beca u se h e w a sn ’t t h e m ost a g g r essiv e of st r ik er s. He dev eloped m or e of t h a t la t er , bu t w a s a slen der y ou n g m a n w it h ou t t h e ph y siqu e, in h is ea r ly da y s, t o clea r a pa t h . In g a m es, sit t in g on t h e ben ch , a n d in t r a in in g session s, h e w ou ld m a k e n ot es, a lw a y s. So by t h e t im e h e ca m e on h e h a d a n a ly sed w h o t h e oppon en t s w er e, w h a t posit ion s t h ey w er e a ssu m in g . He h a d t h ose im a g es a ll w or k ed ou t . T h e g a m e w a s la id ou t for h im lik e a dia g r a m a n d h e k n ew w h er e t o g o a n d w h en . Ole w a s a sw eet -n a t u r ed boy w h o w a s n ev er look in g t o be con fr on t a t ion a l w it h m e. T h er e w a s n o r isk t o m y office door fr om Ole w a n t in g t o sm a sh it dow n t o dem a n d a pla ce in t h e fir st X I. W e k n ew h e w a s con t en t w it h h is r ole, a n d t h a t h elped u s, beca u se if w e h a d a difficu lt decision t o m a k e a bou t t h e ot h er t h r ee st r ik er s, w h ich on e t o lea v e ou t , t h e fou r t h w a s con t en t t o pla y a su ppor t in g pa r t . So w e ju st h a d t h e t h r ee g r u m py for w a r ds t o dea l w it h . Y or k e, Cole a n d Sh er in g h a m .

A t fir st I believ ed Ru u d’s r a n g e of a t t r ibu t es w a s w ider t h a n it t u r n ed ou t t o be. I ex pect ed t o see fr om h im m or e of t h e don k ey -w or k t h a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er s h a v e t o do. T h er e w er e t im es w h en h e did h is sh a r e, a n d w ou ld a pply h im self t o it , bu t h e w a s n ot in clin ed t o be t h a t k in d of in du st r iou s pla y er . He w a sn ’t en dow ed w it h g r ea t st a m in a . His t est r esu lt s w er e n ev er st a r t lin g . Y et y ou k n ew h e cou ld a lw a y s pu t t h e ba ll in t h e n et if y ou fed it in t o h is pa t h . In t h e pr ecedin g y ea r s w e h a d lost Ca n t on a , T eddy Sh er in g h a m h a d g on e, Ole w a s h a v in g h is k n ee pr oblem s, Y or k ie h a d lost a bit of focu s a n d A n dy w a s st ill fit , fr esh . Y ou cou ld a lw a y s r ely on A n dy , bu t I k n ew w h en I t ook V a n Nist elr ooy on , I w a s bou n d t o h a v e pr oblem s w it h Cole, beca u se h e t h ou g h t h e w a s t h e best cen t r e-for w a r d in t h e w or ld. I sa y t h is a ffect ion a t ely , beca u se it w a s a u sefu l self-im a g e t o h a v e, bu t h e w a s m iffed w h en I st a r t ed pa ir in g h im w it h Ru u d. Displea su r e h a d been a ppa r en t t oo in A n dy ’s r ela t ion sh ip w it h Ca n t on a . T h e on ly collea g u e h e r ea lly r ela t ed t o w a s Y or k ie. T h eir sea son in 1 9 9 8 –9 9 w a s m a de in h ea v en . T h eir pa r t n er sh ip, t h eir fr ien dsh ip, w a s ph en om en a l. T h ey h a dn ’t k n ow n on e a n ot h er w h en Y or k ie ca m e t o t h e clu b, bu t t h ey ju st g elled. In t r a in in g t h ey w ou ld w or k on r u n s t og et h er , lit t le du m m ies, on e-t w os. T h ey sy n ch r on ised bea u t ifu lly . I t h in k t h ey scor ed 5 3 g oa ls bet w een t h em . Pa ir in g u p w it h V a n Nist elr ooy w a sn ’t g oin g t o w or k for A n dy , so I sold h im t o Bla ck bu r n Rov er s. He w a s in

h is ea r ly t h ir t ies by t h a t poin t a n d w e felt w e’d h a d som e fin e y ea r s ou t of h im . W e sig n ed h im in 1 9 9 5 , g ot sev en y ea r s ou t of h im a n d r eceiv ed £6 .5 m illion fr om Bla ck bu r n . His cost fr om New ca st le h a d been £7 m illion , plu s Keit h Gillespie, w h o w a s w or t h n o m or e t h a n £1 m illion . So w e a lm ost r ecov er ed ou r m on ey a ft er sev en y ea r s of pr odu ct iv it y . Not ba d. A n ot h er st r ik er w h o r a n u p a g a in st t h e pr oblem of Ru u d’s sin g u la r it y w a s For lá n , a g r a n d pla y er . Ru u d w a n t ed t o be t h e No. 1 fin ish er . T h a t w a s h is n a t u r e. Dieg o For lá n didn ’t r eg ist er on h is r a da r a t a ll, so w h en y ou pu t t h e t w o of t h em ou t t h er e t og et h er t h er e w a s zer o ch em ist r y . Dieg o w a s bet t er w it h a pa r t n er . Bu t h e scor ed som e pr iceless g oa ls. T w o a t A n field, a g oa l w it h t h e la st k ick of t h e g a m e a g a in st Ch elsea . He w a s a g ood pla y er a n d a t er r ific pr o. T h e ot h er com plica t ion I h a d w it h h im w a s t h a t h is sist er w a s a n in v a lid, in Ma jor ca , a n d it fell t o h im t o look a ft er h er . Bu t h e w a s g r ea t a bou t t h e pla ce, a lw a y s sm ilin g . Spok e fiv e la n g u a g es. A br ea t h of fr esh a ir , a s a per son . W e let h im g o for £2 m illion , w h ich I t h ou g h t w a s t oo ch ea p. W it h h is w a g es, n o clu b w a s w illin g t o bid a n y h ig h er . T h e n ex t t h in g w e k n ew h e w a s m ov in g on for £1 5 m illion . He floa t ed ov er t h e g r ou n d. He w a s sm a ll bu t h a d a g ood u pper body . T ou g h . He w a s su ch a g ood t en n is pla y er t h a t h e m ig h t h a v e becom e a pr o a n d h a d t o ch oose bet w een t h a t a n d foot ba ll. I k n ew t h a t , w h en h e join ed. Du r in g ou r pr esea son t en n is t ou r n a m en t , I t r ied t o g et a bet on h im . I sa id t o Ga r y Nev ille, w h o r a n t h e book : ‘W h a t pr ice is Dieg o?’

‘W h y ? W h y ?’ sa id Ga r y , a la r m ed. ‘Does h e pla y ?’ ‘How w ou ld I k n ow ?’ I sa id. ‘W h y don ’t y ou a sk h im ?’ Bu t Ga r y w a s a lr ea dy on t o m e. T h er e w ou ld be n o bet t in g on Dieg o. He sla u g h t er ed t h em a ll. Cu t t h em t o r ibbon s. ‘Y ou t h in k w e’r e st u pid, don ’t y ou ?’ Nev ille sa id. I sa id, ‘W ell, it w a s w or t h a t r y . I w a s h opin g y ou ’d sa y t en -t o-on e!’

twelve

T HE fir st

t im e I r ecog n ised José Mou r in h o a s a pot en t ia l t h r ea t w a s a t h is open in g pr ess con fer en ce a s Ch elsea m a n a g er in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 4 . ‘I’m t h e specia l on e,’ José a n n ou n ced. ‘W h a t a ch eek y y ou n g sod,’ I t h ou g h t , a s I w a t ch ed h im en t er t a in t h e pr ess w it h r ich ly qu ot a ble m a t er ia l. A n in t er n a l v oice t old m e: New k id on t h e block . Y ou n g . No poin t in discu ssin g h im . No poin t in t a k in g h im on . Bu t h e’s g ot t h e in t ellig en ce, t h e con fiden ce, t o dea l w it h t h e Ch elsea job. I h a d spok en t o Ca r los a lot a bou t José a n d h e h a d t old m e, ‘He is a v er y clev er boy .’ His k n ow ledg e of Mou r in h o st r et ch ed ba ck t o a t im e t h ey h a d sh a r ed in a ca dem ia . José w a s on e of Ca r los’s st u den t s in Por t u g a l. ‘My best st u den t by fa r . By fa r ,’ Ca r los t old m e. For ea r m ed w it h t h a t k n ow ledg e, I w a t ch ed h im r ide

t h e w a v e of ex pect a t ion h e h a d cr ea t ed for h im self; t h e w a v e t h a t ca r r ied h im fr om Por t o t o Lon don t o w or k for Rom a n A br a m ov ich . José w a s on e of t h ose g u y s on a su r fboa r d w h o ca n st a y lon g er on t h e w a v e t h a n ev er y on e else. I k n ew st r a ig h t a w a y it w ou ld be u n w ise t o en g a g e h im in psy ch olog ica l con flict . I w ou ld fin d a n ot h er w a y t o t a ck le h im . In t h e per iod fr om A u g u st 2 0 0 4 t o Ma y 2 0 0 6 , w e w on on e t r oph y : t h e 2 0 0 6 Lea g u e Cu p. Ch elsea a n d José w on t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e in bot h t h ose ca m pa ig n s. A s A r sen a l dr opped a w a y , A br a m ov ich ’s w ea lt h a n d José’s m a n a g er ia l a bilit y beca m e t h e big g est obst a cle t o ou r r ebu ildin g . T r a dit ion a lly , ou r pr epa r a t ion for a n ew sea son h a d em ph a sised t h e secon d h a lf of t h e 3 8 -g a m e pr og r a m m e. W e a lw a y s fin ish ed st r on g ly . T h er e w a s scien ce a s w ell a s spir it beh in d ou r t a len t for w in n in g g a m es in t h e m on t h s t h a t r ea lly m a t t er ed. José w a s fr esh in t ow n , w or k in g for a n em ploy er w it h st a ck s of m on ey , a n d w it h h y pe clea r in g h is pa t h . In t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 0 4 h e n eeded t o m a k e a st r on g st a r t in h is fir st w eek s a t St a m for d Br idg e. Ch elsea sk a t ed t o a six -poin t lea d a n d w e cou ld n ev er m a k e it u p. On ce t h ey h it t h e fr on t in t h e t it le r a ce, José m a de su r e t h ey w on plen t y of g a m es n a r r ow ly . It w a s a ll on e- a n d t w on il v ict or ies. T h ey w ou ld t a k e t h e lea d in g a m es a n d t h en con solida t e. Ch elsea w er e becom in g a n in cr edibly h a r d t ea m t o br ea k dow n . T h ey w er e m u ch bet t er or g a n ised t h a n befor e. I didn ’t w in a g a m e a t St a m for d Br idg e a ft er Mou r in h o a r r iv ed. José pu t in lot s of pr e-sea son w or k on t h e defen siv e

sh a pe a n d pla y ed in it ia lly w it h a ba ck t h r ee, t w o w ide m en a n d a m idfield dia m on d. V er y h a r d t o pla y a g a in st , t h a t for m a t ion . Ou r fir st en cou n t er h a d been t h e 2 0 0 3 –0 4 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e ca m pa ig n , w h en José’s Por t o k n ock ed u s ou t . I h a d a spa t w it h h im a t t h e en d of t h e fir st leg . Bu t I oft en h a d disa g r eem en t s w it h fellow m a n a g er s w h en fir st r u n n in g in t o t h em . Ev en Geor g e Gr a h a m a n d I cla sh ed a ft er ou r fir st m eet in g w h en Geor g e w a s a t A r sen a l. La t er , w e beca m e g ood fr ien ds. T h e sa m e is t r u e of Mou r in h o. I a lw a y s fou n d h im v er y h elpfu l a n d v er y com m u n ica t iv e. I t h in k h e r ea lised h e w a s dea lin g w it h som eon e w h o h a d ex per ien ced a ll t h e em ot ion a l ex t r em es in t h e g a m e a n d en joy ed ou r con v er sa t ion s. My in dig n a t ion in t h a t fir st leg st em m ed fr om a ll t h e div in g h is Por t o pla y er s w er e doin g . I t h in k h e w a s a bit t a k en a ba ck by m y a n g er . I w en t t oo fa r . T h er e w a s n o n eed for m e t o v en t m y feelin g s on José. I w a s m or e a n g r y w it h Kea n e for bein g sen t off. Pla y in g on m y m in d w a s t h e k n ow ledg e t h a t Ma r t in O’Neill h a d com pla in ed a bou t t h e con du ct of José’s pla y er s in t h e UEFA Cu p fin a l bet w een Por t o a n d Celt ic, w h ich Por t o w on . T h er e w a s a seed in m e. I h a d w a t ch ed t h a t fin a l bu t didn ’t t h in k t h ey w er e a t y pica l of a Por t u g u ese t ea m . Bu t w h en Ma r t in O’Neill k ept on a n d on a bou t it , I st a r t ed t o per su a de m y self t h a t José’s t ea m w er e cy n ica l. My fir st im pr ession in t h e a w a y leg w a s t h a t Roy h a d been t h e v ict im of a r efer eein g m isju dg m en t . On r ev iew , it w a s clea r h e’d t r ied t o lea v e h is m a r k on

t h eir g oa lk eeper . T h a t r edu ced u s t o t en m en a n d m ea n t Kea n e w a s su spen ded for t h e r et u r n leg . In t h e Old T r a ffor d leg , t h e r efer ee beh a v ed biza r r ely . W e a t t a ck ed t h r ee or fou r m in u t es befor e t h e en d of t h e g a m e. Ron a ldo bea t t h e fu ll-ba ck a n d h e ch opped h im dow n . T h e lin esm a n fla g g ed bu t t h e Ru ssia n r efer ee pla y ed on . Por t o w en t t o t h e ot h er en d a n d scor ed. I con g r a t u la t ed José a t t h e en d of t h a t m a t ch . W h en a t ea m k n ock y ou ou t , it ’s im per a t iv e t o fin d a w a y t o sa y ‘a ll t h e best ’. W e h a d a g la ss of w in e a n d I t old h im : ‘Y ou w er e lu ck y , bu t g ood lu ck in t h e n ex t leg .’ T h e n ex t t im e h e a ppea r ed a t Old T r a ffor d, h e br ou g h t a bot t le of h is ow n w in e, a Ba r ca -V elh a , a n d t h a t st a r t ed a t r a dit ion . T h e w in e a t Ch elsea w a s a w fu l, w h ich I cou ld n ev er u n der st a n d. I sa id t o A br a m ov ich on ce, ‘T h a t ’s pa in t -st r ipper .’ T h e n ex t w eek h e sen t m e a ca se of T ig n a n ello. A g r ea t dr op, on e of t h e best . A s for José’s g a llop a lon g t h e t ou ch lin e a t Old T r a ffor d, I’v e don e it m y self. I t h in k ba ck t o w h en w e scor ed a g a in st Sh effield W edn esda y a n d Br ia n Kidd w a s on t h e pit ch , on h is k n ees, w it h m e r ejoicin g on t h e t ou ch lin e. I a dm ir e people w h o sh ow y ou t h eir em ot ion s. It sh ow s y ou t h ey ca r e. T h a t Ch a m pion s Lea g u e v ict or y ov er Un it ed la u n ch ed José. Bea t in g Celt ic in a UEFA Cu p fin a l w a s a n a ch iev em en t , bu t defea t in g Ma n ch est er Un it ed a t Old T r a ffor d a n d t h en g oin g on t o w in t h e Eu r opea n Cu p w a s a fu ller dem on st r a t ion of h is t a len t . I r em em ber sa y in g t o h im a r ou n d 2 0 0 8 , ‘I don ’t k n ow

w h en I’m g oin g t o r et ir e. It ’s difficu lt w h en y ou g et older beca u se y ou ’r e sca r ed t o r et ir e.’ José sa id: ‘Don ’t y ou r et ir e, y ou ’r e k eepin g m e g oin g .’ He sa id h e h a d ot h er ch a llen g es, bu t defin it ely w a n t ed t o com e ba ck t o En g la n d. He w on t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e w it h In t er Mila n a n d La Lig a in Spa in w it h Rea l Ma dr id befor e r et u r n in g t o Ch elsea in Ju n e 2 0 1 3 . Ev er y on e I spea k t o t ells m e t h a t José is ex cept ion a lly g ood w it h pla y er s. He’s m et icu lou s in h is pla n n in g , t h e det a il. He’s a lik ea ble per son w h en y ou g et t o k n ow h im , a n d h e ca n la u g h a t h im self, t u r n a jok e ba ck on h im self. I don ’t k n ow w h et h er W en g er or Ben ít ez h a d t h a t ca pa cit y . W a t ch in g José t a ck le t h e Rea l Ma dr id job a ft er h is a ppoin t m en t in 2 0 1 0 w a s fa scin a t in g . It w a s t h e m ost in t er est in g a ppoin t m en t I cou ld r em em ber in t h e g a m e; t h e m ost in t r ig u in g m a t ch of st y les, m a n a g er ia l a n d pla y in g . Ev er y coa ch w h o h a s w or k ed t h er e h a s h a d t o a dh er e t o t h eir ph ilosoph y . T h e g a lá ct ico ph ilosoph y . W h en t h ey a ppoin t ed Mou r in h o, I’m su r e t h ey m u st h a v e a ccept ed t h a t t h ey w ou ld n eed t o ben d t o h is t h in k in g if t h ey w er e t o w in t h e Eu r opea n Cu p. It ’s lik e a n y pr ofession . Y ou br in g som eon e in a n d su dden ly ev er y t h in g is a lt er ed, a n d t h e a u t h or s of t h a t a ppoin t m en t sa y , ‘Ju st a m in u t e, w e didn ’t k n ow w e w er e g oin g t o g et t h is.’ T h er e w ou ld h a v e been a few fa n s sit t in g in t h e Ber n a béu t h in k in g : ‘I’m n ot h a ppy w it h t h is. I didn ’t pa y for t h is. I’d r a t h er lose 5 –4 t h a n 1 –0 .’ So t h e spect a cle of José’s t im e in Ma dr id h eld m e in it s g r ip. It w a s t h e g r ea t est ch a llen g e of h is w or k in g life.

He h a d pr ov ed t h e m er it s of h is w a y s, a t Por t o, Ch elsea a n d In t er Mila n . He h a d w on t w o Eu r opea n Cu ps w it h differ en t clu bs. Cou ld h e r esh a pe Rea l Ma dr id in h is ow n im a g e, t o h is ow n t h in k in g ? Fr om t h e beg in n in g , t h er e seem ed lit t le pr ospect of h im a ba n don in g h is m ost sa cr ed idea s in fa v ou r of a ll-ou t a t t a ck a n d celebr it y ex u ber a n ce. He k n ew t h a t w a sn ’t t h e w a y t o su cceed in m oder n foot ba ll. Ba r celon a w ou ld a t t a ck bea u t ifu lly , bu t t h ey w ou ld a lso h ou n d t h e ba ll w h en possession w a s lost . T h ey w er e a h a r d-w or k in g u n it , a collect iv e. In t h a t spell w h en Rea l r ea ch ed t h r ee Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a ls in fiv e y ea r s, t h ey h a d t h e best pla y er s: Zida n e, Fig o, Rober t o Ca r los. Fer n a n do Hier r o, Ik er Ca silla s in g oa l, Cla u de Ma k élélé sit t in g in t h e m iddle of t h e pa r k t o br ea k ev er y t h in g u p. T h ey st a y ed w it h t h e g a lá ct ico sy st em a ft er t h a t , im por t in g Du t ch pla y er s en m a sse, a n d Da v id Beck h a m , V a n Nist elr ooy , Robin h o, bu t t h e Eu r opea n Cu p elu ded t h em a ft er t h e Gla sg ow fin a l of 2 0 0 2 . Mou r in h o pr ov ed h e cou ld m a k e big t ea m s w in , bu t t h e qu est ion I w a n t ed a n sw er in g w a s w h et h er h e w ou ld be a llow ed t o do it h is w a y in Ma dr id. José w a s a pr a g m a t ist , n o qu est ion . T h e st a r t in g poin t in h is ph ilosoph y is t o m a k e su r e h is t ea m don ’t lose. A g a in st Ba r celon a in t h e pr ev iou s sea son ’s Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l, h e k n ew h is In t er side w er e g oin g t o cede 6 5 per cen t of possession . A ll t ea m s k n ew t h a t . Ba r celon a ’s policy w a s t o en su r e t h ey w er e a lw a y s ov er loa ded in t h e m idfield a r ea . If y ou pla y ed fou r t h er e, t h ey w ou ld field fiv e, if y ou pla y ed six , t h ey w ou ld u p t h e a n t e t o sev en . By doin g so t h ey cou ld r ot a t e t h e ba ll, in a n d ou t t o t h e ba ck fou r . Y ou w ou ld

en d u p on t h eir ca r ou sel, g oin g r ou n d a n d r ou n d, a n d w in d u p dizzy . Occa sion a lly y ou m ig h t fa ll on t h e ba ll. W a t ch a ca r ou sel a n d y ou w ill see w h a t I m ea n . T h e ey es g o w oozy . So José k n ew In t er w ou ld n ot see m u ch of t h e ba ll a g a in st Ba r celon a , bu t h e h a d w ea pon s of h is ow n , m a in ly con cen t r a t ion a n d posit ion in g . Est eba n Ca m bia sso, h is cen t r a l m idfielder , w a s a v it a l com pon en t in t h a t In t er t ea m . If Messi a ppea r ed ov er h er e, so w ou ld Ca m bia sso. Sh ou ld Messi pop u p in a n ot h er a r ea , Ca m bia sso w ou ld be t h er e a s w ell. It sou n ds ea sy , bu t a s pa r t of a g en er a l t ea m pla n in w h ich a ll t h e defen siv e du t ies w ou ld con n ect , it w a s m a r v ellou sly effect iv e. La t er , I w a t ch ed a Rea l Ma dr id g a m e in w h ich José m a de t h r ee su bst it u t ion s in t h e la st 1 5 m in u t es. T h ey w er e a ll defen siv e in n a t u r e, t o m a k e su r e h e w on t h e g a m e. Bu t a ll t h is ca m e m u ch la t er t h a n ou r ba t t les in t h e m iddle of t h e deca de, w h en Ch elsea w on t h eir fir st Lea g u e t it le for 5 0 y ea r s a n d r et a in ed it 1 2 m on t h s la t er , in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 6 . If 2 0 0 4 –0 5 w a s a h or r ible sea son , w it h n o t r oph ies, t h e follow in g y ea r br ou g h t on ly t h e Lea g u e Cu p. A n ew t ea m w a s g r ow in g , bu t I w a s n ot t o k n ow w e cou ld w in t h r ee Pr em ier Lea g u e t r oph ies in a r ow . Ou r st r a t eg y w a s t o r ebu ild for t h e ev en t u a l depa r t u r es of Kea n e, Gig g s, Sch oles a n d Nev ille. T h r ee of t h em st a y ed bey on d t h a t pla n , w h ile Kea n e h a d t o g o. T h e in t en t ion w a s t o a ssem ble a g r ou p of y ou n g pla y er s w h o cou ld dev elop ov er a n u m ber of y ea r s, w it h t h e ex per ien ce of Gig g s a n d Sch oles a n d Nev ille t o

a ssist t h a t pr ocess. Now I ca n look ba ck on t h a t policy a s a n u n qu a lified su ccess. Y es, w e h a d a ba r r en sea son in 2 0 0 4 –0 5 , losin g t h e FA Cu p fin a l t o A r sen a l in a pen a lt y sh oot -ou t , bu t I cou ld see t h e pr om ise, in t h a t sh ow piece g a m e, of Roon ey a n d Ron a ldo. T h ey t oa st ed A r sen a l t h a t da y . W e h a d 2 1 sh ot s a t g oa l. In t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e r ou n d of 1 6 , w e lost 1 –0 h om e a n d a w a y t o Mila n , w it h Her n á n Cr espo scor in g bot h g oa ls. Rebu ildin g h eld n o t er r or s for m e. It w a s secon d n a t u r e. A foot ba ll clu b is lik e fa m ily . Som et im es people lea v e. In foot ba ll, som et im es t h ey h a v e t o, som et im es y ou w a n t t h em t o, som et im es t h er e is n o ch oice for eit h er side, w h en a g e or in ju r y in t er v en e. I did feel sen t im en t a l a bou t g r ea t pla y er s lea v in g u s. A t t h e sa m e t im e, m y ey e w ou ld a lw a y s be on a pla y er w h o w a s com in g t o a n en d. A n in t er n a l v oice w ou ld a lw a y s a sk , ‘W h en ’s h e g oin g t o lea v e, h ow lon g w ill h e la st ?’ Ex per ien ce t a u g h t m e t o st ock pile y ou n g pla y er s in im por t a n t posit ion s. So w h en , on 1 0 Ma y 2 0 0 5 , w e a ssem bled a g u a r d of h on ou r for Ch elsea , t h e n ew ch a m pion s, a t ou r g r ou n d, I h a d n o in t en t ion of su r r en der in g t o A br a m ov ich ’s w ea lt h in t h e m on t h s t o com e. Psy ch olog ica lly t h a t w a s a big m om en t for Ch elsea . T h ey h a d w on t h e Lea g u e for t h e fir st t im e in h a lf a cen t u r y a n d cou ld see t h em selv es fr om t h en on in a n ot h er lig h t . A lesson w e t ook on boa r d w a s t h a t slow st a r t s cou ld n o lon g er be t oler a t ed if w e w er e t o fa ce dow n Ch elsea , ou r big n ew ch a llen g er s. T h e follow in g sea son w e m a de a fly in g st a r t , t h ou g h t h e ca m pa ig n

fizzled ou t , t h e low est poin t bein g t h e g a m e a g a in st Lille in Pa r is, w h er e a pr opor t ion of ou r su ppor t er s booed t h e y ou n g pla y er s in t h e w a r m -u p in t h e w a k e of Kea n e’s ou t bu r st on MUT V a bou t som e of ou r squ a d n ot pu llin g t h eir w eig h t . T h a t w a s a k iller . Roy h a d ex a cer ba t ed t h e pr oblem of ou r poor for m by m a k in g t a r g et s of h is t ea m -m a t es. On t h e pit ch w e w er e in sh ock in g for m a n d t h e 1 –0 defea t t h a t n ig h t w a s m y low est poin t for m a n y y ea r s. In t h e sa m e m on t h t h a t Roy Kea n e left t h e clu b, in Nov em ber 2 0 0 5 , w e lost Geor g e Best . He w a s a v er y n ice blok e, Geor g e, a v er y g en t le la d, a bit n er v ou s, som eh ow . Ner v ou s t o t a lk t o y ou . He h a d a n in secu r it y a bou t h im t h a t w or r ied y ou . I r em em ber sit t in g in a ba r in Ja pa n w it h h im on ce – h e w a s w it h a g ir lfr ien d – a n d h e cou ld h a r dly t a lk . He seem ed g r ipped by sh y n ess. Geor g e cou ld h a v e h a d a g ood life a ft er foot ba ll. He cou ld h a v e coa ch ed y ou n g pla y er s, bu t per h a ps la ck ed t h e per son a lit y t o be a t u t or . A fa ct a bou t Geor g e t h a t few r ecog n ised is h ow in t ellig en t h e w a s. T h e fu n er a l w a s h u g e a n d sa d a n d w on der fu lly or ch est r a t ed by t h e cit y of Belfa st . It h a d t h e feel a n d t h e g r a n deu r of a st a t e fu n er a l. I r em em ber look in g a t Geor g e’s fa t h er , a w ee, h u m ble m a n , a n d t h in k in g : ‘He pr odu ced on e of t h e g r ea t est pla y er s of a ll t im e.’ A sm a ll m a n fr om Belfa st , a qu iet m a n . Y ou cou ld see w h er e Geor g e g ot h is r et icen ce. T h e foot ba ll pu blic in h is cou n t r y is ba sica lly w or k in g cla ss, a n d for som e r ea son t h ey lik e people w h o a r e fla w ed. Best , Ga scoig n e, Jim m y Joh n st on e. T h ey see r eflect ion s of t h em selv es in t h ese im per fect h er oes.

T h ey u n der st a n d t h e fr a ilt y . Jim m y w a s su ch a lik ea ble la d y ou cou ld n ev er fa il t o be a m u sed by h is m isch ief. Jock St ein w ou ld st a r e a t h is t eleph on e ev er y Fr ida y n ig h t a n d h is w ife Jea n w ou ld sa y , ‘W h a t a r e y ou look in g a t t h e t eleph on e for ?’ ‘It ’s g oin g t o r in g ,’ Jock w ou ld sa y . ‘T h e ph on e’s g oin g t o r in g .’ A t y pica l ca ll w ou ld st a r t : ‘La n a r k sh ir e police h er e, Mr St ein . W e’v e g ot y ou n g Jim m y h er e.’ Geor g e Best , of cou r se, w a s on e of Un it ed’s g r ea t Eu r opea n Cu p w in n er s. Bu t w e w er e a lon g w a y off t h a t pin n a cle in t h is ca m pa ig n . W a y n e Roon ey w a s sen t off in a 0 –0 dr a w a t V illa r r ea l in Sept em ber 2 0 0 5 for sa r ca st ica lly cla ppin g Kim Milt on Nielsen , w h o h a d a lso dism issed Da v id Beck h a m in t h e 1 9 9 8 W or ld Cu p. Not m y fa v ou r it e r efer ee. Nielsen w a s on e of t h e m ost in fu r ia t in g m a t ch officia ls. Y ou w er e pet r ified w h en y ou sa w h is n a m e on t h e list . On a n ot h er occa sion , Roon ey sw or e a t Gr a h a m Poll t en t im es. Poll, w h o cou ld h a v e sen t h im off, pr oba bly en joy ed h a v in g t h e T V ca m er a s on h im . Bu t a t lea st h e h a d t h e com m on sen se t o h a n dle W a y n e a s a h u m a n bein g a n d n ot be bot h er ed by h is effin g a n d jeffin g . In t h a t r espect , Roon ey w ou ld h a v e m or e r espect for Poll t h a n h e w ou ld for Nielsen . T h a t w a s t h e g a m e in w h ich Hein ze r u pt u r ed h is k n ee lig a m en t a ft er h is a g en t h a d a sk ed u s for a t r a n sfer . Mea n w h ile, a ft er w e h a d been k n ock ed ou t of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e w it h a 2 –1 defea t a t Ben fica in Decem ber , t h e pr ess w er e r ollin g ou t t h e sell-by -da t e

t h eor y . T o be cr it icised for con t in u a l n eg lig en ce in t h e job w ou ld h a v e m a de sen se t o m e, bu t t h e su g g est ion w a s t h a t I h a d lost it beca u se of m y a g e, w h ich w a s disg u st in g . A s people g r ow older , t h ey g a in ex per ien ce. T h er e w a s a ph a se in foot ba ll w h en t op pla y er s w er e bein g h ir ed a s Pr em ier Lea g u e m a n a g er s st r a ig h t aw ay w it h n o a ppr en t icesh ip. Ma n a g er s w it h ex per ien ce w er e t ossed a side. Look a t Bobby Robson , w h o w a s pu sh ed ou t by New ca st le. Sa m A lla r dy ce, a pr ov en m a n a g er , w a s g iv en six m on t h s a t t h e sa m e clu b. Ridicu lou s. Ha v in g t o fa ce t h e pr ess on a Fr ida y w a s g a llin g . Non e w ou ld a sk m e t o m y fa ce: ‘A r en ’t y ou pa st y ou r sell-by da t e?’ Bu t t h ey w ou ld w r it e it . T h ey w ou ld u se t h e pow er of t h e pen t o dest r oy a m a n a g er . Mom en t u m h a d it s ow n log ic. Su ppor t er s w ou ld sa y : ‘W h a t t h ey ’r e r epor t in g is r ig h t , y ou k n ow , I’v e been sa y in g t h a t for y ea r s.’ I k n ew w h er e w e w er e g oin g . I k n ew w e n eeded a bit of t im e. Not t oo m u ch , beca u se a t t h a t t im e in m y ca r eer I w ou ldn ’t h a v e been g r a n t ed u n lim it ed leew a y . Ha d I n ot felt I w a s on t h e v er g e of bu ildin g a n ot h er g ood t ea m , I w ou ld h a v e w a lk ed of m y ow n v olit ion . I w a s con fiden t in Roon ey a n d Ron a ldo. I w a s su r e t h e scou t in g st r u ct u r e w a s st r on g . Pla y er s w ou ld be fou n d t o t a k e u s ba ck t o ou r n a t u r a l lev el. T h ou g h w e on ly w on t h e Lea g u e Cu p, t h er e w er e som e g ood per for m a n ces in 2 0 0 6 . Ou r for m r ecov er ed a ft er t h e Ben fica defea t , w it h w in s a g a in st W ig a n , A st on V illa , W est Br om a n d Bolt on , w h ich left u s n in e poin t s beh in d Ch elsea in t h e Lea g u e. T h en Ev r a a n d V idić join ed. A t t h e ba ck , w e pr a ct ised defen siv e dr ills a lm ost ev er y w eek , especia lly w it h cr osses: posit ion , a t t a ck in g t h e ba ll, m ov em en t of

st r ik er s a g a in st t h em , w it h t h e fu ll-ba ck s com in g in t o it . W e w ou ld st a r t off a t t h e cen t r e cir cle, w it h t w o st r ik er s a n d t w o set s of w ide pla y er s, r ig h t a n d left . W e’d st a r t off by k n ock in g t h e ba ll u p t o on e of t h e st r ik er s, w h o w ou ld h a v e a sh ot . A s soon a s t h a t h a ppen ed, a secon d ba ll w ou ld be pla y ed ou t t o t h e side posit ion , fr om w h er e t h ey w ou ld cr oss, a n d t h en a t h ir d ba ll w ou ld com e fr om t h e edg e of t h e box ba ck in a g a in ; so t h ey h a d t o r ea ct t o t h e sh ot , t h e fir st cr oss a n d t h e ba ll com in g in t o t h e box . T h r ee t est s in on e. T h e cu lt u r e of ou r g a m e h a s ch a n g ed. How m a n y cen t r e-h a lv es ca n y ou n a m e w h o a ct u a lly lik e defen din g ? V idić lik ed it . He lov ed t h e ch a llen g e of st ick in g h is h ea d in t h er e. Y ou cou ld t ell t h a t t h e t h r ill of con t est in g t h ose 5 0 –5 0 ba lls a n im a t ed h im . Sm a llin g is a bit lik e t h a t : h e en joy s defen din g . V idić w a s a dou r , u n com pr om isin g sod. He w a s a pr ou d Ser b. In 2 0 0 9 h e ca m e t o see m e t o sa y h e m ig h t be g et t in g ca lled u p. ‘W h a t do y ou m ea n , ca lled u p?’ I sa id, a la r m ed. ‘Kosov o. I a m g oin g ,’ h e sa id. ‘It ’s m y du t y .’ He h a d t h e ey es for it . T h e sea r ch for n ew t a len t cr ossed con t in en t s a n d fr on t ier s. Gér a r d Piqu é w a s on e w e pick ed ou t a t a y ou t h t ou r n a m en t . T h e door t o g ood y ou n g Ba r celon a pla y er s h a d been open ed by A r sen a l’s a cqu isit ion of Cesc Fà br eg a s, so w e w er e su r e of ou r g r ou n d in dea lin g w it h t h e Piqu é fa m ily . Ou r pr oblem w a s t h a t t h e pla y er ’s g r a n dfa t h er h a d been a m em ber of t h e Nou Ca m p r u lin g h ier a r ch y . Gér a r d’s fa m ily w er e em bedded in Ba r celon a ’s h ist or y .

Equ a lly t h ey h a d ch a n g ed t h e fir st -t ea m coa ch sev er a l t im es, so t h er e w a s flu x . Piqu é w a s a t er r ific pla y er a n d I w a s deeply disa ppoin t ed w h en h e t old u s h e w a n t ed t o m ov e ba ck t o Spa in . He w a s a n ex cept ion a l pa sser of t h e ba ll a n d a g r ea t per son a lit y w it h a w in n in g m en t a lit y . His fa m ily a r e a ll w in n er s: t h ey a r e su ccessfu l people. T h a t sh on e fr om h is m ot h er a n d fa t h er . Un for t u n a t ely , h e didn ’t w a n t t o w a it for Fer din a n d a n d V idić t o fa ll a pa r t . T h a t w a s m y pr oblem . Piqu é a n d Ev a n s w ou ld h a v e m a de a fin e pa r t n er sh ip for t h e n ex t t en y ea r s. W h en w e pla y ed Ba r celon a in t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l a n d dr ew 0 –0 , Gér a r d’s fa t h er ca m e t o see m e in t h e t ea m h ot el – t h ey w er e r ea lly lov ely people – a n d ex pla in ed t h a t Ba r celon a w ou ld lik e t o t a k e h is son ba ck . His pa r en t s w er e a lso k een t o see h im com e h om e. T h ey m issed h im . A n d Gér a r d w a s m issin g fir st -t ea m foot ba ll a n d believ ed h e cou ld ea r n a st a r t in g pla ce a t Ba r celon a . It w a s a ll st r a ig h t for w a r d. T h e ev en t u a l fee w a s 8 m illion eu r os. He h a d cost u s £1 8 0 ,0 0 0 on a ccou n t of t h e FIFA r eg u la t ion s in pla ce a t t h e t im e. T h e big clu bs in Eu r ope su bsequ en t ly r a ised t h eir ba r r ier s t o st op En g lish r a ids. T h ey w er e n ev er lik ely t o a llow t h e lik es of Piqu é a n d Fà br eg a s t o lea v e t h e cou n t r y y ea r a ft er y ea r . A t ou r en d, spot t in g y ou n g t a len t in En g la n d, w e w ou ld h a v e pa id £5 m illion for a fir st -t ea m pla y er . Bu t w h y w er e w e a sk ed t o pa y £5 0 0 ,0 0 0 for on e w h o su bsequ en t ly fa iled t o m a k e t h e g r a de? Rich a r d Eck er sley w a s a n in t er est in g ca se: Bu r n ley offer ed u s £5 0 0 ,0 0 0 for h im . W e w a n t ed £1 m illion . W e’d spen t 1 2 y ea r s dev elopin g t h e boy . T h e com pen sa t ion sh ou ld r ea lly k ick in w h en t h e pla y er

m a k es t h e fir st t ea m . I don ’t t h in k t h e sellin g clu b w ou ld com pla in , especia lly w it h a sell-on cla u se. W e a r e a ll su bject t o er r or s of ju dg m en t , a n d I m a de a few in t h ose y ea r s, w it h Kléber son , Djem ba -Djem ba , a n d so on . I w a s ca st ig a t ed r ig h t t o t h e en d ov er Ra lph Miln e – a n d h e cost m e £1 7 0 ,0 0 0 . I g et pelt er s for t h a t . T h e coa ch in g st a ff w ou ld t ea se m e: ‘W e n eed a n ot h er Ra lph y Miln e, boss.’ A ll m y st a ff h a d been w it h m e for 2 0 y ea r s plu s. T h ey don ’t for g et . W illia m Pr u n ier w a s a n ot h er on e I w a s m ock ed for . Ev en Pa t r ice Ev r a , in t h a t h ig h -pit ch ed w a y , sa id t o m e on e da y : ‘Boss, did y ou h a v e W illia m Pr u n ier ?’ Ry a n Gig g s’ fa ce dr opped a s h e w a it ed for t h e r espon se. ‘A y e, w e h a d h im on t r ia l on ce,’ I sn a pped. ‘On t r ia l?’ Ev r a squ ea k ed ba ck . He w a s n ot g oin g t o let it dr op. ‘How lon g ?’ ‘T w o g a m es.’ ‘A t w o-g a m e t r ia l?’ ‘Y es, a n d it w a s a disa st er !’ Pa t r ice h a d fou n d t h e t a r g et . T h e fir st t h in g y ou do w it h a n ew pla y er is h elp h im set t le: ba n k in g , h ou sin g , la n g u a g e, t r a n spor t , a n d so on . T h er e is a pr ocess. La n g u a g e is a lw a y s t h e big g est ba r r ier . V a len cia ’s g r a sp of En g lish , for ex a m ple, w a s a pr oblem . W it h A n t on io it w a s pu r ely a con fiden ce issu e. I ca n w r it e a n d r ea d in Fr en ch , bu t I la ck con fiden ce spea k in g it . A n t on io k n ew t h is. ‘How ’s y ou r Fr en ch ?’ h e sa id on e da y . Poin t t a k en . Bu t I did poin t

ou t t o h im t h a t h a d I been w or k in g in Fr a n ce, I w ou ld h a v e m a de a n effor t t o spea k t h e la n g u a g e. V a len cia w a s w or k in g in En g la n d, so t h e sa m e a pplied t o h im . A s a pla y er , t h ou g h , h e w a s a s br a v e a s cou ldn ’t in t im ida t e V a len cia . He’s a boy fa v ela . He’s obv iou sly scr a pped in h is life. a n y t h in g . In a 5 0 –5 0 , h e w ou ld be r ig h t a r m s a cr oss t h e oppon en t .

h ell. Y ou fr om t h e T ou g h a s in t h er e,

A n ot h er m a r qu ee sig n in g in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 6 w a s Mich a el Ca r r ick . W e h a d a dm ir ed Ca r r ick for a w h ile a n d Da v id Gill w a s r eceiv in g feedba ck fr om Spu r s t h a t t h ey m ig h t be w illin g t o sell. ‘W h a t v a lu e w ou ld y ou pu t on h im ?’ a sk ed Da v id. ‘If y ou g ot h im for eig h t m illion y ou w ou ld be doin g w ell,’ I sa id. I’ll a lw a y s r em em ber t h e w or ds Da v id ca m e ba ck w it h : ‘Da n iel Lev y sa y s y ou ’ll h a v e t o g o a bit n or t h befor e t h ey ca n a ccept it .’ W e h a g g led for w eek s. W e h a d w a t ch ed Mich a el pla y in g a g a in st A r sen a l a t t h e en d of t h e sea son a n d Ma r t in t old m e, ‘He’s defin it ely a Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er .’ He w a s t h e st a r m a n . I t h in k t h e in it ia l fee w a s £1 4 m illion , w it h cla u ses r u n n in g t o £1 8 m illion . Mich a el w a s a n a t u r a l pa sser of t h e ba ll a t a t im e w h en Sch oles w a s in ch in g t ow a r ds h is m id-t h ir t ies. W h a t im pr essed m e a bou t Ca r r ick w a s t h a t h e w a s a lw a y s look in g t o pla y t h a t for w a r d pa ss. His r a n g e w a s ex pa n siv e a n d h e cou ld sw it ch t h e pla y . T h e lon g pa sses w er e t h e on es I felt w e cou ld u t ilise w it h t h e pla y er s w e h a d. A ft er a cou ple of m on t h s w e t old h im

w e cou ldn ’t u n der st a n d w h y h e h a d n ot y et scor ed for u s. In t r a in in g h e st r u ck t h e ba ll w ell, bu t in g a m es h e w a s n ot a t h r ea t fr om sh oot in g posit ion s. W e im pr ov ed h im in t h a t depa r t m en t . W e offer ed h im m or e fr eedom a n d t r ied t o r elea se st r en g t h s h e w a s per h a ps u n a w a r e h e h a d. Ma y be h e h a d been in a r ou t in e a t Spu r s, w h er e h e w a s t h e deeper m idfield pla y er a n d seldom fou n d h is w a y in t o t h e box . W it h u s, h e fou n d n ew qu a lit ies in h is g a m e. He’s a fin e pla y er , Mich a el. He w a s a sh y boy w h o n eeded t o be sh a k en a t t im es. He doesn ’t st a r t sea son s pa r t icu la r ly w ell, for r ea son s w e st r u g g led t o u n der st a n d a n d w h ich w e t a lk ed t o h im a bou t , bu t g en er a lly ca m e r ig h t a bou t t h e en d of Oct ober . T h er e is a ca su a ln ess a bou t h im t h a t ca u ses people t o m isu n der st a n d h is v a lu e a n d h is con st it u t ion . A s I left , Mou r in h o r et u r n ed t o Ch elsea , w h o, in a n ea r lier ph a se, w er e h om e t o m y fa v ou r it e for eig n pla y er in t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e – ou t side Un it ed, of cou r se. Gia n fr a n co Zola w a s a m a r v el. I w ill a lw a y s r em em ber a g oa l h e scor ed a g a in st u s a t St a m for d Br idg e w h en h e dr ew h is foot ba ck t o sh oot a n d t h en pa u sed befor e t h e ex ecu t ion . W h ile Zola w a s dev isin g h is a r t ist ic fin ish , Big Pa lly ca m e slidin g in a n d ca r r ied on g oin g w h ile Zola dr a g g ed it ba ck . Oh , t h e st ick Pa lly g ot t h a t da y . Br y a n Robson sa id: ‘A n y ch a n ce of y ou st a y in g on y ou r feet ?’ Bu t I lov ed Zola , beca u se h e pla y ed w it h a sm ile.

thirteen

Y OU’RE

n ot t h e sa m e on t h e ba t t lefield a s y ou a r e in ch u r ch . A w a y fr om t h e g a m e, A r sèn e W en g er is a cool cu st om er . He’s g ood com pa n y a n d h a s a br oa d spr ea d of con v er sa t ion a l t opics. W e ca n t a lk a bou t w in e a n d ot h er t h in g s in life. In UEFA g a t h er in g s h e m a de it h is bu sin ess t o h elp ot h er m a n a g er s. He is a con scien t iou s m em ber of ou r t r a de. Bu t w h en it com es t o h is t ea m – t o m a t ch -da y – h e is a com plet ely differ en t a n im a l. I’v e a lw a y s felt I cou ld u n der st a n d A r sèn e. I cou ld iden t ify w it h t h e sh a r p ch a n g e in h im w h en t h a t w h ist le blew . T h er e w a s a bit of t h a t in m e t oo. If w e sh a r ed on e ch a r a ct er ist ic it w a s a n a bsolu t e h a t r ed of losin g . W h en I lost t o Ra it h Rov er s ea r ly in m y ca r eer a t St Mir r en (t h ey w er e boot in g lu m ps ou t of u s), I r efu sed t o sh a k e h a n ds w it h Ber t ie Pa t on , t h e Ra it h Rov er s m a n a g er , w h o w a s m y g r ea t m a t e a n d

a ccom plice on t h e pit ch a t Du n fer m lin e. W ell, Ber t ie r a n a ft er m e t o r em on st r a t e. Oh , a y e. Som et im es y ou n eed a w ee lesson t h a t y ou ’r e w r on g , a n d I w a s w r on g t h a t da y . It w a s a sm a ll r em in der t h a t life is big g er t h a n t h e g a m e. W h en y ou beh a v e t h a t w a y , it ’s pet t y a n d la ck s dig n it y . By t h e en d, A r sèn e a n d I w er e on v er y fr ien dly t er m s. W e h a d su r v iv ed t og et h er a n d r espect ed ea ch ot h er ’s effor t s t o pla y g ood foot ba ll. Bu t w e h a d con flict s dow n t h e y ea r s. T h e open in g sh ot w a s h im com pla in in g a bou t m e com pla in in g a bou t t h e fix t u r e list . A com pla in t a bou t a com pla in t . So I fir ed ba ck w it h a cr a ft ed pu t -dow n : ‘He’s ju st a r r iv ed fr om Ja pa n , w h a t does h e k n ow a bou t it ?’ W h ich w a s t r u e. For t h e n ex t t w o y ea r s, it w a s A r sèn e com pla in in g a bou t con g est ion in ou r fix t u r e list . A for eig n coa ch w h o com es in a n d t h in k s h e ca n pla y 5 5 g a m es a sea son in ou r Lea g u e w it h ou t a dju st in g is k iddin g h im self. It ’s a g r u ellin g , en er g y -sa ppin g Lea g u e. T h a t ’s w h y , in t h e m oder n g a m e, y ou h a v e t o ch a n g e t h e t ea m t o spr ea d t h e loa d. A r sèn e lea r n ed t o a da pt t o t h a t cu lt u r e. He ov er ca m e t h e ea r ly sh ock of pla y in g Sa t u r da y , W edn esda y , Sa t u r da y . T h e fir st t im e h is A r sen a l side pla y ed u s a t Old T r a ffor d, h e ca m e in t o m y office. Ou r r ela t ion sh ip w a s fin e a t fir st . T h e pr oblem s st a r t ed w h en h e lost a g a m e w it h on e of h is g ood A r sen a l sides. He fou n d it h a r d t o a ccept fa u lt in h is t ea m a n d look ed t o bla m e t h e oppon en t . He w ou ld oft en do it by con cen t r a t in g on ph y sica l ch a llen g es. It w a s h a r d for h im t o a ccept t h a t oppon en t s m ig h t a dopt a r obu st a ppr oa ch a g a in st h is

m en . His in t er pr et a t ion of ph y sica l ch a llen g es ex t en ded som et im es t o t h e v er y a ct of t a ck lin g . He w ou ld fix in h is m in d t h e idea t h a t n o on e sh ou ld a ct u a lly be t a ck lin g h is boy s. I w a t ch ed h is best A r sen a l t ea m s, t h ou g h , a n d w a s t h r illed. I a lw a y s lik ed w a t ch in g A r sèn e’s sides. Pla y in g a g a in st t h em pr esen t ed specia l ch a llen g es t h a t I bu r n ed m a n y h ou r s t h in k in g a bou t . I a lw a y s felt I h a d t o ex a m in e ev er y t h in g A r sen a l did beca u se t h ey pr esen t ed so m a n y t h r ea t s a cr oss t h e pa r k . Ch elsea pr esen t ed a differ en t set of pr oblem s. T h er e w e w ou ld be fa cin g ex per ien ced pla y er s, w h o k n ew ev er y t r ick in t h e book . A r sen a l, on t h e ot h er h a n d, pla y ed t h e r ig h t w ay . T h ey h a d on e of t h e w or st disciplin a r y r ecor ds in foot ba ll in A r sèn e’s ea r ly y ea r s, bu t y ou cou ld n ev er sa y t h ey w er e dir t y pla y er s or a dir t y t ea m . St ev e Bou ld a n d T on y A da m s w ou ld k ick t h e life ou t of y ou – ev er y on e k n ew t h a t . T h ey w ou ld com e t h r ou g h t h e ba ck of y ou a ll t h e t im e. Bu t in essen ce, h is t ea m s w er e n ev er filt h y . V ola t ile a n d m a ch o w ou ld be a m or e a ccu r a t e t er m . T h ey w er e a com ba t iv e bu n ch . Bou ld a n d A da m s, I’v e m en t ion ed. T h en t h ey bou g h t Pa t r ick V ieir a , a big com pet it or w h o cou ld m ix it , g et a bou t people. A n d Nig el W in t er bu r n w a s a bit of a n a r k ; a lw a y s ch ippin g a w a y . Ia n W r ig h t , t h eir lea din g st r ik er in t h ose ea r ly da y s, a lso h a d a n a st y st r ea k . In 2 0 1 0 , A r sèn e deliv er ed a su r pr isin g cr it icism of Pa u l Sch oles, t ellin g r epor t er s h e h a d a ‘da r k side’. T h er e w a s n o r ea son for h im t o pr on ou n ce on on e of m y pla y er s. W e w er e n ot du e t o pla y A r sen a l t h a t w eek ,

a n d t h er e h a d been n o fr ict ion bet w een u s. A t t h a t t im e Pa u l Sch oles h a d w on t en Pr em ier Lea g u e t it les a n d a Eu r opea n Cu p, a n d t h er e w a s A r sèn e discu ssin g h is ‘da r k side’. Ba fflin g . Pla y er s su r pr ise y ou . T h ey ca n su r pr ise y ou in t h e lev el of per for m a n ce t h ey r ise t o a n d t h e lev els t o w h ich t h ey sin k . A r sèn e st r u g g led t o a ccept t h a t a s a con t r ibu t in g fa ct or in a defea t . Foot ba ll br in g s ou t t h e best a n d t h e w or st in people beca u se t h e em ot ion a l st a k es a r e so h ig h . In a h ig h -st a k es g a m e, a pla y er ca n lose h is n er v e for a m in u t e a n d h e ca n lose h is t em per t oo. A n d y ou ’r e left r eg r et t in g it . A r sen a l h a d a lot of t h ose m om en t s, bu t A r sèn e st r u g g led t o believ e t h a t in t er n a l fa ilin g s a n d w ea k n esses ca n som et im es ca u se y ou t o lose. T h e ex pla n a t ion is som et im es w it h in . I’m n ot sa y in g m a n a g er s see ev er y t h in g , bu t w e see m ost t h in g s, so A r sèn e’s st ock defen ce a ft er a g a m e of, ‘I didn ’t see it ’ w a s n ot on e I u sed. My pr efer r ed lin e w a s: ‘I’ll n eed t o look a t it a g a in .’ It w a s t h e sa m e ba sic m essa g e, bu t t h is on e bou g h t y ou t im e. By t h e n ex t da y , or soon a ft er , it ’s lik ely t o be old n ew s. Som et h in g else w ill h a v e h a ppen ed in t h e g r ea t ch u r n of ev en t s t o m ov e t h e a t t en t ion a w a y fr om y ou . I w a s sen t off eig h t t im es in m y ca r eer – a n d t h e la st on e w a s t h e m ost st u pid, beca u se I w a s t h e m a n a g er . A n oppon en t h a d been k ick in g lu m ps ou t of on e of ou r pla y er s a n d I sa id t o m y r ig h t -h a n d m a n Da v ie Pr ov a n , ‘I’m g oin g t o g o on a n d do t h a t g u y .’ Da v ie sa id, ‘Don ’t be so st u pid, sit st ill.’ ‘If h e t a k es ou r boy T or r a n ce on a g a in , I’m on .’ A n d, of cou r se, h e did. ‘T h a t ’s it ,’ I sa id, ‘I’m on .’

T w o m in u t es la t er I w a s ba ck off a g a in . In t h e dr essin g r oom I sa id: ‘If. I. Ev er . Hea r . A . W or d. Of t h is g et t in g ou t , y ou ’r e a ll dea d.’ I t h ou g h t t h e r efer ee’s ba ck w a s t u r n ed w h en I w h a ck ed h im . He w a s 6 feet 3 in ch es, a n a r m y pla y er . My fir st cla sh w it h a n A r sen a l m a n a g er w a s w it h Geor g e Gr a h a m . I w a t ch ed t h e den ou em en t t o t h e 1 9 8 9 t it le r a ce u pst a ir s in m y bedr oom a n d t old Ca t h y , ‘No ca lls, don ’t pu t a n y on e t h r ou g h .’ W h en Mich a el T h om a s scor ed t h e g oa l a g a in st Liv er pool t h a t w on A r sen a l t h e t it le, I w en t ber ser k . T w o y ea r s la t er , A r sen a l w on it a g a in , bea t in g u s 3 –1 in t h e y ea r w e w on t h e Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p. I st a y ed w it h Geor g e a ft er ou r Hig h bu r y g a m e on e y ea r . He h a s t h is fa n t a st ic collect ion of m a lt w h isk ies. ‘Do y ou w a n t on e? h e a sk ed. ‘I don ’t dr in k w h isk y ,’ I sa id. So Geor g e open ed a bot t le of w in e. ‘W h ich of t h ose m a lt s do y ou open for g u est s?’ I w on der ed. ‘Non e of t h em . Nobody g et s a m a lt ,’ h e sa id. ‘I’v e g ot blen ded Bell’s h er e.’ ‘T y pica l Scot ,’ I sa id. Geor g e la u g h ed. ‘T h is is m y pen sion .’ Ou r fir st m eet in g a t Old T r a ffor d w a s a w a r . A ft er w a r ds, Geor g e w a s per su a ded by a m u t u a l fr ien d t o com e u p t o m y office. My w or d, it w a s h a r d pla y in g a g a in st h is A r sen a l t ea m s a t t h a t t im e. W h en A r sèn e t ook ov er a ft er Br u ce Rioch ’s br ief spell, I didn ’t k n ow m u ch a bou t h im .

On e da y I a sk ed Er ic Ca n t on a : ‘W h a t is W en g er lik e?’ Er ic sa id: ‘I t h in k h e’s ov er defen siv e.’ ‘Oh , t h a t ’s a ll r ig h t ,’ I t h ou g h t . A n d t h e w a y h e st a r t ed a t A r sen a l w a s w it h fiv e a t t h e ba ck . Bu t w h en y ou see h is t ea m s n ow , y ou ca n ’t a r g u e for a secon d t h a t h is t ea m s a r e defen siv e. Er ic’s cr it iqu e st ill m a k es m e sm ile. A t t h e en d of t h e 1 9 9 0 s, a n d for t h e fir st pa r t of t h e n ew m illen n iu m , A r sen a l w er e ou r ch a llen g er s. T h er e w a s n o on e else on t h e h or izon . Liv er pool a n d New ca st le h a d br ief spells of pr om in en ce. Bla ck bu r n h a d t h eir t it le-w in n in g y ea r . Bu t if y ou look a t ou r h ist or y pr ior t o José Mou r in h o’s a r r iv a l a t Ch elsea , t h er e w a s n o con sist en t t h r ea t t o ou r dom in a n ce ou t side of A r sen a l. Ch elsea w er e a g ood Cu p t ea m , bu t t h ey cou ld n ev er qu it e sca le t h e pea k of t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e. W h en Bla ck bu r n ca m e w it h a n a ssa u lt w e k n ew it w a s u n lik ely t o la st beca u se t h er e w a s n o h ist or y t o su st a in a n a ch iev em en t of t h a t m a g n it u de. T h eir Lea g u e t it le w in w a s g r ea t for foot ba ll a n d for Ja ck W a lk er , t h e ben efa ct or w h o br ou g h t su ch fin e pla y er s t o t h e clu b, A la n Sh ea r er especia lly . T h a t w a s a t r em en dou s t im e for Bla ck bu r n . Ex per ien ce t ells y ou , t h ou g h , on ly t o w or r y a bou t t h e ch a llen g er s w h o h a v e a t r a dit ion of biddin g for t h e big pr izes. W h en A r sen a l a n d Un it ed w er e lock ed t og et h er for so lon g , y ou k n ew t h e Gu n n er s w er e su st a in ed by h ist or y a n d a st r on g iden t it y . A t t h eir g r ou n d, in m y pen u lt im a t e y ea r a s Un it ed m a n a g er , I h a d lu n ch in t h e boa r dr oom a n d sa id t o m y self: ‘T h is is cla ss. Rea l cla ss.’ A t Hig h bu r y I w ou ld st u dy t h e bu st of Her ber t Ch a pm a n a n d feel t h a t a n y

su spicion of n ost a lg ia w a s ou t w eig h ed by t h e sen se of solidit y a n d pu r pose t h ose m a r ble h a lls con v ey ed. A ch iev em en t w a s a lw a y s t h er e, fr om Her ber t Ch a pm a n a n d t h e 1 9 3 0 s, a ll t h e w a y t h r ou g h . T h eir dr essin g r oom s are m a r v ellou s. Th e a dv a n t a g es of bu ildin g a n ew st a diu m fr om scr a t ch a r e en or m ou s. Y ou h a v e a bla n k sh eet . Ev er y det a il y ou see in t h e A r sen a l h om e dr essin g r oom r eflect s A r sèn e’s specifica t ion s. He h a s cov er ed ev er y r equ ir em en t for a foot ba ll t ea m . In t h e cen t r e of t h e r oom is a m a r blet opped t a ble w h er e t h ey pu t a ll t h e food. A ft er a g a m e, ev er y on e t u ck s in . A n ot h er ex pr ession of cla ss. T h e st a ff h a v e t h eir ow n qu a r t er s. So I n ev er cea sed t o be con cer n ed a t t h e h ig h qu a lit y A r sen a l cou ld br in g t o ou r t u ssles. Hist or y h elped u s, bu t it h elped t h em t oo, a n d t h ey h a d t h e r ig h t m a n a g er . A r sèn e w a s t h e r ig h t on e beca u se y ou a lw a y s felt t h a t , h a v in g been g iv en t h e ch a n ce t o m a n a g e in En g la n d, h e pu t h is t en t dow n a n d w a s n ev er g oin g t o m ov e it . A ll t h e w h ile, t h er e w a s specu la t ion t h a t h e m ig h t lea v e on e da y t o join Rea l Ma dr id. I n ev er t h ou g h t A r sèn e w ou ld lea v e A r sen a l. Ev er . I’d sa y t o m y self: ‘W e’r e g oin g t o h a v e t o pu t u p w it h it . He’s g oin g t o be h er e for ev er . I’d bet t er g et u sed t o it .’ A t t im es it w a s v er y edg y . A lt h ou g h A r sèn e w ou ld n ev er com e in for a dr in k a ft er g a m es, Pa t Rice, h is a ssist a n t , w ou ld a lw a y s cr oss t h e t h r esh old for a g la ss, u n t il t h e pizza fig h t a t Old T r a ffor d. My r ecollect ion of t h a t fa bled in ciden t is t h a t w h en Ru u d v a n Nist elr ooy ca m e in t o t h e dr essin g r oom , h e

com pla in ed t h a t W en g er h a d been g iv in g h im st ick a s h e left t h e pit ch . Rig h t a w a y I r u sh ed ou t t o sa y t o A r sèn e: ‘Y ou lea v e m y pla y er s a lon e.’ He w a s in cen sed a t losin g t h e g a m e. T h a t w a s t h e r ea son for h is com ba t iv e beh a v iou r . ‘Y ou sh ou ld a t t en d t o y ou r ow n pla y er s,’ I t old h im . He w a s liv id. His fist s w er e clen ch ed. I w a s in con t r ol, I k n ew it . A r sèn e h a d a t h in g a bou t V a n Nist elr ooy . I r em em ber h im sa y in g h e’d h a d a ch a n ce t o sig n Ru u d bu t h a d decided h e w a s n ot g ood en ou g h t o pla y for A r sen a l. I a g r eed w it h h im in t h e sen se t h a t V a n Nist elr ooy m a y n ot h a v e been a g r ea t foot ba ller . Bu t h e w a s a g r ea t g oa l-scor er . A n y w a y , t h e n ex t t h in g I k n ew I h a d pizza a ll ov er m e. W e pu t food in t o t h e a w a y dr essin g r oom a ft er ev er y g a m e. Pizza , ch ick en . Most clu bs do it . A r sen a l’s food w a s t h e best . T h ey sa y it w a s Cesc Fà br eg a s w h o t h r ew t h e pizza a t m e bu t , t o t h is da y , I h a v e n o idea w h o t h e cu lpr it w a s. T h e cor r idor ou t side t h e dr essin g r oom t u r n ed in t o a r a bble. A r sen a l h a d been defen din g a 4 9 -g a m e u n bea t en r ecor d a n d h a d been h opin g t o m a k e it 5 0 on ou r t u r f. It seem ed t o m e t h a t losin g t h e g a m e scr a m bled A r sèn e’s br a in . T h a t da y cr ea t ed a div ision bet w een u s, w it h ou t dou bt , a n d t h a t r ift ex t en ded t o Pa t Rice, w h o st opped com in g in for a dr in k a ft er g a m es. T h e w ou n d w a s n ot fu lly h ea led u n t il t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l in 2 0 0 9 , w h en A r sèn e in v it ed u s in t o h is r oom a ft er t h e

g a m e a n d con g r a t u la t ed u s. W h en w e pla y ed t h em a t Old T r a ffor d a few w eek s la t er , A r sèn e ca m e in w it h Pa t , ju st for a few m in u t es. In foot ba ll y ou do see in ciden t s t h a t r eflect n or m a l con flict s in life. In ou r h om e liv es, som et im es. Y ou k n ow w h en y ou r w ife t u r n s t h a t m a ch in e off a n d w on ’t t a lk t o y ou . ‘Ch r ist , w h a t h a v e I don e?’ y ou t h in k . ‘Ha v e y ou h a d a g ood da y ?’ y ou a sk . ‘Y ea h ,’ sh e m u m bles. T h en t h e a n g er pa sses a n d n or m a lit y r et u r n s. Foot ba ll is lik e t h a t . I w ou ld h a v e h a t ed t h e silen ce bet w een A r sèn e a n d m e t o g o on so lon g t h a t it beca m e poison ou s. A t m y en d of it , I h a d a for m u la for defea t . A ft er sa y in g m y bit in t h e dr essin g r oom , a lw a y s, befor e g oin g t h r ou g h t h a t door t o fa ce t h e pr ess, t o fa ce t h e t elev ision , t o spea k t o t h e ot h er m a n a g er , I sa id t o m y self, ‘For g et it . T h e g a m e’s g on e.’ I a lw a y s did t h a t . W h en ev er people ca m e t o m y r oom a t t h e g r ou n d a ft er a g a m e, I a lw a y s m a de su r e t h er e w a s a g ood a t m osph er e. T h er e w a s n o g loom , n o fr ost in ess. No bla m in g t h e r efer ee. W h en A st on V illa bea t u s a t Old T r a ffor d in t h e 2 0 0 9 –1 0 sea son , it w a s t h e fir st t im e t h ey h a d bea t en u s on ou r t u r f in deca des. Ma r t in O’Neill, w h ose con v er sa t ion I a lw a y s en joy , pr a ct ica lly m ov ed in t o m y office w it h h is w ife a n d da u g h t er . It felt lik e a n h ou r a n d a h a lf. It w a s a r ea lly g ood n ig h t . Joh n Rober t son , Ma r t in ’s a ssist a n t , a n d a few of m y fr ien ds join ed u s a n d it t u r n ed in t o a r ea l g et -t og et h er . I en ded u p n eedin g a dr iv er t o t a k e m e h om e.

W h en w e lost in t h e FA Cu p t h ir d r ou n d t o Leeds Un it ed, t h e Leeds ph y sio, A la n Su t t on , cou ldn ’t st op la u g h in g a n d sm ilin g in m y office. A s h e left I sa id, ‘Y ou ’r e st ill bloody la u g h in g !’ ‘I ca n ’t h elp it ,’ h e sa id. It w a s t h e fir st t im e in m y Old T r a ffor d ca r eer t h a t Leeds h a d bea t en u s on ou r soil a n d h e w a s ju st in ca pa ble of n ot g r in n in g . His plea su r e w a s in fect iou s. Y ou h a v e t o sa y t o y ou r self, I’m a h u m a n bein g , I m u st k eep m y dig n it y . I w a s h ospit a ble in t h a t w a y t o a ll t h e m a n a g er s w h o join ed m e a ft er t h e g a m e. I sa w a ch a n g e in A r sèn e in t h e la st few y ea r s. W h en t h e In v in cibles w er e for m in g , w e w er e in t r a n sit ion . A r ou n d 2 0 0 2 , w e w er e r ebu ildin g t h e side. T h e A r sen a l side of 2 0 0 1 –0 2 w on t h e t it le a t ou r g r ou n d, of cou r se, a n d w er e a ccor ded a st a n din g ov a t ion by ou r su ppor t er s. A n a t t r ibu t e of Ma n ch est er Un it ed fa n s is t h a t t h ey w ill a lw a y s a ck n ow ledg e cla ss. T h er e w er e t im es w h en I w ou ld t h in k , bit t er ly , ‘Go on , g o a n d a ppla u d t h em , w h y don ’t y ou ? Mea n w h ile, I’ll g o in t o t h e dr essin g r oom a n d pick ou r pla y er s u p.’ Bu t t h a t is h ow t h ey a r e. I r em em ber t h eir st a n din g ov a t ion for t h e Br a zilia n Ron a ldo a ft er h is Ch a m pion s Lea g u e h a t t r ick a g a in st u s. A s h e left t h e pit ch , Ron a ldo seem ed bem u sed, lik e h is m a n a g er . ‘St r a n g e clu b, t h is,’ t h ey m u st h a v e t h ou g h t . Ga r y Lin ek er ’s la st g a m e in En g la n d for Spu r s w a s a lso w a r m ly r eceiv ed. Bu t t h er e is a lot t o be sa id for it . It br in g s foot ba ll t o it s zen it h . If y ou see cla ss, ex cit em en t , en t er t a in m en t , t h er e is a n oblig a t ion t o a ck n ow ledg e it . T h ose people h a v e seen a ll t h e best Un it ed t ea m s, so

t h ey k n ow w h a t a g ood side is. T h ey h a v e t h e n ecessa r y r efer en ce poin t s. T h ey k n ow w h a t a t op pla y er is a s w ell. On t op of t h a t , y ou h a v e t o a ck n ow ledg e w h en y ou a r e bea t en . T h er e is n ot h in g t o be don e. Su lk in g is fu t ile. T h e Old T r a ffor d g a m e in 2 0 0 2 w a s a n on -ev en t for m e, in on e sen se, ev en if w e w er e ch a sin g secon d pla ce. It w a s a lr ea dy obv iou s t h a t A r sèn e’s t ea m w er e g oin g t o w in t h e Lea g u e. T h er e w a s a sen se of dest in y . In t h ose m om en t s of defea t a n d a ccept a n ce, t h er e w ou ld be a da w n in g , for m e, of w h er e w e n eeded t o g o. My feelin g w a s a lw a y s: ‘I don ’t lik e t h is, bu t w e’ll h a v e t o m eet t h e ch a llen g e. W e’ll h a v e t o st ep u p a m a r k .’ It w ou ldn ’t h a v e been m e, or t h e clu b, t o su bm it t o a poca ly pt ic t h ou g h t s a bou t t h a t bein g t h e en d, t h e fin ish of a ll ou r w or k . W e cou ld n ev er a llow t h a t . Ev er y t im e t h ose m om en t s pok ed u s in t h e ey e, w e a ccept ed t h e in v it a t ion t o r eg r ou p a n d a dv a n ce a g a in . T h ose w er e m ot iv a t in g pa ssa g es. T h ey for ced m e on . I’ll g o fu r t h er : I ca n ’t be su r e t h a t w it h ou t t h ose pr ov oca t ion s I w ou ld h a v e en joy ed t h e job so m u ch . In la t er y ea r s w e lea r n ed m or e a bou t A r sen a l’s t h in k in g . A r sèn e h a d a t em pla t e of h ow h e sees h is pla y er s a n d t h e w a y t h ey pla y . W e didn ’t n eed t o w in t h e ba ll a g a in st A r sen a l, w e n eeded t o in t er cept it . Y ou n eed g ood pla y er s w h o ca n in t er cept . W e w or k ed ou t t h a t w h en t h e ba ll w a s pla y ed in t o Fà br eg a s w it h h is ba ck t o g oa l, h e w ou ld t u r n it r ou n d t h e cor n er a n d m eet t h e r et u r n pa ss. He w ou ld t w ist t h e pa ss r ou n d t h e cor n er t h en r u n t o g et it ba ck on t h e ot h er side of t h e defen der . So w e w ou ld sa y t o ou r pla y er s: ‘St a y

w it h t h e r u n n er , t h en in t er cept t h e pa ss.’ T h en w e cou n t er -a t t a ck ed qu ick ly . T h ey w er e m or e da n g er ou s a t Old T r a ffor d t h a n t h eir ow n g r ou n d. A w a y fr om h om e, t h ey didn ’t feel oblig ed t o t h r ow ev er y t h in g a t u s. T h ey w er e m or e con ser v a t iv e. Ba r celon a w er e fa r m or e or g a n ised t h a n A r sen a l. W h en t h ey lost t h e ba ll t h ey w ou ld h ou n d it . Ev er y on e of t h eir pla y er s w ou ld be a ft er it t o w in it ba ck . A r sen a l didn ’t h a v e qu it e t h a t dedica t ion t o t h e t a sk of r eg a in in g possession . T h en a g a in , som et im es Ba r celon a w ou ld im it a t e A r sen a l in ov er -ela bor a t in g , beca u se t h ey en joy ed it so m u ch . A g a in st Rea l Ma dr id a t t h e Ber n a béu in 2 0 0 9 , Messi w a s pla y in g on e-t w os in t h e Rea l Ma dr id pen a lt y box : n ot ju st on e bu t t w o or t h r ee, w h ile t h e Ma dr id defen der s w er e a ll ov er t h e pla ce. T h ey w on 6 –2 , bu t for a t im e I t h ou g h t t h ey w ou ld t h r ow t h e g a m e a w a y . W e a ll h a v e t o pu t ou r h a n ds u p t o h a v in g pla y er s w h o w er e ov er -ph y sica l a t t im es, bu t A r sèn e cou ld n ev er do t h a t , w h ich w a s a w ea k n ess. It ’s n ot a cr im e t o a dm it g u ilt w h en a pla y er is sen t off. Y ou sh ou ld feel ba d, beca u se h e’s let h is t ea m dow n . I h a d som e issu es w it h Pa u l Sch oles. I ev en fin ed h im for t h e silly t h in g s. I don ’t g et u pset w h en a pla y er is book ed w h en h e w a s on for t h e t a ck le, bu t if h e is sen t off for a st u pid ch a llen g e – a n d Sch olesy w a s g u ilt y of t h a t – h e w ou ld be fin ed. Bu t if y ou ex pect a pla y er t o g o t h r ou g h a sea son w it h ou t in fr in g in g t h e la w s of t h e g a m e, y ou ’r e a sk in g for m ir a cles. A r sèn e’s soft er cen t r e in m y la t er y ea r s r eflect ed t h e

pla y er s h e br ou g h t t o t h e clu b. Sa m ir Na sr i becom es a v a ila ble, so A r sèn e t a k es h im . Rosick ý becom es a v a ila ble, so h e t a k es h im , beca u se h e’s h is t y pe of pla y er . A r sh a v in becom es a v a ila ble, so in h e com es. W h en y ou a cqu ir e a lot of t h ose pla y er s, t h ey a r e a lm ost clon es. T h e t ea m A r sèn e in h er it ed g a v e h im a st a r t in En g lish foot ba ll. W e st a y ed on t h ese pa r a llel t r a ck s r ig h t t o t h e en d. A n d of cou r se w e w er e u n it ed by a desir e t o fin d a n d dev elop y ou n g pla y er s in ou r ow n im a g e. T h en a g a in , A a r on Ra m sey sa id befor e w e pla y ed A r sen a l on e t im e t h a t h e h a d ch osen A r sèn e’s t ea m ov er m in e beca u se A r sen a l pr odu ce m or e pla y er s t h a n Ma n Ut d. I t h ou g h t : ‘W h a t w or ld is h e in ?’ I t h in k a y ou n g boy ca n g et m a n ipu la t ed in t o sa y in g t h in g s. It w a s h is ow n decision t o r eject Un it ed, a n d I h a v e n o pr oblem w it h t h a t . I t h ou g h t h e m a de t h e w r on g ch oice, I m u st sa y , t h ou g h h e w ou ld h a v e fa ced m or e com pet it ion a t ou r pla ce t o m a k e t h e fir st t ea m . A r sen a l h a d n ot pr odu ced m a n y of t h eir ow n pla y er s. T h ey h a d dev eloped pla y er s, w h ich is n ot t h e sa m e t h in g . T h ey bou g h t t h em fr om clu bs in Fr a n ce a n d a ll ov er t h e pla ce. T h e on ly t r u ly h om eg r ow n pla y er I cou ld t h in k of w a s Ja ck W ilsh er e. Gig g s, Nev ille, Sch oles, Flet ch er , O’Sh ea , Br ow n , W elbeck : a ll pr odu ced a t Ma n Ut d. T h er e I g o a g a in . I cou ld n ev er be a n y t h in g ot h er t h a n com pet it iv e w it h A r sèn e, m y r iv a l for 1 7 y ea r s.

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t im e a m em ber of ou r g r ea t h om eg r ow n g en er a t ion left t h e clu b, I w ou ld cou n t t h ose left . T w o m a n a g ed t o st a y t o t h e en d of m y t im e: Pa u l Sch oles a n d Ry a n Gig g s. Ga r y Nev ille a lm ost m a de it t h r ou g h w it h m e. Ev en n ow I ca n v isu a lise t h e six of t h em t a k in g t h e m ick ey ou t of ea ch ot h er a s boy s a ft er t r a in in g . Sch olesy w ou ld t r y t o h it t h e ba ck of Nick y Bu t t ’s h ea d w it h t h e ba ll – or Ga r y ’s h ea d m or e oft en . He w a s a dev il for t h a t . T h ose h a lf-dozen y ou n g m en w er e in sepa r a ble. T h ese w er e solid h u m a n bein g s: t h e sor t y ou h a t ed losin g . T h ey u n der st ood t h e clu b a n d it s pu r pose. T h ey w ou ld m a r ch w it h y ou , defen d t h e pr in ciples on w h ich w e oper a t ed. A n y pa r en t w ou ld r ecog n ise t h a t m om en t w h en a 2 1 -y ea r -old w a lk s in a n d sa y s t h ey a r e g oin g t o bu y t h eir ow n pla ce, or m ov e in w it h t h eir g ir lfr ien d or t a k e a job in som e ot h er t ow n . T h ey lea v e y ou . Foot ba ll w a s t h e sa m e for m e. I beca m e g r ea t ly a t t a ch ed t o t h e m en w h o w er e w it h m e fr om t h eir t een a g e y ea r s, t h e so-ca lled Cla ss of ’9 2 . I sa w t h em

g r ow fr om 1 3 y ea r s of a g e. Nick y Bu t t w a s a pr im e ex a m ple. He a lw a y s r em in ded u s of t h e ca r t oon ch a r a ct er w it h t h e fr eck les, big ea r s a n d bu ck t eet h on t h e fr on t pa g e of t h e com ic, Mad. T h a t m isch ief, t h a t dev ilm en t . T h ey w er e so lon g u n der m y ca r e t h a t t h ey felt lik e fa m ily t o m e. I w ou ld ch a st ise t h em m or e t h a n ot h er pla y er s beca u se t h ey felt lik e r ela t iv es m or e t h a n em ploy ees. Nick y w a s a lw a y s u p t o som et h in g , a ja ck t h e la d. He w a s a lso br a v e a s a lion , in ca pa ble of sh ir k in g a n y ch a llen g e. He w a s on e of t h e m ost popu la r pla y er s t o h a v e pla y ed a t ou r clu b. He w a s a r ea l Ma n ch est er la d. Dow n t o ea r t h a n d m en t a lly t ou g h . Lik e Ph il Nev ille, Nick y r ea ch ed t h e poin t w h er e h e w a sn ’t pla y in g oft en en ou g h t o sa t isfy h is com pet it iv e u r g es. T h a t pr om pt ed h im t o look elsew h er e for open in g s. On ce a g a in w e let h im g o v er y ch ea ply , for £2 m illion . T h ose m en didn ’t ow e u s a pen n y . W e h a d a cqu ir ed t h em for n ot h in g t h r ou g h ou r a ca dem y . T h e m on ey for Nick y w a s a t ok en su m t o en su r e h e left for t h e best dea l. Rig h t t o t h e en d of h is pla y in g da y s, h e w ou ld r efer t o u s a s h is clu b. Beh in d m y ba ck , I’m su r e t h ose la ds r esen t ed bea r in g t h e br u n t of m y a n n oy a n ce. ‘Oh , m e a g a in ,’ t h ey pr oba bly t h ou g h t . ‘W h y don ’t y ou g iv e h im ov er t h er e som e?’ T h e fir st per son I w ou ld g iv e st ick t o w a s Gig g sy , bless h im . A s y ou n g st er s t h ey w ou ld n ev er a n sw er ba ck . W it h t im e, Ry a n lea r n ed t o defen d h im self. Nick y m ig h t a lso r et a lia t e n ow a n d t h en . Ga r y w ou ld h a v e a g o. Bu t t h en Ga r y w ou ld a n sw er h is sh a dow

ba ck . He h a s t o h a v e a n a r g u m en t ev er y da y . He w ou ld be u p a t six o’clock w it h t h e pa per s, t ex t in g Di La w or la t er Ka r en Sh ot bolt , ou r pr ess officer s: ‘Ha v e y ou r ea d t h is in t h e Telegraph or The Tim es ?’ W e a lw a y s sa id of Ga r y t h a t h e w ok e u p a n g r y . His w a s a n a r g u m en t a t iv e n a t u r e. He is a for t h r ig h t g u y . W h er e h e sees er r or , sees fla w s, h e a t t a ck s t h em . His in st in ct w a s n ot t o n eg ot ia t e h is w a y t h r ou g h a n im pa sse, bu t st r ik e h a r d w it h h is opin ion s. T h er e w a s n o con sen su s w it h Ga r y . He w a s ex plosiv e. I w ou ld see a sm a ll issu e esca la t e in h is m in d. Bu t w it h m e h e k n ew w h er e t h e lim it s of m y pa t ien ce w er e. I w ou ld sa y : ‘Ga r y , g o a n d a n n oy som eon e else.’ T h en h e w ou ld la u g h a n d t h e dr a m a w ou ld be defu sed. If I t r y t o im a g in e t h ose 2 0 y ea r s w it h ou t t h e h om eg r ow n la ds, I fin d it h a r d t o v isu a lise t h e ba se of t h e t ea m . T h ey pr ov ided ou r st a bilit y . Ma n ch est er Un it ed a r e r ecog n ised for t h e g r ea t pla y er s w e fou n d in t h e 2 6 y ea r s I w a s t h er e, fr om Br y a n Robson a n d Nor m a n W h it eside a n d Pa u l McGr a t h on w a r ds, t h r ou g h t o Ca n t on a a n d Ron a ldo. Bu t t h ose h om eg r ow n boy s ca r r ied t h e spir it of Ma n ch est er Un it ed in side t h em . T h a t ’s w h a t t h ey g a v e t h e clu b: spir it . T h ey w er e a g r ea t ex a m ple t o ou r coa ch in g st a ff of w h a t cou ld be a ch iev ed t h r ou g h y ou t h dev elopm en t , a n d a bea con t o t h e y ou n g pla y er s com in g t h r ou g h . T h eir pr esen ce t old t h e n ex t 1 9 -y ea r -old com in g u p t h e lin e: ‘T h is ca n be don e. T h e n ex t Ca n t on a ca n be cr ea t ed h er e a t ou r a ca dem y , on ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d.’ I w ill a lw a y s r em em ber Pa u l Sch oles’ fir st da y a t ou r clu b. He ca m e in w it h a lit t le g u y ca lled Pa u l O’Keefe.

His fa t h er , Ea m on n , h a d pla y ed a t Ev er t on . T h ey w er e st a n din g beh in d Br ia n Kidd, w h o h a d t old m e h e w a s br in g in g in t w o la ds h e lik ed t h e look of. T h ey w er e 1 3 . ‘W h er e a r e t h ese t w o y ou n g k ids?’ I a sk ed Br ia n . T h ey w er e so sm a ll t h ey w er e in v isible beh in d Br ia n ’s fr a m e. T h ey w er e a bou t 4 feet 8 in ch es t a ll. I look ed a t t h is t in y pa ir a n d t h ou g h t : ‘How a r e t h ese t w o g oin g t o becom e foot ba ller s?’ It beca m e a st a n din g jok e a t t h e clu b. W h en Sch olesy ca m e in t o t h e y ou t h t ea m , I sa id, in t h e coa ch es’ r oom : ‘T h a t Sch oles h a s g ot n o ch a n ce. T oo sm a ll.’ W h en h e join ed u s pr oper ly a t 1 6 h e w a s st ill m in u scu le. Bu t h e r ea lly did sh oot u p. By 1 8 , h e h a d r isen t h r ee or fou r in ch es. Pa u l n ev er sa id a w or d. He w a s ex cept ion a lly sh y . His fa t h er h a d been a g ood pla y er a n d t h ey h a d sh a r ed a n ick n a m e, A r ch ie. W h en I h a r bou r ed t h ose in it ia l dou bt s a bou t h is size, I h a d n ev er seen h im pla y in a g a m e, t h ou g h I h a d look ed a t h im in t r a in in g a t t h e sch ool of ex cellen ce. A t t h e in door cen t r e w e m a in ly t a u g h t t ech n ica l sk ills. W h en h e pr og r essed t o pla y for t h e A y ou t h t ea m , h e w a s a cen t r e-for w a r d. ‘He’s n ot g ot t h e pa ce t o pla y cen t r e-for w a r d,’ I sa id. T h ey pla y ed h im ju st beh in d a st r ik er . In on e of t h e ea r ly g a m es a t T h e Cliff, h e h it on e on t h e dr op ju st ou t side t h e box a n d it st opped m y br ea t h w it h it s pow er . ‘He’s g ood, bu t I don ’t t h in k h e h a s a n y ch a n ce of m a k in g it . T oo sm a ll,’ sa id Jim Ry a n , w h o w a s w a t ch in g w it h m e. It beca m e a st ock ph r a se a t t h e clu b. Sch olesy : t oo sm a ll. A s h is t im e w it h u s r olled on , Pa u l Sch oles en cou n t er ed pr oblem s w it h h is a st h m a . He didn ’t pla y

in t h e y ou t h t ea m t h e y ea r t h ey w on t h e FA Y ou t h Cu p. Beck h a m join ed t h e t ea m on ly in t h e la t er r ou n ds beca u se h e h a d g r ow n g a n g ly a n d w ea k . Sim on Da v ies, w h o pla y ed for W a les, w a s t h e ca pt a in . Robbie Sa v a g e w a s a lso in t h e side. T h e m a jor it y of t h em w en t on t o be in t er n a t ion a ls. A n ot h er , Ben T h or n ley , w ou ld h a v e ea r n ed a ca p, bu t for m a jor k n ee t r ou ble. A s a y ou n g for w a r d, in t h e h ole, Sch oles w ou ld be g u a r a n t eed 1 5 g oa ls a sea son . W h en h e dev eloped in t o a cen t r a l m idfield pla y er , h e h a d t h e br a in for t h e pa ssin g g a m e a n d a t a len t for or ch est r a t ion . He m u st h a v e been a n a t u r a l. I lov ed w a t ch in g t ea m s t r y in g t o m a r k h im ou t of t h e g a m e. He w ou ld t a k e t h em in t o posit ion s t h ey didn ’t w a n t t o g o t o, a n d w it h a sin g le t ou ch w ou ld t u r n t h e ba ll r ou n d t h e cor n er , or fein t a w a y a n d h it t h e r ev er se pa ss. Oppon en t s w ou ld spen d a m in u t e t r a ck in g h im a n d t h en be m a de t o a ppea r in con sequ en t ia l a n d som et im es ev en foolish . T h ey w ou ld en d u p g a llopin g ba ck t o t h eir ow n box . He w ou ld dest r oy a m a r k er t h a t w a y . Pa u l en du r ed sev er a l disa ppoin t m en t s w it h lon g t er m in ju r ies bu t w ou ld a lw a y s com e ba ck bet t er . He w a s a su per ior pla y er a ft er h is ey e pr oblem a n d a ft er h is k n ee in ju r y . He w ou ld r et u r n r e-en er g ised. In h is ea r ly t h ir t ies, h e w a s pr on e t o occa sion a l bou t s of fr u st r a t ion a s t h e com pet it ion for m idfield pla ces in t en sified. I h a d Da r r en Flet ch er a n d Mich a el Ca r r ick t o con sider in t h e t w o cen t r a l posit ion s. I con fess, I m a de a n er r or h er e. T a k in g people for g r a n t ed is n ot a m ist a k e y ou a r e n ecessa r ily a w a r e of a t t h e t im e, a n d it is h a r d t o cor r ect u n t il y ou a r e con fr on t ed by t h e

effect on t h e v ict im . My a t t it u de w a s t h a t in t im es of n eed I cou ld a lw a y s g o ba ck t o Sch olesy . He w a s a loy a l ser v a n t , a lw a y s r ea dy a n d w illin g t o st ep in . Ca r r ick a n d Flet ch er w ou ld be m y n ew fir st -ch oice pa ir in g a n d Sch oles w ou ld be t h e a g ein g su ppor t . It w a s in m y m in d for t oo lon g t h a t Pa u l w a s com in g t o t h e en d of h is ca r eer . In t h e 2 0 0 9 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l in Rom e, w h ich w e lost t o Ba r celon a , I sen t Pa u l on in t h e secon d h a lf. A n der son h a d m a de on ly t h r ee pa sses in t h e fir st h a lf. Sch oles m a de 2 5 in t h e la st 2 0 m in u t es of t h e g a m e. Y ou t h in k y ou k n ow ev er y t h in g in t h is g a m e. Y ou don ’t . T a k in g people for g r a n t ed a n d t h in k in g y ou ca n a lw a y s g o ba ck t o t h em a s t h ey a ppr oa ch t h e en d is w r on g . Y ou for g et h ow g ood t h ey a r e. A t t h e en d, con sequ en t ly , I u sed h im a lot m or e a n d r est ed h im a t t h e r ig h t t im es. People w ou ld a sk m e t o pick m y best Ma n Un it ed t ea m . I w ou ld fin d it in cr edibly difficu lt . Y ou cou ldn ’t lea v e ou t Sch oles a n d y ou cou ldn ’t lea v e ou t Br y a n Robson . T h ey w ou ld bot h g iv e y ou a t lea st t en g oa ls a sea son . Bu t t h en t h a t r a ises t h e qu est ion : h ow ca n y ou lea v e ou t Kea n e? Y ou w ou ld h a v e t o pla y t h e t h r ee of t h em . Bu t if y ou do t h a t , w h o do y ou pla y w it h Ca n t on a , w h o w a s a lw a y s bet t er pla y in g w it h a n ot h er for w a r d? T r y pick in g on e st r ik er fr om McCla ir , Hu g h es, Solsk ja er , V a n Nist elr ooy , Sh er in g h a m , Y or k e, Cole, Roon ey a n d V a n Per sie. Y ou cou ldn ’t disr eg a r d Gig g s. So it a lw a y s felt lik e a n im possible t a sk t o select a best X I, y et y ou w ou ld h a v e t o sa y Ca n t on a , Gig g s, Sch oles, Robson a n d Cr ist ia n o Ron a ldo cou ld n ev er be left ou t of a Ma n Un it ed side.

Sch oles w a s pr oba bly t h e best En g lish m idfielder sin ce Bobby Ch a r lt on . Sin ce I h a v e been in En g la n d, Pa u l Ga scoig n e w a s t h e best of t h ose w h o cou ld lift y ou fr om y ou r sea t . In h is la st few y ea r s, Pa u l Sch oles elev a t ed h im self a bov e Ga scoig n e. On e, for lon g ev it y , a n d t w o, for im pr ov in g h im self in h is t h ir t ies. He w a s su ch a br illia n t lon g pa sser t h a t h e cou ld ch oose a h a ir on t h e h ea d of a n y t ea m -m a t e a n sw er in g t h e ca ll of n a t u r e a t ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d. Ga r y Nev ille on ce t h ou g h t h e h a d fou n d r efu g e in a bu sh , bu t Sch olesy fou n d h im fr om 4 0 y a r ds. He in flict ed a sim ila r lon g -r a n g e m issile st r ik e, on ce, on Pet er Sch m eich el, a n d w a s ch a sed r ou n d t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d for h is im per t in en ce. Sch olesy w ou ld h a v e m a de a fir st -cla ss sn iper . A s a pla y er m y self, I n ev er possessed t h e in n a t e a bilit y of a Ca n t on a or a Pa u l Sch oles: ey es in t h e ba ck of t h e h ea d. Bu t I cou ld see it in ot h er s beca u se I w a t ch ed so m a n y g a m es. I k n ew h ow im por t a n t t h ose pla y er s w er e t o a t ea m . Sch oles, Ca n t on a , V er ón . Beck h a m h a d g ood v ision t oo. He w a s n ot t h e sor t w h o cou ld t h r ea d g r ea t pa sses t h r ou g h , bu t h e cou ld see t h e ot h er side of t h e pit ch a ll r ig h t . La u r en t Bla n c h a d g ood v ision . T eddy Sh er in g h a m a n d Dw ig h t Y or k e cou ld see w h a t w a s h a ppen in g a ll a r ou n d t h em . Bu t of t h e pla y er s in t h e t op ech elon , Sch oles w a s t h e best of t h a t t y pe. W h en w e w er e w in n in g ea sily , Sch oles w ou ld som et im es t r y som et h in g da ft , a n d I w ou ld sa y , ‘Look , h e’s g et t in g bor ed n ow .’ Ry a n

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g en er a t ion . He w a s t h e on e m ost lik ely t o be iden t ified a s a w on der boy . A w a r din g h im a fir st -t ea m debu t a t 1 6 la n ded u s w it h a pr oblem w e h a d n ot ex pect ed: t h e Gig g s ph en om en on . A n It a lia n a g en t ph on ed m e w h en Ry a n w a s a n d a sk ed, ‘W h a t do y ou r son s do?’ I sa id: ‘Ma r k ’s a deg r ee, Ja son ’s g oin g in t o t elev ision , Da r r en a ppr en t ice h er e.’ He sa id: ‘Sell m e Gig g s a n d m a k e t h em r ich .’ Na t u r a lly I declin ed t h e offer .

a k id doin g is a n I ca n

T h e Geor g e Best com pa r ison st u ck t o h im im m edia t ely a n d w a s im possible t o dislodg e. Ev er y on e w a n t ed a piece of h im . Bu t Gig g s w a s sm a r t . ‘See t h e m a n a g er ,’ h e w ou ld sa y t o a n y on e seek in g a n in t er v iew or a t ie-u p. He didn ’t w a n t t o g r a n t in t er v iew s a n d fou n d a w a y t o t r a n sfer t h e bla m e for t h e r efu sa l on t o m e. He w a s clev er . Br y a n Robson a ppr oa ch ed Ry a n on e da y t o r ecom m en d Ha r r y Sw a les a s a n a g en t . He h a d ch eck ed it w it h m e fir st . Br y a n w a s com in g t o t h e en d a n d w a s su r e Ha r r y w a s t h e r ig h t m a n for Gig g s. He w a s r ig h t . Ha r r y is fa n t a st ic. Got en g a g ed a t 8 1 t o a Sw iss la dy h e m et on t h e pla t for m of a r a ilw a y st a t ion . Sh e w a s lost . He is a for m er ser g ea n t -m a jor w it h a h a n dleba r m ou st a ch e. He look ed a ft er Ry a n r ea lly w ell. Ry a n h a s a st r on g m ot h er , t oo, a n d h is g r a n dpa r en t s w er e v er y , v er y g ood people. T o st r et ch h is fir st -t ea m ca r eer t o t w o deca des, Ry a n h a d t o dev elop a m et icu lou s fit n ess pr og r a m m e. Y og a , a n d h is pr epa r a t ion r ou t in es, w er e a t t h e r oot of h is lon g ev it y . Ry a n w a s r elig iou s a bou t y og a . T w ice a w eek a ft er t r a in in g , a n ex per t w ou ld com e in t o g u ide

h im t h r ou g h t h e ex er cises. T h a t beca m e v it a l t o h im . In t h e da y s w h en h e w a s su scept ible t o h a m st r in g in ju r ies, w e w er e n ev er su r e h ow m u ch w e cou ld pla y h im . His h a m st r in g s w er e a con st a n t con cer n . W e w ou ld lea v e h im ou t of g a m es t o h a v e h im r ea dy for ot h er s. By t h e en d, on ly h is a g e w ou ld pr om pt u s t o g iv e h im a r est . He w ou ld pla y 3 5 g a m es a sea son beca u se h is fit n ess w a s fa n t a st ic. Ry a n ’s in t ellig en ce h elped h im m a k e t h e sa cr ifices in h is socia l life. He is a r eser v ed k in d of g u y bu t , of a ll t h a t bu n ch , h e w a s t h e on e t h ey look ed u p t o. He w a s t h e k in g , t h e m a n . T h er e w a s a br ief per iod w h en h e a n d Pa u l In ce w ou ld w ea r da ft su it s bu t it soon pa ssed. Ry a n st ill h a s t h e su it t h a t ca u sed m e t o blu r t , ‘W h a t t h e h ell is t h a t ?’ In cey w a s a fa n of fla sh dr essin g a n d h e a n d Gig g s w er e g ood pa ls. T h ey w er e a du o. Bu t Ry a n h a s led a h ig h ly pr ofession a l life. He is r ev er ed a r ou n d t h e clu b, w h er e ev er y on e defer s a n d look s u p t o h im . W h en h is pa ce det er ior a t ed w e pla y ed h im m or e in t h e cen t r e of t h e pa r k . W e n o lon g er ex pect ed h im t o fla sh r ou n d t h e ou t side of defen der s t h e w a y h e did a s a boy . Not m a n y people n ot iced t h a t ev en in h is la t er in ca r n a t ion h e r et a in ed h is ch a n g e of pa ce, w h ich is som et im es m or e im por t a n t t h a n r a w speed. His ba la n ce, t oo, w a s u n a ffect ed. In t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 1 0 h e w a s br ou g h t dow n by W est Ha m ’s Jon a t h a n Spect or in t h e pen a lt y box , a n d I seized m y ch a n ce t o set a qu iz qu est ion . How m a n y pen a lt ies h a d Ry a n Gig g s w on in h is Ma n ch est er Un it ed ca r eer ? A n sw er : fiv e. Beca u se h e a lw a y s st a y s

on h is feet . He st u m bles bu t n ev er g oes dow n . I w ou ld a sk h im , a ft er a h ea v y fou l in t h e box , w h y h e h a d declin ed t o g o dow n , w h ich h e w ou ld h a v e been en t it led t o do, a n d h e w ou ld look a t m e a s if I h a d h or n s. He w ou ld w ea r t h a t v a ca n t look . ‘I don ’t g o dow n ,’ h e w ou ld sa y . Ry a n is a ca lm boy , v er y ev en -t em per ed in a dv er sit y . St r a n g e t o sa y , h e w a s n ev er a g r ea t su bst it u t e u n t il h is la t er y ea r s. He w a s a lw a y s bet t er st a r t in g a g a m e. Bu t h e pla y ed a g r ea t r ole a s a su b in t h e 2 0 0 8 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l in Moscow , a n d a g a in st W ig a n w h en w e w on t h e Lea g u e, com in g on t o scor e ou r secon d g oa l. He r em ov ed t h e dou bt w e h a d a bou t h im bein g a g ood im pa ct pla y er a n d w a s a n a m a zin g a sset t o h a v e off t h e ben ch . Gig g s t u r n ed h is ba ck on t h e fa m e a n d t h e br a n din g ; h e la ck ed t h e t em per a m en t for t h a t lev el of ex posu r e. His per son a lit y w a s m or e in t r ov er t ed. T o lea d t h a t life, y ou n eed g r ea t en er g y t o be t r ot t in g a ll ov er t h e w or ld a n d pu t t in g y ou r fa ce in fr on t of a ca m er a . It a lso r equ ir es a cer t a in v a n it y : t h e belief t h a t t h is is w h a t y ou w er e m a de for . Y ou r ea d a bou t a ct or s a lw a y s k n ow in g t h ey w a n t ed t o be on t h e st a g e or in film s. I n ev er h a d t h a t m a g n et ic a t t r a ct ion t o fa m e. My h ope w a s t h a t pla y er s w h o h a d g r ow n u p w it h u s w ou ld ca r r y t h in g s on a t Ca r r in g t on a n d m a in t a in t h e con t in u it y , m u ch a s Uli Hoen ess a n d Ka r l-Hein z Ru m m en ig g e, sa y , h a d a t Ba y er n Mu n ich . T h ey u n der st a n d h ow t h e clu b fu n ct ion s a n d t h e st a n da r d of pla y er n eeded t o k eep t h e sh ow r ollin g a lon g . W h et h er t h a t lea ds in t h e en d t o m a n a g em en t ca n n ot be k n ow n ,

beca u se it depen ds h ow t h e coa ch in g side dev elops. Bu t Gig g s a n d Sch oles a r e bot h in t ellig en t m en w h o u n der st a n d Un it ed’s sou l a n d w er e g r ea t pla y er s t h em selv es, so a ll t h e r ig h t st u ff w a s t h er e. Ry a n cou ld defin it ely be a m a n a g er beca u se h e’s so w ise a n d pla y er s in v a r ia bly r espect h im . His r ela t iv e qu iet n ess w ou ld n ot be a ba r r ier . T h er e a r e plen t y of n on -v oca l m a n a g er s. Bu t y ou r ch a r a ct er m u st be st r on g . T o dea l w it h a clu b lik e Ma n ch est er Un it ed, y ou r per son a lit y h a s t o be big g er t h a n t h ose of t h e pla y er s. Or , y ou h a v e t o believ e it is, t o con t r ol t h e w h ole pict u r e. Y ou h a v e big pla y er s, w ea lt h y pla y er s, w or ld-fa m ou s pla y er s, a n d y ou h a v e t o r u le ov er t h em , st a y on t op of t h em . T h er e is on ly on e boss of Ma n ch est er Un it ed, a n d t h a t ’s t h e m a n a g er . Ry a n w ou ld n eed t o cu lt iv a t e t h a t side of h im self. Bu t so did I, fr om 3 2 y ea r s of a g e. A t sch ool w e w ou ld be a sk ed: ‘W h a t do y ou w a n t t o be w h en y ou g r ow u p?’ I w ou ld sa y : ‘A foot ba ller .’ ‘Fir em a n ’ w a s a m or e popu la r a n sw er . T o sa y ‘foot ba ller ’ im plied n o u r g e t o be k n ow n a cr oss t h e w or ld, m er ely t o ea r n a liv in g by pla y in g t h e g a m e. Gig g s w ou ld h a v e been t h a t t y pe. Y ou ca n be dest in ed by y ou r n a t u r e t o ch a se a cer t a in en din g , a n d Da v id Beck h a m a lw a y s h a d t h a t a ir of k n ow in g w h er e h e w a s g oin g . He w a s com for t a ble w it h t h a t lifest y le a n d k een t o a t t a in t h a t st a t u s. Non e of t h e ot h er s w ou ld h a v e ev en dr ea m ed a bou t w or ldw ide r ecog n it ion . It w a s n ot pa r t of t h em . Im a g in e Ga r y Nev ille w it h fa sh ion ph ot og r a ph er s: ‘Ca n y ou bloody h u r r y u p?’

T h ey w er e a ll lu ck y t o h a v e t h e pr ot ect ion of r ea lly g ood fa m ilies. T h e Nev illes a r e r ea lly solid people. T h e sa m e w a s t r u e for a ll of t h em . It w a s a blessin g , for t h em a n d for u s. T h ey k n ow t h e v a lu e of a g ood u pbr in g in g : k eepin g y ou r feet on t h e g r ou n d; m a n n er s; r espect for older g en er a t ion s. If I h a d ca lled som eon e fr om a n older g en er a t ion by t h eir fir st n a m e, m y da d w ou ld h a v e clipped m e on t h e ea r . ‘Mist er , t o y ou ,’ h e w ou ld h a v e sa id. A ll t h a t h a s disa ppea r ed n ow . A ll m y pla y er s w ou ld ca ll m e ‘g a ffer ’ or ‘boss’. Lee Sh a r pe ca m e in on e da y a n d a sk ed, ‘How y ou doin g , A lex ?’ I sa id: ‘W er e y ou a t sch ool w it h m e?’ Ev en bet t er , a y ou n g Ir ish boy , Pa ddy Lee, sa w m e m ov in g u p t h e st a ir s of T h e Cliff, a s h e w a s com in g dow n , w it h Br y a n Robson beh in d m e, a n d sa id, ‘A ll r ig h t , A lex ?’ I sa id: ‘W er e y ou a t sch ool w it h m e?’ ‘No,’ h e sa id, per t u r bed. ‘W ell don ’t ca ll m e A lex !’ I g et t h e g ig g les n ow r eca llin g t h ese m om en t s. Beh in d t h e fier ce r espon se I w ou ld be la u g h in g in side. W ee Pa ddy Lee w a s t er r ific a t a n im a l im pr ession s. Ev er y Ch r ist m a s h e w ou ld do du ck s, cow s, bir ds, lion s, t ig er s – ev er y t h in g . Ev en ost r ich es. T h e pla y er s w ou ld be r ollin g a bou t . Pa ddy w en t t o Middlesbr ou g h for a y ea r bu t didn ’t qu it e m a k e it . W ee Geor g e Sw it zer w a s a n ot h er . T y pica l Sa lfor d boy . In t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d ca n t een h e w a s br illia n t a t ba r k in g t h in g s ou t a n d disg u isin g w h er e it h a d com e

fr om , so t h e v ict im w ou ld sca n t h e r oom t r y in g t o spot t h e per pet r a t or . ‘Hi boss!’ Or ‘A r ch ie!’ t o A r ch ie Kn ox . For a lon g t im e it w a s im possible t o n a il t h e cu lpr it . T h er e w er e n o clu es in t h e sea of fa ces a t m ea lt im es. Bu t on e da y I ca u g h t h im . ‘A ll r ig h t , son ?’ I sa id. ‘Y ou do t h a t a g a in a n d y ou ’ll r u n r ou n d t h e pit ch t ill y ou ’r e dizzy .’ ‘Sor r y , boss,’ Sw it z st u t t er ed. Despit e t h e im a g e of m e a s som eon e w h o w a n t ed obedien ce a t a ll t im es, I lov ed people w it h a bit of dev il in t h em . It w a s r efr esh in g . Y ou n eed self-con fiden ce, a bit of n er v e. If y ou ’r e su r r ou n ded by people w h o a r e sca r ed t o ex pr ess t h em selv es in life, t h ey w ill be equ a lly fr ig h t en ed w h en it r ea lly m a t t er s, on t h e pit ch , in g a m es. T h ose la ds fr om t h e 1 9 9 2 cla ss w er e n ev er sca r ed of a n y t h in g . T h ey w er e m ig h t y a llies.

fifteen

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a dv er sit y , t h e r ea lly illu st r iou s clu bs r et u r n t o t h eir cy cle of w in n in g . Ma y be I w a s lu ck y t o h a v e join ed Un it ed in a t r ou bled ph a se of t h eir h ist or y . T h e Lea g u e t it le h a d n ot been w on for 1 9 y ea r s a n d I in h er it ed a cu lt u r e of low ex pect a t ion . W e h a d becom e a Cu p t ea m , a n d t h e fa n s a n t icipa t ed a g ood r u n in t h e k n ock -ou t com pet it ion s m or e t h a n in Lea g u e a ct ion , w h er e t h eir h opes w er e k ept in ch eck . My pr edecessor s Da v e Sex t on , T om m y Doch er t y a n d Ron A t k in son w er e su ccessfu l m en , bu t in t h eir y ea r s t h er e w a s n o con sist en t or su st a in ed ch a llen g e for t h e ch a m pion sh ip. T h e sa m e w a s t r u e of Liv er pool in t h e y ea r s w h en Un it ed w er e on t op fr om 1 9 9 3 on w a r ds, bu t I cou ld a lw a y s feel t h eir br ea t h on m y n eck fr om 2 5 m iles a w a y . W h en a clu b of Liv er pool’s h ist or y a n d t r a dit ion pu ll

off a t r eble of cu p w in s, a s t h ey did in 2 0 0 1 , w it h t h e FA , Lea g u e a n d UEFA t r oph ies u n der Gér a r d Hou llier , y ou a r e bou n d t o feel a t r em or of dr ea d. My t h ou g h t t h a t y ea r w a s: ‘Oh , n o, n ot t h em . A n y body bu t t h em .’ W it h t h eir ba ck g r ou n d, t h eir h er it a g e a n d t h eir fa n a t ica l su ppor t , a s w ell a s t h eir t er r ific h om e r ecor d, Liv er pool w er e im pla ca ble oppon en t s, ev en in t h eir fa llow y ea r s. I lik ed a n d r espect ed Gér a r d Hou llier , t h e Fr en ch m a n w h o t ook sole ch a r g e w h en t h e join t m a n a g er ex per im en t w it h Roy Ev a n s w a s en ded by t h e A n field boa r d. St ev en Ger r a r d w a s st a r t in g t o em er g e a s a y ou t h fu l for ce in m idfield, a n d t h ey cou ld su m m on t w o sen sa t ion a l g oa l-scor er s in Mich a el Ow en a n d Robbie Fow ler . T h e big cu lt u r a l ch a n g e w a s in v est in g pow er in som eon e fr om ou t side t h e Liv er pool r elig ion . T h e su ccession of in t er n a l a ppoin t m en t s fr om Sh a n k s t o Bob Pa isley t o Joe Fa g a n t o Ken n y Da lg lish t o Gr a em e Sou n ess t o Roy Ev a n s m a in t a in ed con sist en cy of pu r pose. T ow a r ds t h e en d of Ken n y ’s fir st spell in ch a r g e, y ou cou ld sen se a sh ift . T h e t ea m h a d g r ow n old a n d Liv er pool w er e st a r t in g t o m a k e u n u su a l pu r ch a ses: Jim m y Ca r t er , Da v id Speedie. T h ese w er e u n t y pica l Liv er pool sig n in g s. Gr a em e Sou n ess m a de t h e r ig h t m ov e bu t t oo qu ick ly , br ea k in g u p a n a g ein g t ea m t oo fa st . On e m ist a k e w a s t o disca r d on e of t h e best y ou n g pla y er s, St ev e St a u n t on . Gr a em e w ou ld a dm it t h a t h im self. T h er e w a s n o n eed t o let St a u n t on g o. Gr a em e is a g ood g u y bu t h e’s im pet u ou s. He ca n ’t g et t h er e qu ick ly en ou g h . A n d h is im pet u osit y cost h im in t h a t per iod.

A v ir t u e of dea lin g w it h Liv er pool ba ck t h en w a s t h a t t h ey w ou ld a ll com e in t o m y office m ob-h a n ded a ft er t h e g a m e. I in h er it ed t h e t r a dit ion of ev er y m em ber of ou r st a ff g oin g in t o see t h em a t A n field a n d ea ch on e on t h eir side r ecipr oca t in g a t Old T r a ffor d. T h e Liv er pool boot -r oom m en h a d fa r m or e ex per ien ce in t h a t r eg a r d t h a n m e, bu t I lea r n ed qu ick ly . W in , lose or dr a w , t h er e w ou ld be a fu ll t u r n -ou t a n d a r a ppor t bet w een t h e t w o m a n a g er ia l cla n s. Beca u se t h er e w a s su ch a div ide bet w een t h e t w o cit ies a n d su ch com pet it iv e t en sion on t h e field, it w a s ev en m or e im por t a n t t o r et a in ou r dig n it y , w h a t ev er t h e r esu lt . It w a s v it a l, t oo, t h a t w e con cea led ou r w ea k poin t s, a n d Liv er pool w er e equ a lly g u a r ded in t h a t r espect . Gér a r d h a d been a v isit in g t r a in ee t ea ch er in Liv er pool du r in g h is cou r se a t Lille Un iv er sit y , a n d h a d ex a m in ed t h e clu b w it h a n a ca dem ic’s ey e. He w a s n ot en t er in g A n field blin d t o it s t r a dit ion s. He u n der st ood t h e et h os, t h e ex pect a t ion s. He w a s a clev er m a n ; a ffa ble, t oo. A ft er h e w a s r u sh ed t o h ospit a l follow in g a ser iou s h ea r t a t t a ck , I sa id t o h im , ‘W h y don ’t y ou ju st st ep u pst a ir s?’ ‘I ca n ’t do t h a t ,’ Gér a r d r eplied. ‘I lik e w or k in g .’ He w a s a foot ba ll m a n . Hea r t t r ou ble cou ld n ot br ea k h is a ddict ion . Ex pect a t ion a lw a y s bea r s dow n on Liv er pool m a n a g er s a n d I t h in k t h a t br a n d of pr essu r e pier ced Ken n y ’s defen ces in t h e en d. A t t h e t im e h e a ba n don ed t h e r ole of icon ic pla y er a n d m ov ed in t o t h e du g -ou t , h e possessed n o m a n a g er ia l ba ck g r ou n d. T h e sa m e dispa r it y u n der m in ed Joh n Gr eig a t Ra n g er s. Possibly

t h e g r ea t est Ra n g er s pla y er of a ll t im e, Joh n in h er it ed a disin t eg r a t in g t ea m t h a t cou ld n ot be r est or ed t o a n ev en k eel. T h e em er g en ce of A ber deen a n d Du n dee Un it ed w a s n o h elp. Pla y in g in t h e g la m ou r r ole u p fr on t a s on e of Liv er pool’s fin est pla y er s a n d t h en g r a du a t in g t o m a n a g er a lm ost t h e n ex t da y w a s v er y difficu lt for Ken n y . I r em em ber h im com in g t o see m e in t h e Scot la n d ca m p a n d a sk in g for a dv ice a bou t a job h e h a d been offer ed in m a n a g em en t . It w a s on ly la t er I r ea lised h e h a d been t a lk in g a bou t t h e big on e. ‘Is it a g ood clu b?’ I h a d a sk ed h im . ‘A y e, it ’s a g ood clu b,’ h e sa id. So I t old h im : if it w a s a g ood clu b, w it h g ood h ist or y , som e fin a n cia l leew a y , a n d a ch a ir m a n w h o u n der st a n ds t h e g a m e, h e w ou ld h a v e a ch a n ce. If on ly t w o of t h ose v a r ia bles cou ld be t ick ed off, h e w a s in for a ba t t le. W it h ou t m y in t en siv e edu ca t ion a t A ber deen , I w ou ld h a v e been poor ly qu a lified t o t a k e ov er a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. I st a r t ed a t Ea st St ir lin g w it h ou t a pen n y . I en joy ed t h a t , w it h 1 1 or 1 2 pla y er s. T h en I w en t t o St Mir r en w it h ou t a dim e. I fr eed 1 7 pla y er s in m y fir st sea son : t h ey w er en ’t g ood en ou g h . T h ey h a d 3 5 befor e I st a r t ed sw in g in g m y m a ch et e. T h er e, I w ou ld or der t h e pies a n d t h e clea n in g m a t er ia ls a n d t h e pr og r a m m es. It w a s a fu ll edu ca t ion . W h en Gér a r d st a r t ed im por t in g la r g e n u m ber s of for eig n pla y er s, I t h ou g h t t h e t r eble-w in n in g sea son offer ed pr oof t h a t t h e policy m ig h t r est or e t h e clu b t o it s pom p. T h e lik es of V la dim ír Šm icer , Sa m i Hy y piä a n d Diet m a r Ha m a n n h a d est a blish ed a st r on g

pla t for m on w h ich Hou llier cou ld bu ild. A n y Cu p t r eble h a s t o be t a k en ser iou sly . Y ou m ig h t sa y for t u n e sm iled on t h em in t h e FA Cu p fin a l a g a in st A r sen a l, beca u se A r sèn e W en g er ’s t ea m ba t t er ed t h em in t h a t m a t ch befor e Mich a el Ow en w on it w it h t h e secon d of h is t w o g oa ls. It w a sn ’t t h e in div idu a ls t h a t w or r ied m e a r ou n d t h a t t im e so m u ch a s t h e n a m e: Liv er pool. T h e h ist or y . I k n ew t h a t if t h is u psu r g e con t in u ed t h ey w ou ld becom e ou r big g est r iv a ls a g a in , a h ea d of A r sen a l a n d Ch elsea . A y ea r a ft er t h a t Cu p t r eble, t h ey fin ish ed r u n n er su p, bu t t h en fell a w a y t o fift h a ft er Gér a r d br ou g h t in El Ha dji Diou f, Sa lif Dia o a n d Br u n o Ch ey r ou , fr om w h ich m a n y com m en t a t or s dr ew a lin e of ca u se a n d effect . Ch ey r ou w a s on e w e look ed a t w h en h e w a s a t Lille. He h a d n o pa ce bu t a n ice left foot . A st r on g la d, bu t n ot qu ick . Diou f h a d a g ood W or ld Cu p w it h Sen eg a l a n d m a de a n a m e for h im self. Y ou cou ld u n der st a n d Gér a r d’s a n t en n a e t w it ch in g . I w a s a lw a y s w a r y of bu y in g pla y er s on t h e ba ck of g ood t ou r n a m en t per for m a n ces. I did it a t t h e 1 9 9 6 Eu r opea n Ch a m pion sh ip, w h ich pr om pt ed m e t o m ov e for Jor di Cr u y ff a n d Ka r el Pobor sk ý . Bot h h a d ex cellen t r u n s in t h a t t ou r n a m en t , bu t I didn ’t r eceiv e t h e k in d of v a lu e t h eir cou n t r ies did t h a t su m m er . T h ey w er en ’t ba d bu y s, bu t som et im es pla y er s g et t h em selv es m ot iv a t ed a n d pr epa r ed for W or ld Cu ps a n d Eu r opea n Ch a m pion sh ips a n d a ft er t h a t t h er e ca n be a lev ellin g off. W it h Diou f t h er e w a s a t a len t bu t it n eeded n u r t u r in g . He w a s a per sist en t t h or n in y ou r flesh , a n d n ot a lw a y s in a n ice w a y . He’d be silly on t h e pit ch , bu t

h e h a d a r ig h t com pet it iv e edg e a bou t h im , a n d h e h a d a bilit y . Join in g a n a u g u st clu b lik e Liv er pool w a s n ot com pa t ible w it h h is r ebelliou s side beca u se h e fou n d it h a r d t o con for m t o t h e disciplin e y ou n eed t o be su ccessfu l. Gér a r d soon fou n d t h a t ou t . W it h t h e n u m ber of h ig h -in t en sit y g a m es y ou a r e g oin g t o pla y a g a in st A r sen a l a n d Ch elsea , y ou n eed pla y er s of a g ood t em per a m en t . A n d, in m y opin ion , Diou f h a d a dodg y on e. Ch ey r ou ju st n ev er m a de it . He didn ’t h a v e t h e pa ce t o pla y in t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e. T h e Spice Boy cu lt u r e w a s a n ot h er dr a g on Gér a r d h a d t o sla y . I w ou ld h ea r st or ies of Liv er pool pla y er s n ippin g a cr oss t o Du blin for r ecr ea t ion . I felt t h a t St a n Colly m or e’s a r r iv a l w a s h a r dly con du civ e t o st a bilit y . I n ea r ly bou g h t Colly m or e m y self beca u se t h er e w a s a n in cr edible t a len t . Bu t w h en I w a t ch ed h im pla y for Liv er pool, t h er e w a s n o g r ea t u r g en cy a bou t h im , a n d I beg a n t o t h in k w h a t a lu ck y g u y I h a d been for n ot bu y in g h im . I ca n on ly a ssu m e h e w ou ld h a v e been t h e sa m e a t Un it ed. In st ea d I t ook A n dy Cole, w h o w a s a lw a y s br a v e a s a lion a n d a lw a y s g a v e h is best . Befor e t h e u psw in g u n der Hou llier , Liv er pool h a d fa llen in t o t h e t r a p t h a t h a d ca u g h t Un it ed y ea r s befor e. T h ey w ou ld bu y pla y er s t o fit a jig sa w . If y ou look a t Ma n Un it ed fr om t h e m id-1 9 7 0 s t o t h e m id1 9 8 0 s, t h ey w er e bu y in g pla y er s su ch a s Ga r r y Bir t les, A r t h u r Gr a h a m fr om Leeds Un it ed, Pet er Da v en por t , T er r y Gibson , A la n Br a zil: t h er e seem ed t o be a desper a t ion . If som eon e scor ed a g a in st Un it ed t h ey w ou ld be sig n ed: it w a s t h a t k in d of sh or t -t er m t h in k in g . Liv er pool a cqu ir ed t h e sa m e h a bit . Ron n y Rosen t h a l, Da v id Speedie, Jim m y Ca r t er . A su ccession

of pla y er s a r r iv ed w h o w er en ’t r ea dily iden t ifia ble a s Liv er pool pla y er s. Colly m or e, Ph il Ba bb, Neil Ru ddock , Ma r k W r ig h t , Ju lia n Dick s. Gér a r d bou g h t a w ide m ix of pla y er s t o A n field: Mila n Ba r oš, Lu is Ga r cía , Šm icer a n d Ha m a n n , w h o did a fin e job for h im . I cou ld see a pa t t er n em er g in g in Gér a r d’s r ecr u it in g . Un der Ben ít ez I cou ld obser v e n o su ch st r a t eg y . Pla y er s ca m e a n d w en t . T h er e w a s a t im e w h en I look ed a t h is fir st X I a n d felt t h ey w er e t h e m ost u n im a g in a t iv e Liv er pool side I ev er w en t u p a g a in st . In on e g a m e a g a in st u s, h e pla y ed Ja v ier Ma sch er a n o in cen t r a l m idfield a n d h a d h is ba ck fou r , a s u su a l, bu t pla y ed St ev en Ger r a r d w ide left , w it h A lber t o A qu ila n i off t h e fr on t . He t ook Dir k Ku y t off a n d pu t Ry a n Ba bel on t h e left , m ov in g Ger r a r d t o t h e r ig h t . T h e t h r ee pla y ed in a pa ck t h r ou g h t h e m iddle. Ba bel w a s on a s a n ou t side-left bu t n ot on ce did h e w or k t h e t ou ch lin e. I ca n ’t k n ow w h a t h is or der s w er e, bu t on t h e ben ch I r em em ber sa y in g it w a s a g ood t im e t o br in g h im on , w ide left , a g a in st Ga r y Nev ille. I t old Sch oles: w a r n Ga r y t o con cen t r a t e. Bu t Liv er pool pla y ed w it h h a r dly a n y w idt h a t a ll. A ppa r en t ly Ben ít ez ca m e t o ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d a s a g u est of St ev e McCla r en , bu t I don ’t r em em ber m eet in g h im . W e r eceiv ed lot s of v isit s fr om ov er sea s coa ch es a n d it w a s h a r d t o k eep t r a ck of t h em a ll. W e h a d people fr om Ch in a a n d Ma lt a a n d g r ou ps of t h r ee a n d fou r fr om Sca n din a v ia n cou n t r ies. T h er e w a s a lso a st ea dy flow of ot h er spor t sm en : t h e A u st r a lia cr ick et t ea m , NBA pla y er s, Mich a el Joh n son , Usa in Bolt . Joh n son , w h o r u n s a spr in g t r a in in g pr og r a m m e in T ex a s, im pr essed m e w it h h is k n ow ledg e.

Soon a ft er Ben ít ez a r r iv ed, I a t t en ded a Liv er pool g a m e a n d h e a n d h is w ife in v it ed m e in for a dr in k . So fa r , so g ood. Bu t ou r r ela t ion sh ip fr a y ed. T h e m ist a k e h e m a de w a s t o t u r n ou r r iv a lr y per son a l. On ce y ou m a de it per son a l, y ou h a d n o ch a n ce, beca u se I cou ld w a it . I h a d su ccess on m y side. Ben ít ez w a s st r iv in g for t r oph ies w h ile a lso t a k in g m e on . T h a t w a s u n w ise. On t h e da y h e pr odu ced h is fa m ou s list of ‘fa ct s’ det a ilin g m y in flu en ce ov er r efer ees, w e r eceiv ed a t ipoff t h a t Liv er pool w ou ld st a g e-m a n a g e a qu est ion t h a t w ou ld en a ble Ben ít ez t o g o on t h e a t t a ck . T h a t ’s n ot u n u su a l in foot ba ll. I h a d been k n ow n t o pla n t a qu est ion m y self. Pu t it t h is w a y , ou r pr ess office h a d w a r n ed m e, ‘W e t h in k Ben ít ez is g oin g t o h a v e a g o a t y ou t oda y .’ ‘W h a t a bou t ?’ I a sk ed. ‘I don ’t k n ow , bu t w e’v e been t ipped off,’ t h ey sa id. So, on t elev ision , Ben ít ez pu t s h is g la sses on a n d pr odu ces t h is sh eet of pa per . Fa ct s. T h e fa ct s w er e a ll w r on g . Fir st , h e sa id I in t im ida t e r efer ees. T h e FA w er e sca r ed of m e, a ccor din g t o Ra fa , ev en t h ou g h I h a d ju st been fin ed £1 0 ,0 0 0 by t h e FA t w o w eek s pr ev iou sly , a n d I w a s fa ilin g t o su ppor t t h e Respect ca m pa ig n . T h e Respect in it ia t iv e h a d st a r t ed t h a t sea son , y et Ra fa w a s g oin g on a bou t m y cr it icism of Ma r t in A t k in son in a Cu p t ie t h e pr ev iou s y ea r , befor e t h e n ew g u idelin es h a d com e in t o pla ce. So h e w a s w r on g in t h e fir st t w o t h in g s h e sa id. T h e m edia lov ed it , ev en t h ou g h t h e

fa ct s w er e in a ccu r a t e. T h ey w er e h opin g it w ou ld st a r t a w a r , t h a t I w ou ld la u n ch a r ock et ba ck . In fa ct , a ll I sa id in r eply w a s t h a t Ra fa w a s obv iou sly ‘bit t er ’ a bou t som et h in g a n d t h a t I w a s a t a loss t o ex pla in w h a t t h a t m ig h t be. T h a t w a s m e sa y in g t o h im : look , y ou ’r e a silly m a n . Y ou sh ou ld n ev er m a k e it per son a l. T h a t w a s t h e fir st t im e h e t r ied t h ose t a ct ics, a n d ea ch su bsequ en t a t t a ck bor e t h e sa m e per son a l edg e. My in qu ir ies t old m e t h a t h e h a d been ir r it a t ed by m e qu est ion in g w h et h er Liv er pool w ou ld be a ble t o h a n dle t h e t it le r u n in , w h et h er t h ey w ou ld bu ck le u n der t h e pr essu r e. Ha d I been t h e Liv er pool m a n a g er , I w ou ld h a v e t a k en t h a t a s a com plim en t . In st ea d Ben ít ez in t er pr et ed it a s a n in su lt . If I, a s Ma n ch est er Un it ed m a n a g er , w a s t a lk in g a bou t Liv er pool a n d dr oppin g in r em a r k s t o m a k e t h em w obble, m y A n field cou n t er pa r t ou g h t t o k n ow t h ey ’d g ot m e w or r ied. W h en Ken n y w a s in ch a r g e a t Bla ck bu r n , a n d t h ey w er e ou t in fr on t in t h e t it le r a ce, I piped u p: ‘W ell, w e’r e h opin g for a Dev on Loch n ow .’ T h a t st u ck . Dev on Loch popped u p in ev er y n ew spa per a r t icle. A n d Bla ck bu r n st a r t ed t o dr op poin t s. W e ou g h t t o h a v e w on t h e Lea g u e t h a t y ea r bu t Rov er s h eld on . T h er e is n o dou bt w e m a de it h a r der for t h em by r a isin g t h e spect r e of t h e Qu een Mot h er ’s h or se per for m in g t h e split s on t h e A in t r ee r u n -in . T h e a dv a n ce pu blicit y h a d been t h a t Ben ít ez w a s a con t r ol fr ea k , w h ich t u r n ed ou t t o be cor r ect , t o a poin t t h a t m a de n o sen se. He displa y ed n o in t er est in for m in g fr ien dsh ips w it h ot h er m a n a g er s: a da n g er ou s

policy , beca u se t h er e w ou ld h a v e been plen t y fr om lesser clu bs w h o w ou ld h a v e lov ed t o sh a r e a dr in k a n d lea r n fr om h im . In t h e 2 0 0 9 –1 0 sea son h e did com e in for a g la ss a t A n field, bu t look ed u n com for t a ble, a n d, a ft er a sh or t w h ile, sa id h e n eeded t o g o, a n d t h a t w a s t h a t . T o Sa m m y Lee, h is a ssist a n t , I sa id: ‘A t lea st t h a t ’s a st a r t .’ On t h e da y Rober t o Ma r t ín ez, m a n a g er of W ig a n A t h let ic, w a s qu ot ed a s sa y in g I h a d ‘fr ien ds’ w h o did m y biddin g in r ela t ion t o Ben ít ez (big Sa m A lla r dy ce w a s on e h e w a s r efer r in g t o), Rober t o ph on ed m e a n d pu t a ca ll in t o t h e LMA t o a sk w h et h er h e sh ou ld m a k e a st a t em en t cor r ect in g t h e st or y . Rober t o t old m e h e h a d n o con n ect ion w it h Ben ít ez, w h o h a d n ot h elped h im in a n y w a y . I t h in k Ma r t ín ez h a d spok en t o a Spa n ish pa per a bou t t h e w a y Ben ít ez sa w u s, h is r iv a ls in En g la n d, bu t w a s n ot en dor sin g t h a t v iew h im self. He w a s m er ely t h e m essen g er . Y ou w ou ld t h in k Ben ít ez a n d Ma r t ín ez w ou ld h a v e st r u ck u p a n a ffin it y , bein g t h e on ly Spa n ish m a n a g er s in En g la n d. Ben ít ez w ou ld com pla in a bou t h a v in g n o m on ey t o spen d, bu t fr om t h e da y h e la n ded, h e doled ou t m or e t h a n m e. Fa r m or e. It a m a zed m e t h a t h e u sed t o w a lk in t o pr ess con fer en ces a n d sa y h e h a d n o m on ey t o spen d. He w a s g iv en plen t y . It w a s t h e qu a lit y of h is bu y s t h a t let h im dow n . If y ou set a side T or r es a n d Rein a , few of h is a cqu isit ion s w er e of t r u e Liv er pool st a n da r d. T h er e w er e ser v icea ble pla y er s – Ma sch er a n o a n d Ku y t , h a r d-w or k in g pla y er s – bu t n ot r ea l Liv er pool qu a lit y . T h er e w a s n o Sou n ess or

Da lg lish or Ron n ie W h ela n or Jim m y Ca se. Ben ít ez did scor e t w o g r ea t su ccesses in t h e t r a n sfer m a r k et : Pepe Rein a , t h e g oa lk eeper , a n d Fer n a n do T or r es, t h eir st r ik er . T or r es w a s a v er y , v er y t a len t ed in div idu a l. W e w a t ch ed h im m a n y t im es a n d t r ied t o sig n h im w h en h e w a s 1 6 . W e ex pr essed ou r in t er est t w o y ea r s befor e h e join ed Liv er pool, bu t w e a lw a y s felt t h a t ou r con t a ct w it h h im w ou ld en d on ly in h im r eceiv in g a n im pr ov ed con t r a ct a t A t lét ico Ma dr id. W e w a t ch ed h im in m a n y y ou t h t ou r n a m en t s a n d a lw a y s fa n cied h im . He w a s in g r a in ed in t h e fa br ic a t A t lét ico, so I w a s su r pr ised Liv er pool w er e a ble t o pr ise h im a w a y . Ben ít ez’s Spa n ish con n ect ion s m u st h a v e h elped. T or r es w a s blessed w it h g r ea t cu n n in g : a sh r ew dn ess t h a t w a s bor der lin e Ma ch ia v ellia n . He h a d a t ou ch of ev il, t h ou g h n ot in a ph y sica l sen se, a n d h e h a d t h a t t ot a l ch a n g e of pa ce. In a 4 5 -y a r d spr in t h e w a s n o fa st er t h a n sev er a l Liv er pool pla y er s, bu t h e h a d t h a t ch a n g e of pa ce, w h ich ca n be let h a l. His st r ide w a s decept iv ely lon g . W it h ou t w a r n in g h e w ou ld a cceler a t e a n d slice a cr oss y ou . Con v er sely , I’m n ot su r e h e w a s a t h is best w h en t h in g s w er e g oin g a g a in st h im beca u se h is r ea ct ion s cou ld becom e pet t y . Per h a ps h e w a s spoilt a t A t lét ico Ma dr id, w h er e h e w a s t h e g olden boy for so lon g . He w a s ca pt a in t h er e a t 2 1 . He h a d a fin e ph y siqu e: a st r ik er ’s h eig h t a n d fr a m e. A n d h e w a s Liv er pool’s best cen t r e-for w a r d sin ce Ow en or Fow ler . A n ot h er st a r , of cou r se, w a s St ev en Ger r a r d, w h o didn ’t a lw a y s pla y w ell a g a in st Ma n Un it ed, bu t w a s ca pa ble of w in n in g m a t ch es by h im self. W e m a de a sh ow for h im in t h e t r a n sfer m a r k et , a s did Ch elsea ,

beca u se t h e v ibe w a s t h a t h e w a n t ed t o m ov e fr om A n field, bu t t h er e seem ed t o be som e r est r a in in g in flu en ce fr om people ou t side t h e clu b a n d it r ea ch ed a dea d en d. His m ov e t o Ch elsea seem ed a ll set u p. A qu est ion k ept n a g g in g a t m e: w h y did Ben ít ez n ot t r u st Ger r a r d a s a cen t r a l m idfield pla y er ? T h e on e t h in g w e cou ld be su r e of in m y la t er y ea r s a g a in st Liv er pool w a s t h a t if t h eir t w o cen t r a l m idfielder s w on it off y ou t h ey w ou ld n ot do m u ch w it h it . If Ger r a r d w a s in t h er e a n d h e w on it a g a in st y ou , y ou k n ew h e h a d t h e leg s a n d t h e a m bit ion t o g o r ig h t for w a r d a n d h u r t y ou . I cou ld n ev er u n der st a n d w h y Liv er pool so oft en n eg lect ed t o pla y h im cen t r e-m id. In 2 0 0 8 –0 9 , w h en t h ey fin ish ed secon d w it h 8 6 poin t s, t h ey h a d A lon so t o m a k e t h e pa sses a n d Ger r a r d fu r t h er u p t h e pit ch beh in d T or r es. A n ot h er of ou r a dv a n t a g es w a s t h a t t h ey st opped pr odu cin g h om eg r ow n t a len t s. Mich a el Ow en w a s pr oba bly t h e la st . If Mich a el h a d join ed u s a t 1 2 y ea r s old, h e w ou ld h a v e been on e of t h e g r ea t st r ik er s. In t h e y ea r h e pla y ed in t h e Ma la y sia n y ou t h fin a ls w e h a d Ron n ie W a llw or k a n d Joh n Cu r t is t h er e on En g la n d du t y . W h en t h ey r et u r n ed I g a v e t h em a m on t h off – sen t t h em on h olida y . Mich a el Ow en w a s st r a ig h t in t o t h e Liv er pool fir st t ea m , w it h n o r est a n d n o t ech n ica l dev elopm en t . Mich a el im pr ov ed a s a foot ba ller in t h e t w o y ea r s h e h a d w it h u s. He w a s t er r ific in t h e dr essin g r oom a n d w a s a n ice boy . I t h in k t h a t la ck of r est a n d t ech n ica l dev elopm en t in h is ea r ly y ea r s cou n t ed a g a in st h im . By t h e t im e Hou llier in h er it ed h im , h e w a s a lr ea dy for m ed a n d

w a s t h e icon of t h e t ea m . T h er e w a s n o oppor t u n it y by t h en t o t a k e h im a side a n d w or k on h im fr om a t ech n ica l poin t of v iew . I m a de a m ist a k e w it h Mich a el in t h e sen se t h a t I sh ou ld h a v e sig n ed h im ea r lier . T h er e w ou ld h a v e been n o ch a n ce of h im com in g st r a ig h t t o Ma n Un it ed fr om Liv er pool, bu t w e sh ou ld h a v e st epped in w h en h e left Rea l Ma dr id for New ca st le. He’s a fin e y ou n g m a n . Of t h e ot h er Liv er pool pla y er s w h o g a v e u s t r ou ble, Dir k Ku y t w a s a s h on est a pla y er a s y ou cou ld m eet . I’m su r e h e w a s 6 feet 2 in ch es w h en h e a r r iv ed a n d en ded u p 5 feet 8 in ch es beca u se h e r a n h is leg s in t o st u m ps. I’v e n ev er k n ow n a for w a r d pla y er w or k so h a r d a t defen din g . Ben ít ez pick ed h im ev er y g a m e. Bu t t h en , if som et h in g h a ppen s in t h e opposit ion pen a lt y box , w ill h e be sh a r p en ou g h or is h e ex h a u st ed fr om a ll t h e scu fflin g ? Despit e m y r eser v a t ion s a bou t h im a s a per son a n d a m a n a g er , Ben ít ez per su a ded h is pla y er s t o w or k t h eir sock s off for h im , so t h er e m u st be som e in spir a t ion a l qu a lit y t h er e: fea r , or r espect , or sk ill on h is pa r t . Y ou n ev er sa w h is t ea m s t h r ow in t h e t ow el, a n d h e deser v es cr edit for t h a t . W h y did h e n ot do a s w ell a s h e m ig h t h a v e a t A n field, fr om m y per spect iv e? Ben ít ez h a d m or e r eg a r d for defen din g a n d dest r oy in g a g a m e t h a n w in n in g it . Y ou ca n ’t be t ot a lly su ccessfu l t h ese da y s w it h t h a t a ppr oa ch . José Mou r in h o w a s fa r m or e a st u t e in h is h a n dlin g of pla y er s. A n d h e h a s per son a lit y . If y ou sa w José a n d Ra fa st a n din g t og et h er on t h e t ou ch lin e, y ou k n ew y ou

cou ld pick t h e w in n er . Y ou a lw a y s h a d t o r espect a Liv er pool side. T h e sa m e g oes for som e of t h e w or k Ben ít ez pu t in , beca u se t h ey w er e a v er y h a r d side t o bea t , a n d beca u se h e w on a Eu r opea n Cu p t h er e. T h er e w er e plu s poin t s. He g ot lu ck y , bu t so did I, som et im es. His m ode on t h e t ou ch lin e w a s t o con st a n t ly m ov e h is pla y er s a r ou n d t h e pit ch , bu t I dou bt w h et h er t h ey w er e a lw a y s w a t ch in g h im or a ct in g on t h ose in st r u ct ion s. No on e cou ld h a v e u n der st ood a ll t h ose g est icu la t ion s. On t h e ot h er h a n d, w it h Mou r in h o, in a Ch elsea –In t er m a t ch , I n ot iced t h e pla y er s spr in t ed ov er t o h im , a s if t o sa y , ‘W h a t , boss?’ T h ey w er e a t t en t iv e t o h is w ish es. Y ou n eed a st r on g m a n a g er . T h a t ’s v it a l. A n d Ben ít ez is st r on g . He h a s g r ea t fa it h in h im self a n d h e’s su fficien t ly st u bbor n t o ig n or e h is cr it ics. He does t h a t t im e a n d a g a in . Bu t h e did w in a Eu r opea n Cu p, a g a in st A C Mila n in Ist a n bu l in 2 0 0 5 , w h ich offer ed h im som e pr ot ect ion a g a in st t h ose w h o dism issed h is m et h ods. W h en Mila n led 3 –0 a t h a lf-t im e in t h a t g a m e, so t h e st or y g oes, som e of t h e Mila n pla y er s w er e a lr ea dy celebr a t in g , pu llin g on com m em or a t iv e T -sh ir t s a n d jig g in g a bou t . I w a s t old Pa olo Ma ldin i a n d Gen n a r o ‘Rin o’ Ga t t u so w er e g oin g cr a ck er s, u r g in g t h eir t ea m m a t es n ot t o pr esu m e t h e g a m e w a s ov er . Liv er pool w on t h e Cu p t h a t n ig h t w it h a m a r v ellou s sh ow of defia n ce. A ft er a br ief spell in ch a r g e a t A n field, Roy Hodg son g a v e w a y t o Ken n y a g a in a n d Liv er pool em ba r k ed on a n ot h er ph a se of m a jor r ebu ildin g . Y et few of t h e

sig n in g s m a de in Ken n y ’s t im e h a u n t ed m e a t n ig h t . W e look ed a t Jor da n Hen der son a lot a n d St ev e Br u ce w a s u n fa ilin g ly en t h u sia st ic a bou t h im . A g a in st t h a t w e n ot iced t h a t Hen der son r u n s fr om h is k n ees, w it h a st r a ig h t ba ck , w h ile t h e m oder n foot ba ller r u n s fr om h is h ips. W e t h ou g h t h is g a it m ig h t ca u se h im pr oblem s la t er in h is ca r eer . St ew a r t Dow n in g cost Liv er pool £2 0 m illion . He h a d a t a len t bu t h e w a s n ot t h e br a v est or t h e qu ick est . He w a s a g ood cr osser a n d st r ik er of t h e ba ll. Bu t £2 0 m illion ? A n dy Ca r r oll, w h o a lso join ed for £3 5 m illion , w a s in ou r n or t h ea st sch ool of ex cellen ce, a lon g w it h Dow n in g a n d Ja m es Mor r ison , w h o w en t on t o pla y for Middlesbr ou g h , W est Br om a n d Scot la n d. T h e FA closed it dow n a ft er com pla in t s fr om Su n der la n d a n d New ca st le. T h is w a s a t t h e t im e a ca dem ies st a r t ed. T h e Ca r r oll sig n in g w a s a r ea ct ion t o t h e T or r es w in dfa ll of £5 0 m illion . A n dy ’s pr oblem w a s h is m obilit y , h is speed a cr oss t h e g r ou n d. Un less t h e ba ll is g oin g t o be in t h e box t h e w h ole t im e, it ’s v er y difficu lt t o pla y t h e w a y A n dy Ca r r oll does beca u se defen der s pu sh ou t so w ell t h ese da y s. Y ou look for m ov em en t in t h e m oder n st r ik er . Su á r ez w a s n ot qu ick on h is feet bu t h a s a fa st br a in . T h e boy s Ken n y br ou g h t in fr om t h e y ou t h set -u p did w ell. Ja y Spea r in g , especia lly , w a s t er r ific. A s a boy Spea r in g w a s a cen t r e-ba ck , w it h Joh n Fla n a g a n a t fu ll-ba ck , a n d Spea r in g w a s ea sily t h e best of t h em : feist y , qu ick , a lea der . Y ou cou ld see h e h a d som et h in g . He w a s a ll r ig h t in t h e cen t r e of m idfield, bu t it w a s h a r d t o v isu a lise h is lon g -t er m fu t u r e. His ph y siqu e per h a ps cou n t ed a g a in st h im .

Ken n y w on t h e Lea g u e Cu p, of cou r se, a n d r ea ch ed t h e fin a l of t h e FA Cu p, bu t w h en I h ea r d t h a t h e a n d h is a ssist a n t St ev e Cla r k e h a d been su m m on ed t o Bost on t o m eet t h e clu b’s ow n er s, I fea r ed t h e w or st for t h em . I don ’t t h in k t h e pr ot est T -sh ir t s a n d defen din g Su á r ez in t h e Pa t r ice Ev r a sa g a h elped Ken n y . A s a m a n a g er y ou r h ea d ca n g o in t h e sa n d a bit , especia lly w it h a g r ea t pla y er . If it h a d been a r eser v e pla y er r a t h er t h a n Su á r ez, w ou ld Ken n y h a v e g on e t o su ch len g t h s t o defen d h im ? T h e New Y ork Tim es a n d Bos ton Globe edit or ia ls a bou t t h e su bsequ en t Ev r a –Su á r ez n on -h a n dsh a k e sh ow ed t h e w a y t h e deba t e w a s g oin g . Ken n y ’s pr oblem , I feel, w a s t h a t t oo m a n y y ou n g people in t h e clu b idolised h im . Pet er Robin son , t h e clu b’s ch ief ex ecu t iv e in t h e g lor y y ea r s, w ou ld h a v e st opped t h e sit u a t ion esca la t in g t o t h e deg r ee it did. T h e clu b h a s t o t a k e pr eceden ce ov er a n y in div idu a l. T h e n ex t m a n in , Br en da n Rodg er s, w a s on ly 3 9 . I w a s su r pr ised t h ey g a v e it t o su ch a y ou n g coa ch . A m ist a k e I felt Joh n Hen r y m a de in Br en da n ’s fir st w eek s in ch a r g e in Ju n e 2 0 1 2 w a s t o sa n ct ion a fly -on t h e w a ll docu m en t a r y desig n ed t o r ev ea l t h e in t im a cies of life a t Liv er pool. T o pu t t h a t spot lig h t on su ch a y ou n g g u y w a s h a r d a n d it ca m e a cr oss ba dly . It m a de n o g r ea t im pa ct in A m er ica , so I cou ld n ot w or k ou t w h a t t h e poin t of it w a s. My u n der st a n din g is t h a t t h e pla y er s w er e t old t h ey w er e oblig ed t o g iv e t h e in t er v iew s w e sa w on ou r scr een s. Br en da n cer t a in ly g a v e y ou t h a ch a n ce, w h ich w a s a dm ir a ble. A n d h e a ch iev ed a r ea son a ble r espon se

fr om h is squ a d. I t h in k h e k n ew t h er e h a d been som e su b-st a n da r d bu y s. Hen der son a n d Dow n in g w er e a m on g t h ose w h o w ou ld n eed t o pr ov e t h eir cr eden t ia ls. In g en er a l y ou h a v e t o g iv e pla y er s y ou m ig h t n ot r a t e a ch a n ce. Ou r r iv a lr y w it h Liv er pool w a s so in t en se. A lw a y s. Un der pin n in g t h e a n im osit y , t h ou g h , w a s m u t u a l r espect . I w a s pr ou d of m y clu b t h e da y w e m a r k ed t h e pu blica t ion of t h e Hillsbor ou g h r epor t in 2 0 1 2 : a m om en t ou s w eek for Liv er pool a n d t h ose w h o h a d fou g h t for ju st ice. W h a t ev er Liv er pool a sk ed for in t er m s of com m em or a t ion , w e a g r eed t o, a n d ou r h ost s m a de pla in t h eir a ppr ecia t ion for ou r effor t s. I t old m y pla y er s t h a t da y – n o pr ov oca t iv e g oa l celebr a t ion s, a n d if y ou fou l a Liv er pool pla y er , pick h im u p. Ma r k Ha lsey , t h e r efer ee, st r u ck t h e r ig h t n ot e w it h h is m a r sh a llin g of t h e g a m e. Befor e t h e k ick -off, Bobby Ch a r lt on em er g ed w it h a w r ea t h w h ich h e pr esen t ed t o Ia n Ru sh , w h o la id it a t t h e Hillsbor ou g h Mem or ia l by t h e Sh a n k ly Ga t es. T h e w r ea t h w a s com posed of 9 6 r oses, on e for ea ch Liv er pool su ppor t er w h o died a t Hillsbor ou g h . Or ig in a lly , Liv er pool w a n t ed m e a n d Ia n Ru sh t o per for m t h a t cer em on y , bu t I t h ou g h t Bobby w a s a m or e a ppr opr ia t e ch oice. T h e da y w en t w ell, despit e som e m in or sla n g in g a t t h e en d by a t in y m in or it y . For Liv er pool t o r et u r n t o t h e lev el of u s a n d Ma n ch est er Cit y w a s clea r ly g oin g t o r equ ir e h u g e in v est m en t . T h e st a diu m w a s a n ot h er in h ibit in g fa ct or . T h e clu b’s A m er ica n ow n er s elect ed t o r efu r bish Fen w a y Pa r k , h om e of t h e Bost on Red Sox , r a t h er t h a n

bu ild a n ew a r en a . T o con st r u ct a m a jor st a diu m t h ese da y s is per h a ps a £7 0 0 m illion en t er pr ise. A n field h a s n ot m ov ed on . Ev en t h e dr essin g r oom s a r e t h e sa m e a s 2 0 y ea r s a g o. A t t h e sa m e t im e, m y r ea din g of t h eir squ a d w a s t h a t t h ey n eeded eig h t pla y er s t o com e u p t o t it le-w in n in g st a n da r d. A n d if y ou h a v e m a de m ist a k es in t h e t r a n sfer m a r k et , y ou oft en en d u p g iv in g t h ose pla y er s a w a y for v er y lit t le. W h ile Br en da n Rodg er s w en t a bou t h is w or k , Ra fa Ben ít ez a n d I h a d n ot seen t h e la st of on e a n ot h er . He r et u r n ed t o En g lish foot ba ll a s Ch elsea ’s in t er im m a n a g er w h en Rober t o Di Ma t t eo, w h o h a d w on t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e in Ma y , w a s sa ck ed in t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 1 2 . In a Un it ed pr ess con fer en ce soon a ft er Ben ít ez’s u n v eilin g , I m a de t h e poin t t h a t h e w a s for t u n a t e t o in h er it r ea dy -m a de sides. I felt h is r ecor d n eeded pla cin g in con t ex t . He w on t h e Spa n ish Lea g u e w it h 5 1 g oa ls, in 2 0 0 1 –0 2 , w h ich su g g est ed h e w a s a sk illed pr a g m a t ist . Bu t I fou n d Liv er pool h a r d t o w a t ch w h en h e w a s m a n a g er t h er e. I fou n d t h em du ll. It w a s a su r pr ise t o m e t h a t Ch elsea ca lled h im . W h en Ben ít ez pla ced h is r ecor d a lon g side Di Ma t t eo’s, it w ou ld h a v e been t w o Lea g u e t it les w it h V a len cia , a Eu r opea n Cu p a n d a n FA Cu p w it h Liv er pool. In six m on t h s, Di Ma t t eo h a d w on t h e FA Cu p a n d t h e Eu r opea n Cu p. T h ey w er e com pa r a ble r ecor ds. Y et Ra fa h a d la n ded on h is feet a g a in .

sixteen

FROM

t h e m om en t Ma n ch est er Un it ed beca m e a Plc in 1 9 9 0 , I w a s cer t a in t h e clu b w ou ld be bou g h t a n d t a k en in t o pr iv a t e ow n er sh ip. Ru per t Mu r doch ’s BSk y B w er e t h e la r g est of t h e pr iv a t e bidder s befor e Ma lcolm Gla zer fir st t ook a st a k e in 2 0 0 3 . W it h ou r h ist or y a n d ou r a u r a , w e w er e t oo big a pr ize t o be ig n or ed by in div idu a l in v est or s. T h e on ly su r pr ise t o m e, w h en t h e Gla zer fa m ily m ov ed in t o t a k e con t r ol, w a s t h a t t h er e h a d n ot been a h ost of w ea lt h y su it or s. On ce t h e Gla zer s h a d seized t h eir oppor t u n it y , A n dy W a lsh of t h e Un it ed su ppor t er s’ g r ou p ca lled m e t o sa y : ‘Y ou h a v e t o r esig n .’ A n dy ’s a n ice la d bu t t h er e w a s n o t em pt a t ion for m e t o a g r ee t o t h a t r equ est . I w a s t h e m a n a g er , n ot a dir ect or . Nor w a s I on e of t h e sh a r eh older s w h o h a d sold t h e clu b. T h e t a k eov er w a s n ot dow n t o m e in a n y w a y . ‘W e’ll a ll be beh in d y ou ,’ A n dy sa id. My r eply w a s: ‘Bu t w h a t do y ou t h in k w ou ld h a ppen t o a ll m y st a ff?’ T h e m om en t I left , m ost of m y a ssist a n t s w ou ld h a v e

been ou t a s w ell. Som e h a d been w it h m e for 2 0 y ea r s. T h e im pa ct m a de on ot h er s w h en a m a n a g er ch a n g es h is posit ion is som et im es lost on t h ose ou t side t h e cir cle. It w a s a w or r y in g t im e, I a dm it . On e of m y con cer n s w a s h ow m u ch m on ey w e m ig h t h a v e t o in v est in t h e t ea m . Bu t I h a d t o be con fiden t bot h in m y ow n a bilit y t o spot g ood pla y er s a n d t h e st r u ct u r e of t h e or g a n isa t ion . T h e Gla zer s w er e bu y in g a g ood solid clu b a n d t h ey u n der st ood t h a t fr om t h e st a r t . My fir st con t a ct w a s a ph on e ca ll fr om t h e fa t h er , Ma lcolm . T w o w eek s la t er h is son s Joel a n d A v i ca m e ov er t o set ou t t h eir posit ion . T h ey t old m e t h er e w ou ld be n o ch a n g es t o t h e w a y t h e foot ba ll side w a s r u n . In t h eir v iew , t h e clu b w a s in g ood h a n ds. I w a s a su ccessfu l m a n a g er . T h ey h a d n o con cer n s. T h ey w er e t ot a lly beh in d m e. A ll t h e t h in g s I w a n t ed t o h ea r fr om t h em , I h ea r d t h a t da y . I k n ow t h er e is a lw a y s a n elem en t of w in dow dr essin g . People t ell y ou ev er y t h in g is fin e, t h en m a k e a m illion a lt er a t ion s. People lose t h eir jobs; t h er e a r e cu t ba ck s beca u se debt s n eed t o be r epa id. Bu t Un it ed st a y ed solid u n der t h e n ew ow n er sh ip, ir r espect iv e of t h e bor r ow in g s people t a lk ed a bou t a n d t h e in t er est pa y m en t s in cu r r ed. Ov er t h e y ea r s, sev er a l su ppor t er g r ou ps ch a llen g ed m e t o defin e m y st a n ce in r ela t ion t o t h e clu b’s debt s a n d m y a n sw er w a s a lw a y s: ‘I’m t h e m a n a g er . I’m w or k in g for a clu b ow n ed by people in A m er ica .’ T h a t w a s m y st a n dpoin t . I n ev er t h ou g h t it sen sible t o u pset t h e m a n a g em en t side of t h e clu b by a ddin g t o t h e deba t e on m odels of ow n er sh ip. If t h e Gla zer s h a d t a k en a m or e con fr on t a t ion a l pa t h , t h en it m ig h t h a v e been

differ en t – if, for ex a m ple, t h ey h a d in st r u ct ed m e t o g et r id of on e of m y coa ch es. A n y ch a n g es t h a t m ig h t h a v e u n der m in ed m y a bilit y t o r u n t h e clu b w ou ld h a v e a lt er ed t h e w h ole dy n a m ic, bu t t h er e w a s n ev er t h a t k in d of pr essu r e. So do y ou t h r ow dow n y ou r t ools beca u se som e su ppor t er s w a n t y ou t o w a lk a w a y fr om a lifet im e’s w or k ? W h en I fir st join ed Un it ed, t h er e w a s a g r ou p of su ppor t er s k n ow n a s t h e Secon d Boa r d. T h ey w ou ld m eet in t h e Gr ill Room a n d decide w h a t t h ey t h ou g h t w a s w r on g w it h Ma n ch est er Un it ed. Ba ck t h en , w h en m y posit ion w a s m or e fr a g ile, I w a s m or e a t t u n ed t o t h e da m a g e t h a t m ig h t be don e t o m y posit ion sh ou ld t h ey t u r n a g a in st m e. Ot h er Un it ed m a n a g er s befor e m e h a d felt t h e sa m e w a y . In m y pla y in g da y s a t Ra n g er s, a g r ou p of pow er fu l fa n s t r a v elled w it h t h e fir st t ea m a n d w er e in flu en t ia l lobby ist s. A t Un it ed t h er e w a s a la r g er a r r a y of su ppor t er s’ v oices. In disg u st a t t h e Gla zer t a k eov er , som e h a n ded in t h eir sea son t ick et s a n d st a r t ed FC Un it ed of Ma n ch est er . T h er e is a pr ice t o pa y w h en y ou su ppor t a foot ba ll clu b, a n d t h e pr ice is t h a t y ou ca n ’t w in ev er y g a m e. Y ou a r e n ot g oin g t o be a m a n a g er for a lifet im e. Un it ed a r e lu ck y t o h a v e h a d t w o for h a lf a cen t u r y . W it h losin g a n d w in n in g g a m es, t h e em ot ion s r ise a n d fa ll. Foot ba ll n a t u r a lly g en er a t es dissen t . I r em em ber u s losin g a g a m e a t Ra n g er s a n d t h e su ppor t er s t h r ow in g br ick s t h r ou g h t h e w in dow s. T h er e w a s n o r ea son , bey on d m y a g e, for t h e Gla zer s t o con sider a ch a n g e of m a n a g er in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 5 . I n ev er con sider ed t h a t possibilit y , n ev er felt

u n der t h r ea t . T h e t en s of m illion s of pou n ds pa id ou t in in t er est t o ser v ice t h e loa n s did a r ou se pr ot ect iv e feelin g s t ow a r ds t h e clu b. I u n der st ood t h a t , bu t a t n o st a g e did it t r a n sla t e in t o pr essu r e t o sell a pla y er or ex cessiv e ca u t ion on t h e pu r ch a sin g fr on t . On e of t h eir st r en g t h s w a s t h eir com m er cia l depa r t m en t in Lon don , w h ich br ou g h t in dozen s of spon sor sh ips g loba lly . W e h a d T u r k ish a ir lin es, t eleph on e com pa n ies in Sa u di A r a bia , Hon g Kon g , T h a ila n d, beer com pa n ies in t h e Fa r Ea st . T h a t su ck ed in t en s of m illion s a n d h elped ser v ice t h e debt . On t h e foot ba ll side w e g en er a t ed h u g e ea r n in g s. T h e 7 6 ,0 0 0 cr ow ds h elped a g r ea t dea l. So a t n o st a g e w a s I h eld ba ck by t h e Gla zer ow n er sh ip. Oft en w e w ou ld lose in t er est in a pla y er beca u se t h e t r a n sfer fee or w a g e dem a n ds h a d becom e silly . T h ose decision s w er e t a k en by m e a n d Da v id Gill. T h er e w a s n o edict fr om a bov e t o spen d on ly in lin e w it h t h e clu b’s debt s. In st ea d ou r g a la x y w en t on ex pa n din g . Fr om 2 0 0 7 m or e for eig n t a len t pou r ed in t o Ca r r in g t on fr om Sou t h A m er ica , Por t u g a l a n d Bu lg a r ia . No im por t ed pla y er in t h ose y ea r s a t t r a ct ed m or e a t t en t ion t h a n Ca r los T év ez, w h o w a s a t t h e h ea r t of a m a jor con t r ov er sy ov er t h e r eleg a t ion of Sh effield Un it ed fr om t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e a n d w a s t o en d u p in opposit ion t o u s a t Ma n ch est er Cit y , st a r in g dow n fr om t h a t pr ov oca t iv e billboa r d in h is sk y -blu e sh ir t , u n der n ea t h t h e m essa g e: ‘W elcom e t o Ma n ch est er .’ T h e t a le beg in s w h en T év ez w a s a t W est Ha m a n d Da v id Gill w a s r eceiv in g ca lls fr om h is a g en t , Kia

Joor a bch ia n , sa y in g t h e boy w ou ld lov e t o pla y for Ma n Un it ed. W e h a d h ea r d t h a t k in d of st or y m a n y t im es. It w a s a lm ost r ou t in e for a g en t s t o ca ll sa y in g t h eir clien t h a d a specia l feelin g for ou r cr est . My a dv ice w a s t h a t w e sh ou ld n ot in v olv e ou r selv es in a n y com plica t ed dea lin g s w it h t h e T év ez ca m p. Da v id a g r eed. It w a s clea r t h a t a con sor t iu m of people ow n ed t h e pla y er . Bu t , t o Da v id, I a lso r em a r k ed: ‘He does m a k e a n im pa ct in g a m es w it h h is en er g y a n d h e h a s a decen t scor in g r ecor d. It w ou ld depen d w h a t t h e dea l w a s.’ Da v id t old m e h e cou ld a cqu ir e T év ez on loa n for t w o y ea r s, for a fee. T h a t w a s t h e w a y it t u r n ed ou t a n d Ca r los did w ell for u s in h is fir st sea son . He scor ed a lot of im por t a n t g oa ls, a g a in st Ly on , Bla ck bu r n , T ot t en h a m a n d Ch elsea . T h er e w a s a r ea l en t h u sia sm a n d en er g y a bou t h im . He w a sn ’t blessed w it h g r ea t pa ce a n d w a sn ’t a g r ea t t r a in er . He w ou ld a lw a y s lik e a w ee br ea k , sa y in g h is ca lf w a s sor e. In t h e con t ex t of t h e w a y w e pr epa r ed, t h a t som et im es a n n oy ed u s. W e w a n t ed t o see a g en u in e desir e t o t r a in a ll t h e t im e. T op pla y er s h a v e t h a t . Bu t T év ez com pen sa t ed qu it e w ell w it h h is en t h u sia sm in g a m es. In t h e 2 0 0 8 Eu r opea n Cu p fin a l in Moscow , h e pla y ed a n d scor ed in t h e pen a lt y sh oot -ou t a g a in st Ch elsea . He w a s ou r fir st t a k er . In t h e g a m e it self, I t ook Roon ey off a n d left T év ez on beca u se h e w a s pla y in g bet t er t h a n W a y n e. W h a t pla n t ed a dou bt in m y m in d w a s t h a t in h is secon d sea son I sig n ed Dim it a r Ber ba t ov , a n d t h e em ph a sis w a s on Ber ba t ov a n d Roon ey a s ou r for w a r d pa r t n er sh ip. W a t ch in g Dim it a r a t T ot t en h a m , I felt h e w ou ld

m a k e a differ en ce beca u se h e h a d a cer t a in com posu r e a n d a w a r en ess t h a t w e la ck ed a m on g ou r g r ou p of st r ik er s. He displa y ed t h e a bilit y of Ca n t on a or T eddy Sh er in g h a m : n ot lig h t n in g qu ick , bu t h e cou ld lift h is h ea d a n d m a k e a cr ea t iv e pa ss. I t h ou g h t h e cou ld br in g u s u p a lev el a n d ex t en d ou r r a n g e of t a len t s. So Ber ba t ov ’s a r r iv a l r eleg a t ed T év ez t o m or e of a ba ck u p r ole. A n d a r ou n d Decem ber in h is secon d sea son , w e st a r t ed t o feel h e w a sn ’t doin g especia lly w ell. T h e r ea son , I t h in k , w a s t h a t h e’s t h e t y pe of a n im a l t h a t n eeds t o pla y a ll t h e t im e. If y ou ’r e n ot t r a in in g in t en siv ely , w h ich h e w a sn ’t , y ou n eed t o pla y r eg u la r ly . Du r in g t h a t w in t er , Da v id Gill a sk ed, ‘W h a t do y ou w a n t t o do?’ I felt w e ou g h t t o w a it u n t il la t er in t h e sea son t o m a k e a decision . ‘T h ey w a n t on e n ow ,’ Da v id sa id. I r eplied, ‘Ju st t ell t h em I’m t r y in g t o g et h im m or e g a m es so w e ca n a ssess it pr oper ly , beca u se Ber ba t ov is in t h e t ea m a lot .’ T év ez did in flu en ce plen t y of ou t com es in t h e secon d h a lf of t h e 2 0 0 8 –0 9 ca m pa ig n , especia lly a g a in st Spu r s a t h om e, w h en w e w er e 2 –0 dow n , a n d I sen t h im on t o sh a k e t h in g s u p. He ch a sed a bsolu t ely ev er y t h in g . He br ou g h t h u g e en t h u sia sm t o t h e ca u se a n d w a s t h e on e r espon sible for u s w in n in g t h a t m a t ch 5 –2 . His im pa ct ch a n g ed t h e cou r se of ev en t s. T h e 2 0 0 9 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l pit t ed u s a g a in st A r sen a l a n d I w a s pla y in g a t h r ee of Ron a ldo, Roon ey a n d Pa r k . T h a t w a s m y ch osen g r ou p for t h e fin a l a n d a ppa r en t ly T év ez w a s n ot im pr essed. W e m a de a m ess of t h e fin a l in Rom e a g a in st Ba r celon a . W e

ch ose a ba d h ot el. It w a s a sh a m bles. W e h a v e t o h old ou r h a n ds u p a bou t ou r poor pla n n in g . A n y w a y , I br ou g h t T év ez on a t h a lf-t im e a n d ju st felt h e w a s pla y in g for h im self a bit . Fr om w h a t I cou ld g a t h er , h e h a d a lr ea dy m a de h is m in d u p befor e join in g Cit y . A ft er t h e g a m e in Rom e h e sa id t o m e: ‘Y ou n ev er sh ow ed a n y g r ea t desir e t o sig n m e per m a n en t ly .’ I ex pla in ed t h a t I h a d t o see h ow t h e sea son pla y ed ou t a n d t h a t h e h a dn ’t pla y ed en ou g h g a m es for m e t o be su r e. Da v id offer ed t h e £2 5 m illion fee for h im , bu t fr om w h a t I ca n g a t h er it w a s a s if h e w er e t a lk in g t o t h e w a ll. T h a t led u s t o t h in k h e h a d a lr ea dy elect ed t o m ov e a cr oss t ow n . T h e r u m ou r , n ot con fir m ed, w a s t h a t ou r Ma n ch est er r iv a ls h a d pa id £4 7 m illion . T év ez spok e t o Ch elsea a t som e poin t , t oo, a n d I t h in k h is a dv iser s pla y ed on e a g a in st t h e ot h er . T h e w or d w a s t h a t Ch elsea offer ed £3 5 m illion bu t t h a t Cit y ou t bid t h em . T o m e t h ese w er e in cr edible su m s. I w ou ldn ’t h a v e pa id t h a t k in d of m on ey , fin e pla y er t h ou g h h e w a s. T o m e h e w a s a n im pa ct m a k er . It w a s a m ist a k e on m y pa r t , in t h e sen se t h a t Ber ba t ov w a s a pla y er I fa n cied st r on g ly a n d I w a n t ed t o see h im su cceed. Bu t h e is a lso t h e sor t w h o w a n t s t o be a ssu r ed h e is a g r ea t pla y er . T h e con u n dr u m w it h h im a n d T év ez w a s a lw a y s t h er e. T h er e w a s n o disciplin a r y pr oblem w it h T év ez of t h e sor t Rober t o Ma n cin i en cou n t er ed w h en t h e boy declin ed t o w a r m u p for Cit y , a ppa r en t ly , in a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g a m e in Ger m a n y , bu t t h er e w a s a m a jor h oo-h a ov er h is su pposed r ole in Sh effield Un it ed’s dem ot ion t o t h e Ch a m pion sh ip in 2 0 0 7 .

T év ez’s g oa ls h a d been sa v in g W est Ha m fr om r eleg a t ion w h en t h ey ca m e t o ou r g r ou n d a t t h e en d of t h a t sea son . T h ey w er e fin ed for br ea ch in g t h ir d-pa r t y ow n er sh ip r u les w it h T év ez, bu t n o poin t s w er e dedu ct ed by t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e. In ev it a bly T év ez scor ed a g a in st u s for W est Ha m , w h ich h elped sen d Sh effield Un it ed dow n , a n d Neil W a r n ock , t h eir m a n a g er , t r ied t o loa d t h e bla m e on u s for pla y in g a su pposedly w ea k en ed t ea m a g a in st t h e Ha m m er s. W e h a d a Cu p fin a l t h e w eek a ft er t h a t W est Ha m g a m e. Ou r squ a d w a s on e of t h e st r on g est in t h e Lea g u e a n d I h a d been ch a n g in g t h e t ea m a ll sea son a ccor din g t o cir cu m st a n ce. If y ou w a t ch t h a t m a t ch , w e h a d t w o or t h r ee pen a lt ies t u r n ed dow n a n d t h eir g oa lk eeper h a d a fa n t a st ic g a m e. T h ey br ok e a w a y a n d T év ez scor ed. W est Ha m w er e n ev er in t h e g a m e. W e ba t t er ed t h em . I br ou g h t on Ron a ldo, Roon ey a n d Gig g s in t h e secon d h a lf bu t st ill w e cou ldn ’t k n ock t h em ov er . Mea n w h ile Mr W a r n ock a ccu ses u s of t h r ow in g t h e g a m e a w a y . In t h eir la st g a m e t h ey fa ced W ig a n a t h om e a n d a ll t h ey n eeded w a s a dr a w . In ea r ly Ja n u a r y , W a r n ock h a d let Da v id Un sw or t h g o on a fr ee t r a n sfer t o W ig a n , a n d Un sw or t h t a k es t h e pen a lt y k ick t h a t k n ock s Sh effield Un it ed ou t of t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e. Cou ld a n y on e w it h a n open m in d n ot sa y : I m a de a m ess of t h a t , t h er e? Ha s h e ev er look ed a t h im self in t h e m ir r or a n d sa id, ‘A ll w e n eeded w a s a dr a w a t h om e a n d w e w er en ’t g ood en ou g h t o t a k e a poin t off W ig a n ?’ T h e a ccu sa t ion w a s r idicu lou s. In Ja n u a r y 2 0 0 7 w e a cqu ir ed a r ea l a r ist ocr a t – for a

t w o-m on t h spell, a t a n y r a t e. Lou is Sa h a h a d r et u r n ed a t t h e st a r t of t h e sea son fu ll of pr om ise bu t pick ed u p a n ot h er in ju r y . In Oct ober Jim La w lor , Un it ed’s ch ief scou t , poin t ed ou t t o u s t h a t it w a s a w a st e for Hen r ik La r sson t o be pla y in g in Sw eden w h en h e st ill h a d so m u ch t o offer on a big g er st a g e. Helsin g bor g s, w h er e Hen r ik w a s pla y in g , w ou ld n ot sell h im , bu t I a sk ed Jim t o a sk t h eir ch a ir m a n w h a t t h ey w ou ld t h in k a bou t h im com in g on loa n in Ja n u a r y . Hen r ik pu sh ed t h e boa t in t h a t dir ect ion w it h h is em ploy er s. On a r r iv a l a t Un it ed, h e seem ed a bit of a cu lt fig u r e w it h ou r pla y er s. T h ey w ou ld sa y h is n a m e in a w ed t on es. For a m a n of 3 5 y ea r s of a g e, h is r ecept iv en ess t o in for m a t ion on t h e coa ch in g side w a s a m a zin g . A t ev er y session h e w a s r a pt . He w a n t ed t o list en t o Ca r los, t h e t a ct ics lect u r es; h e w a s in t o ev er y n u a n ce of w h a t w e did. In t r a in in g h e w a s su per b: h is m ov em en t , h is posit ion a l pla y . His t h r ee g oa ls for u s w er e n o m ea su r e of h is con t r ibu t ion . In h is la st g a m e in ou r colou r s a t Middlesbr ou g h , w e w er e w in n in g 2 –1 a n d Hen r ik w en t ba ck t o pla y in m idfield a n d r a n h is ba lls off. On h is r et u r n t o t h e dr essin g r oom , a ll t h e pla y er s st ood u p a n d a ppla u ded h im , a n d t h e st a ff join ed in . It t a k es som e pla y er t o m a k e t h a t k in d of im pa ct in t w o m on t h s. Cu lt st a t u s ca n v a n ish in t w o m in u t es if a pla y er isn ’t doin g h is job, y et Hen r ik r et a in ed t h a t a u r a in h is t im e w it h u s. He look ed a n a t u r a l Ma n Un it ed pla y er , w it h h is m ov em en t a n d cou r a g e. He a lso h a d a g r ea t spr in g for a lit t le la d. I cou ld h a v e sig n ed h im ea r lier . I w a s r ea dy t o m a k e

t h e bid w h en h e w a s a t Celt ic bu t Der m ot Desm on d, Celt ic’s m a jor it y sh a r eh older , r a n g m e a n d sa id, ‘Y ou ’v e let m e dow n , A lex , y ou ’v e g ot t on s of pla y er s, w e n eed h im .’ A m on t h a ft er Hen r ik w en t ba ck t o Sw eden , w e r eg ist er ed on e of ou r g r ea t est Eu r opea n v ict or ies: t h e 7 –1 w in ov er Rom a on 1 0 A pr il, ou r h ig h est Ch a m pion s Lea g u e scor e. T h er e w er e t w o g oa ls ea ch for Mich a el Ca r r ick a n d Ron a ldo, on e fr om Roon ey , A la n Sm it h a n d ev en Pa t r ice Ev r a , w h o scor ed for t h e fir st t im e in Eu r ope. T op g a m es of foot ba ll a r e g en er a lly w on by eig h t pla y er s. T h r ee pla y er s ca n be ca r r ied if t h ey ’r e h a v in g a n off n ig h t a n d w or k t h eir sock s off, or a r e pla y in g a pu r ely t a ct ica l r ole for t h e t ea m in or der t o secu r e t h e r esu lt . Bu t h a lf a dozen t im es in y ou r ca r eer y ou a ch iev e per fect ion w h er e a ll 1 1 a r e on son g . Ev er y t h in g w e did t h a t n ig h t ca m e off. For t h e secon d g oa l w e pr odu ced a six -m a n m ov e of on e-t ou ch pa ssin g . A la n Sm it h scor ed fr om a Ry a n Gig g s pa ss bet w een t h e t w o cen t r e-ba ck s. Fir st t im e – ba n g , in t h e n et . Br illia n t g oa l. So y ou h a v e t h ese m om en t s w h en y ou sa y : w e cou ld n ot h a v e im pr ov ed on t h a t . I r em em ber t a k in g a t ea m t o Not t in g h a m For est in 1 9 9 9 a n d w in n in g 8 –1 . It cou ld h a v e been 2 0 . Rom a w er e a bloody g ood side t oo. T h ey h a d Da n iele De Rossi, Cr ist ia n Ch iv u a n d Fr a n cesco T ot t i, a n d w e a bsolu t ely sla u g h t er ed t h em . W e h a d been bea t en 2 –1 in Rom e, w h er e Sch oles h a d been sen t off for a su icida l t a ck le r ig h t on t h e t ou ch lin e. T h e boy w a s pr a ct ica lly off t h e pit ch w h en Pa u l a r r iv ed w it h h is ch a llen g e. So w e

w er e u n der som e pr essu r e in t h e r et u r n leg . Un t il t h e g oa ls st a r t ed fly in g in . W im bledon a w a y in t h e FA Cu p in Febr u a r y 1 9 9 4 w a s a n ot h er cla ssic. In a 3 –0 w in w e scor ed on e g oa l w it h 3 8 pa sses. People t a lk of t h e best Ma n Un it ed g oa l bein g Ry a n Gig g s’ in t h a t FA Cu p sem i-fin a l a g a in st A r sen a l, or Roon ey ’s ov er h ea d k ick a g a in st Ma n ch est er Cit y , bu t for m e t h a t g oa l a t W im bledon w a s su blim e. Ev er y pla y er in t h e t ea m t ou ch ed t h e ba ll. In t h e fir st m in u t e of t h e g a m e, V in n ie Jon es t r ied t o do Ca n t on a . Cr a ck . Dow n w en t Er ic. A ll ou r pla y er s r a n t ow a r ds Jon es, bu t Ca n t on a sa id, ‘Lea v e h im a lon e,’ beca u se h e w a s a fellow ex -Leeds pla y er , a n d m a y h a v e felt a k in sh ip. T h en h e pa t t ed Jon es on t h e ba ck a s if t o sa y , ‘Y ou ca n k ick m e if y ou lik e bu t y ou w on ’t st op m e.’ Ca n t on a w a s m a r v ellou s t h a t da y a n d scor ed ou r fir st g oa l w it h a bea u t ifu l v olley t h a t h e t eed u p for h im self w it h h is r ig h t foot . People a lw a y s sa id W im bledon cou ldn ’t pla y . T h a t ’s n ot t r u e. T h e qu a lit y of t h e ser v ice t o t h eir fr on t pla y er s w a s h ig h , especia lly t h e cr osses. T h eir set -piece deliv er y w a s t er r ific. T h ey w er e n ot dev oid of t a len t . W h a t t h ey did w a s u se t h ose t a len t s a s a w ea pon a g a in st w ea k er people. If y ou didn ’t h ea d t h e ba ll, y ou w er e dea d. If y ou cou ldn ’t h a n dle set pieces y ou w er e dea d. If y ou w a n t ed t o g et in t o a 5 0 –5 0 w it h t h em – n o ch a n ce. T h ey w er e h a r d t o pla y a g a in st . So t h a t 3 –0 w in in t h eir g r ou n d w a s specia l t o u s. T w o big w in s ov er A r sen a l a lso st a n d ou t . In a 6 –2 w in a t Hig h bu r y in t h e Lea g u e Cu p in 1 9 9 0 , Lee Sh a r pe scor ed a h a t -t r ick . On a n ot h er occa sion , in

Febr u a r y 2 0 0 1 , w e bea t t h em 6 –1 a t Old T r a ffor d. A n Ir ish fa m ily h a d bou g h t a n a u ct ion pr ize t o see u s pla y a t Liv er pool in Decem ber 2 0 0 0 , bu t w er e fog -bou n d a n d u n a ble t o t r a v el. W e lost 1 –0 t o Liv er pool in a h or r ible g a m e. T h ey r a n g m e a n d a sk ed, ‘W h a t a r e w e g oin g t o do?’ I t old t h em , ‘W e’v e g ot A r sen a l a t h om e soon .’ A n d t h ey sa w a 6 –1 m a ssa cr e. W h a t a differ en ce. It w a s 5 –1 a t h a lf-t im e. Y or k ie t or e t h em a pa r t . Despit e ou r 7 –1 w in ov er Rom a , ou r Ch a m pion s Lea g u e ca m pa ig n w a s en ded by a 3 –0 defea t in Mila n on 2 Ma y . W e h a d been for ced t o field a fu ll t ea m on t h e pr ev iou s Sa t u r da y in or der t o bea t Ev er t on 4 –2 a t Goodison Pa r k , w h ile Mila n h a d r est ed n in e pla y er s for t h eir g a m e a g a in st u s, w h ich w a s on t h e T u esda y . W e w er e sim ply n ot a s w ell pr epa r ed a s ou r It a lia n oppon en t s. W e con ceded t w ice in 1 5 m in u t es, it bu ck et ed w it h r a in , a n d w e ju st cou ldn ’t br ea k ou t of ou r ow n h a lf. W e sim ply w er en ’t r ea dy for it . W in n in g on t h e Sa t u r da y h a d been a m a m m ot h t a sk beca u se w e h a d been 2 –0 dow n a g a in st Ev er t on , y et w e w on t h e g a m e t o m ov e fiv e poin t s clea r in t h e Lea g u e. A lon g w it h T év ez a n d La r sson , ot h er g loba l t a len t s join ed u s. Ca r los, t h r ou g h h is Por t u g u ese con n ect ion s, t old u s t h er e w a s a y ou n g boy a t Por t o fr om Br a zil ca lled A n der son . He w a s 1 6 or 1 7 . W e k ept a n ey e on h im . He w a s in a n d ou t of t h e t ea m . A g a m e h er e, a n a ppea r a n ce fr om t h e ben ch t h er e. T h en h e pla y ed a g a in st u s in t h e A m st er da m t ou r n a m en t a n d I r esolv ed t o a ct , bu t t h e follow in g w eek h e br ok e h is leg . W h en h is r ecov er y w a s com plet e, I sen t Ma r t in ov er t o w a t ch h im in ev er y g a m e for fou r or fiv e w eek s.

Ma r t in sa id: ‘A lex , h e’s bet t er t h a n Roon ey .’ ‘For Ch r ist ’s sa k e, don ’t sa y t h a t ,’ I t old h im . ‘He’ll n eed t o be g ood t o be bet t er t h a n Roon ey .’ Ma r t in w a s a da m a n t . A t t h a t st a g e, A n der son w a s pla y in g off t h e st r ik er . A t t h e en d of t h e t ou r n a m en t w e m ov ed t o bu y bot h h im a n d Na n i, w h o I w en t t o see for m y self. W h a t a t t r a ct ed m e t o Na n i w a s h is pa ce, st r en g t h a n d a er ia l a bilit y . He h a d t w o fin e feet . A ll t h e in div idu a l a t t r ibu t es w er e t h er e, w h ich br ou g h t u s r ou n d t o t h e old qu est ion : w h a t t y pe of boy w a s h e? A n sw er : a g ood on e, qu iet , cou ld spea k En g lish r ea son a bly w ell, n ev er ca u sed a n y pr oblem s a t Spor t in g Lisbon , a n d w a s a n ex cellen t t r a in er . My w or d h e’s a fit boy . Gy m n a st ic, t oo. His a t h let ic r ea d-ou t s w er e a lw a y s fir st -cla ss. So t h e fou n da t ion s w er e t h er e. Ca r los w en t ov er w it h Da v id Gill: ca lled in t o Spor t in g Lisbon t o sig n Na n i a n d t h en dr ov e u p t o Por t o t o ca pt u r e A n der son . A ll in on e da y . T w o y ea r s on , w e w er e a ble t o sa y t h a t t h e r ea son s for sig n in g t h em w er e cor r ect . T h er e w er e com plica t ion s w it h A n der son in t h e w in t er of 2 0 0 9 – 1 0 . He w a sn ’t pla y in g a s m u ch a s h e w ou ld h a v e lik ed t o a n d w a n t ed t o r et u r n h om e. He w a s Br a zilia n , a n d t h e com plica t ion , a s ev er , w a s t h e W or ld Cu p, w h ich h e w a s desper a t e t o pla y in . His sch em e w a s t o g o t o V a sco Da Ga m a for t h e r est of t h e sea son so h e cou ld pla y in t h e Sou t h A fr ica W or ld Cu p of 2 0 1 0 . ‘Y ou ’r e n ot lea v in g h er e. W e’r e n ot in v est in g m illion s of pou n ds in a pla y er so h e ca n sh oot off t o Br a zil,’ I t old h im . Lov ely per son a lit y , A n der son . I h a v e a lw a y s r espect ed Br a zilia n foot ba ller s. Na m e a

Br a zilia n pla y er w h o doesn ’t ex cel in big g a m es? T h ey w er e bor n for t h e big occa sion . T h ey h a v e a specia l qu a lit y : deep pr ide in t h em selv es. Gr ea t belief. T h er e is a m y t h t h a t Br a zilia n s r eg a r d t r a in in g a s a n on er ou s in t er r u pt ion t o a life of plea su r e. Not t r u e. T h ey t r a in con scien t iou sly . T h e n ot ion t h a t t h ey h a t e t h e cold is a n ot h er fa lla cy . T h e t w o Da Silv a br ot h er s for ex a m ple: n o t r a ck su it bot t om s, n o g lov es – ou t t h ey g o. No cou n t r y ca n a pply t h e r ich m ix of in g r edien t s y ou g a in fr om a t op Br a zilia n pla y er . A r g en t in es a r e deeply pa t r iot ic bu t I fou n d t h ey la ck t h e ex pr essiv e per son a lit ies of Br a zilia n s. W it h Na n i w e w er e bu y in g pu r e r a w m a t er ia l. He w a s im m a t u r e, in con sist en t , bu t w it h a w on der fu l in st in ct for foot ba ll. He cou ld con t r ol t h e ba ll w it h eit h er foot , h ea d t h e ba ll a n d h e br ist led w it h ph y sica l st r en g t h . He cou ld cr oss, sh oot . W h en y ou bu y a pla y er w it h a ll t h ose t a len t s, t h e t r ick is t o pu t t h em in or der . He w a s a bit disor g a n ised a n d n eeded t o be m or e con sist en t . It w a s in ev it a ble t h a t h e w ou ld w or k in Ron a ldo’s sh a dow beca u se h e w a s a w in g er fr om Por t u g a l w it h som e of t h e sa m e a t t r ibu t es. Ha d h e been fr om Ser bia , n o on e w ou ld h a v e m a de t h e com pa r ison . Bu t bot h Ron a ldo a n d Na n i h a d com e t h r ou g h Spor t in g Lisbon , so t h ey w er e a lw a y s bein g st u died side by side. Ron a ldo w a s blessed w it h ou t r a g eou s t a len t , a n d w a s br a v e, w it h t w o g r ea t feet a n d a w on der fu l lea p. It w a s per h a ps da u n t in g for Na n i t o a sser t h im self a s a Ma n Un it ed st a r t er a g a in st t h a t ba ck dr op. T o be u p a g a in st Ron a ldo in t ea m select ion w a s a pr oblem in it self. In h is fir st y ea r h e w a s on t h e ben ch a lot . Na n i pick ed u p t h e la n g u a g e qu ick ly bu t A n der son t ook lon g er . Beca u se

h e’s Br a zilia n , t h ou g h , h e br ou g h t in cr edible self-belief t o t h e job. Br a zilia n s t h in k t h ey ca n pla y a g a in st a n y body . I w ou ld sa y t o A n der son : ‘Ha v e y ou seen t h is Ney m a r in Br a zil?’ ‘Oh , g r ea t pla y er . Fa n t a st ic.’ ‘Ha v e y ou seen Robin h o?’ ‘W on der fu l. In cr edible pla y er .’ Ev er y Br a zilia n n a m e I m en t ion ed w ou ld elicit t h is r espon se. He t h ou g h t ev er y on e ba ck h om e w a s w or ld cla ss. W h en Br a zil ba t t er ed Por t u g a l in a fr ien dly , A n der son t old Ron a ldo: ‘Nex t t im e w e’ll pla y ou r fift h t ea m t o g iv e y ou a ch a n ce.’ Ron a ldo w a s n ot a m u sed. T h a t ’s t h e k in d of cou n t r y Br a zil is. I lov e t h a t st or y a bou t t h e com pet it ion in Rio t o u n ea r t h n ew No. 1 0 s a n d t h ou sa n ds t u r n in g u p. On e boy t r a v elled for 2 2 h ou r s on a bu s. It ’s a m a ssiv e cou n t r y , w it h t a len t ev er y w h er e. I look ba ck less fon dly on ou r m ov e for Ow en Ha r g r ea v es, w h o w a s ph en om en a l in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 6 a n d w a s ju st t h e t y pe of pla y er w e n eeded t o fill t h e g a p left by Kea n e. W e st a r t ed t o pu t t og et h er a bid for h im . Bu t I st u died h is pla y in g r ecor d a n d felt a t in g e of dou bt . I didn ’t feel a st r on g v ibe a bou t h im . Da v id Gill w or k ed h a r d on t h e dea l w it h Ba y er n . I m et Ow en ’s a g en t a t t h e W or ld Cu p fin a l in Ber lin . Nice m a n , a la w y er . I t old h im w e cou ld dev elop Ha r g r ea v es a t Un it ed. It t u r n ed ou t t o be a disa st er . Ow en h a d n o con fiden ce in h im self w h a t soev er . He didn ’t sh ow n ea r ly en ou g h det er m in a t ion t o ov er com e

h is ph y sica l difficu lt ies, for m y lik in g . I sa w h im opt for t h e ea sy ch oice t oo oft en in t er m s of t r a in in g . He w a s on e of t h e m ost disa ppoin t in g sig n in g s of m y ca r eer . He w en t ev er y w h er e in sea r ch of cu r es for h is v a r iou s in ju r ies: Ger m a n y , A m er ica , Ca n a da . I felt h e la ck ed t h e con fiden ce t o ov er com e h is in ju r ies. It w en t fr om ba d t o w or se. He w a s a w a y in A m er ica for t h e best pa r t of a y ea r . He sa w Ha n s Mü ller -W oh lfa h r t , t h e clu b doct or a t Ba y er n Mu n ich , for h is ca lf. In t h e g a m es h e did a ct u a lly pla y , I h a d n o qu a lm s a bou t h is con t r ibu t ion . He w a s lig h t n in g qu ick a n d a g r ea t set piece deliv er er . He cou ld pla y r ig h t -ba ck , w ide r ig h t or cen t r a l m idfield. I pla y ed h im w ide r ig h t in t h e 2 0 0 8 fin a l a g a in st Ch elsea , a n d w h en w e st a r t ed t o st r u g g le a g a in st t h eir m idfield t h r ee, I pu t h im in t h e m iddle of t h e pa r k w it h Roon ey w ide r ig h t a n d it w or k ed. He h a d defin it e v a lu e. Bu t it w a s a ll lost in t h e fog of h is la ck of g a m es. Y et Ha r g r ea v es w a s fa n t a st ic for En g la n d a t t h e 2 0 0 6 W or ld Cu p, plu g g in g g a ps, r a cin g t o t h e ba ll. In Sept em ber 2 0 1 1 , w e t ook a bla st fr om Ha r g r ea v es a bou t h ow h e h a d been su pposedly let dow n by ou r m edica l st a ff in h is t im e w it h u s. He cla im ed w e h a d u sed h im lik e ‘a g u in ea pig ’ for t r ea t m en t s for h is t en don it is a n d v a r iou s k n ee pr oblem s. W e t ook leg a l a dv ice a n d cou ld h a v e pr oceeded a g a in st h im , bu t t h e doct or w a s n ot su fficien t ly offen ded t o seek leg a l r edr ess. W e did t h e best for t h a t la d. No m a t t er w h a t t h e st a ff did for h im , h e cr ea t ed h is ow n a g en da . I w ou ld sa y t o h im , ‘How a r e y ou t h is m or n in g ?’ ‘Gr ea t , boss,’ h e w ou ld r eply . ‘Bu t I t h in k I’ll do som et h in g on m y ow n . I’m feelin g it a bit .’

On e of h is a lleg a t ion s w a s t h a t w e pick ed h im for t h e W olv es g a m e in ea r ly Nov em ber 2 0 1 0 w h en h e h a d a sk ed n ot t o be select ed. Ru bbish . T h r ee w eek s befor e t h a t fix t u r e, h e h a d a dv ised u s t h a t h e w ou ld be r ea dy for su ch a n d su ch a da t e, w h ich h a ppen ed t o be a Eu r opea n t ie. I w a s r elu ct a n t t o br in g h im ba ck in a Eu r opea n g a m e a ft er h e h a d been ou t for so lon g . T h er e w a s a r eser v e g a m e t h a t w eek , w h ich h e w a s m ea n t t o pla y in , bu t h e w it h dr ew . In t h e w eek of t h e W olv es g a m e, t o m y k n ow ledg e, h e sa id n ot h in g t o ou r st a ff t o in dica t e h e h a d a pr oblem . My con cer n , w h ich I ex pr essed t o Mick Ph ela n , w a s t h a t h e w ou ld pick u p a n in ju r y in t h e w a r m -u p. My u n der st a n din g w a s t h a t h e t old on e of t h e pla y er s h e w a s feelin g h is h a m st r in g a bit . W h en h e ca m e in fr om t h e w a r m -u p, I specifica lly a sk ed h im : ‘A r e y ou a ll r ig h t ?’ I sa id it t o r ea ssu r e h im . My m essa g e w a s: en joy it . W ell, h e la st ed fiv e m in u t es. His h a m st r in g w en t . Bu t it w a s n o su r pr ise. W h en I sig n ed h im , t h er e w a s som et h in g a bou t h im I didn ’t lik e. T h e t h in g ev er y g ood lea der sh ou ld h a v e is a n in st in ct . Min e sa id t o m e: ‘I don ’t fa n cy t h is.’ W h en h e ca m e ov er t o Old T r a ffor d for t h e m edica l, I st ill h a d som e in defin a ble dou bt . He w a s v er y h a il-fellow -w ellm et . A lm ost t oo n ice. Kléber son a lso left m e w it h dou bt s, bu t on ly beca u se h e w a s so t im id, a n d cou ld ba r ely look y ou in t h e ey e. He h a d g ood a bilit y , Kléber son , bu t h e pa id t oo m u ch a t t en t ion t o w h a t h is fa t h er -in -la w a n d w ife w a n t ed. I r ea d la t er t h a t t h e FA w er e g oin g t o fa st -t r a ck Ha r g r ea v es in t o coa ch in g . T h a t ’s on e of t h e t h in g s

t h a t ’s w r on g w it h ou r g a m e. T h a t w ou ldn ’t h a ppen in Fr a n ce or Ger m a n y or Holla n d, w h er e y ou w ou ld spen d t h r ee y ea r s ea r n in g y ou r st r ipes. Bébé is t h e on ly pla y er I ev er sig n ed w it h ou t fir st seein g h im in a ct ion . W e h a v e a g ood scou t in Por t u g a l w h o h a d fla g g ed h im u p. T h is boy h a d been pla y in g h om eless foot ba ll a n d beca m e a t r ia llist for a secon d div ision t ea m . He did r ea lly w ell. Ou r scou t t old u s, ‘W e n eed t o w a t ch h im .’ T h en Rea l Ma dr id w er e on h is t a il. I k n ow t h a t ’s t r u e beca u se José Mou r in h o t old m e Rea l w er e r ea dy t o sig n h im a n d t h a t Un it ed h a d ju m ped in fr on t of t h em . W e t ook a w ee g a m ble on it , for a bou t 7 m illion eu r os. Bébé ca m e w it h lim it a t ion s bu t t h er e w a s a t a len t t h er e. He h a d fa n t a st ic feet . He st r u ck t h e ba ll w it h v en om , off eit h er foot , w it h n o dr a w ba ck . He w a s n ot t h e com plet e pla y er , bu t w e w er e coa ch in g h im t o be bet t er . W e fa r m ed h im ou t t o T u r k ey a n d h e in ju r ed h is cr u cia t e k n ee lig a m en t a ft er t w o w eek s. W e br ou g h t h im h om e a n d pu t h im on r em edia l w or k , t h en in t h e r eser v es. He did a ll r ig h t . He t r a in ed w ell in t h e sh or t g a m es, eig h t v . eig h t , g oa l t o g oa l. On t h e big pit ch h is con cept of t ea m pla y n eeded w or k . W it h feet lik e h is h e w a s ca pa ble of scor in g 2 0 g oa ls a sea son . He w a s a qu iet boy , spok e r ea son a ble En g lish , a n d h a d obv iou sly h a d a h a r d u pbr in g in g w a n der in g t h e st r eet s of Lisbon . W it h so m a n y pla y er s com in g in , I w a s pr ou d of t h e w or k w e did on t h ose w h o w er e t o en d u p w it h ot h er clu bs. In t h e spr in g of 2 0 1 0 , for in st a n ce, t h er e w er e 7 2 pla y er s t h r ou g h ou t Scot la n d, Eu r ope a n d En g la n d

w h o h a d been t h r ou g h a n a ppr en t icesh ip a t Ma n Ut d. Sev en t y -t w o. Fa bio Ca pello t old a g ood fr ien d of m in e t h a t if y ou pu t g ow n s a n d m a sk s on Ma n Ut d pla y er s, h e cou ld spot t h em a m ile a w a y , w h ich w a s qu it e a com plim en t . T h eir beh a v iou r a n d t r a in in g st a n d ou t . W e h a d t h r ee in Den m a r k , on e in Ger m a n y , t w o in Belg iu m , a n d ot h er s a ll ov er t h e pla ce in En g la n d. W e h a d sev en g oa lk eeper s ou t t h er e, n on e of w h om h a d m a de t h e fir st t ea m : Kev in Pilk in g t on , Mich a el Pollit t , Ben W illia m s a n d Lu k e St eele a m on g t h em . W e w er e a dept a t iden t ify in g t h e pla y er s w h o w ou ld becom e fir st -t ea m r eg u la r s. T h er e is som et h in g v isible in a t op-g r a de Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er t h a t for ces y ou t o pr om ot e h im t o t h e fir st t ea m . Da r r on Gibson w a s a n ex a m ple of on e w h o br in g s y ou t o t h a t cr ossr oa ds w h er e a decision n eeds t o be m a de a bou t w h et h er h e is g oin g t o be a fir st -t ea m pla y er . In 2 0 0 9 –1 0 h e w a s a t t h e st a g e w h er e w e w er e in da n g er of n ot bein g fa ir t o h im . He h a d differ en t qu a lit ies t o m ost of m y ot h er m idfielder s. His m a in a t t r ibu t e w a s t h a t h e cou ld scor e fr om ou t side t h e box . Sch oles w a s t h e on ly ot h er pla y er w h o cou ld do t h a t , bu t h e w a s com in g t o t h e en d. So t h e ju dg m en t w a s a t ou g h on e, a s it w a s w it h T om Clev er ley , w h o w a s a t W a t for d, w h er e h e h a d scor ed 1 1 t im es fr om m idfield. Clev er ley h a d n o ph y siqu e, w a s w ir y a s h ell, bu t h e w a s a s br a v e a s a lion , h a d g ood feet a n d cou ld scor e a g oa l. Da v id Gill sa id on e da y , ‘W h a t a r e y ou g oin g t o do w it h Clev er ley n ex t y ea r ? He’s scor in g a lot of g oa ls a t W a t for d.’ My a n sw er w a s, ‘I’ll t ell y ou w h a t I’m g oin g

t o do, I’m g oin g t o pla y h im , t o fin d ou t w h et h er h e ca n scor e g oa ls for m e a s w ell a s W a t for d.’ Cou ld h e scor e six for m e? Nobody else w a s g et t in g h a lf a dozen fr om m idfield. Mich a el Ca r r ick h a d st r u ck a h ig h n ot e of fiv e. If Clev er ley cou ld scor e six g oa ls in t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e fr om m idfield, h e w ou ld becom e a con sider a t ion . T h e dem a r ca t ion lin e w a s a lw a y s: w h a t ca n t h ey do a n d w h a t ca n t h ey n ot do? T h e ca n -do qu est ion w a s: ca n t h ey w in m e t h e g a m e? If t h ey cou ld scor e six g oa ls, I cou ld ig n or e som e of t h e n eg a t iv es. A t 2 0 or 2 1 , pla y er s w ou ld som et im es st a g n a t e. If t h ey w er e n ot in t h e fir st t ea m by t h en t h ey cou ld becom e dish ea r t en ed. I r ea ch ed t h a t m om en t in m y ow n pla y in g ca r eer . A t 2 1 I w a s fed u p a t St Joh n st on e a n d t ook pa per s ou t t o em ig r a t e t o Ca n a da . I w a s disillu sion ed. Foot ba ll’s n ot for m e, I w a s sa y in g . I’m n ot g et t in g a n y w h er e. A t t h e Un it ed r eser v e lev el, w e en cou n t er ed t h is dilem m a a ll t h e t im e. W e w ou ld sen d pla y er s ou t on loa n in t h e h ope t h ey w ou ld com e ba ck bet t er , bu t oft en sen t t h em t o a lev el t h a t w ou ld su it t h em m or e in t h e lon g t er m a n y w a y , so t h ey cou ld fin d ca r eer s. W e w er e pr ou d t o h a v e r eloca t ed t h e 7 2 pla y er s I t a lk ed a bou t elsew h er e in t h e g a m e. T h e on es w h o m a k e it h a v e a w a y of t ellin g y ou t h ey a r e cer t a in t ies t o r ea ch t h e g r a de. W elbeck is a n ex a m ple. A t on e poin t I t ipped h im t o m a k e Fa bio Ca pello’s 2 0 1 0 W or ld Cu p squ a d, bu t h e h a d issu es t o do w it h t h e pa ce h e w a s g r ow in g a t . A t 1 9 h e w a s st ill sh oot in g u p a n d en cou n t er in g pr oblem s w it h h is k n ees. I t old h im t o g o ca r efu lly in t r a in in g session s a n d sa v e h is best for m a t ch es. He w a s on cou r se t o en d u p 6 feet

2 in ch es or 6 feet 3 in ch es t a ll. Bu t w h a t a g ood pla y er . Su ch a con fiden t boy . I sa id t o h im : ‘On e of t h ese da y s I’m g oin g t o k ill y ou ,’ beca u se h e w a s su ch a cock y soa n d-so, a n d h e r eplied, ‘I’ll pr oba bly deser v e it .’ T ou ch é. He h a d a n a n sw er for ev er y t h in g . A con st a n t in ou r discu ssion s a bou t y ou n g pla y er s w a s w h et h er t h ey cou ld h a n dle t h e dem a n ds of t h e Old T r a ffor d cr ow d a n d t h e sh or t pa t ien ce spa n of t h e m edia . W ou ld t h ey g r ow or sh r in k in a Un it ed sh ir t ? W e k n ew t h e m a k e-u p of ev er y y ou n g h om eg r ow n pla y er w h o ca m e in t o t h e Un it ed st a r t in g X I, fr om t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d, fr om r eser v e t ea m foot ba ll. By t h e t im e a pla y er g r a du a t ed fr om y ou t h or r eser v e t ea m foot ba ll, w e a im ed t o be su r e a bou t t h eir t em per a m en t s, su r e a bou t t h eir ch a r a ct er s a n d su r e of t h eir a bilit ies. Bu t pla in ly , w h en w e bou g h t pla y er s in fr om a br oa d, w e k n ew less a bou t t h em , h ow ev er h a r d w e in v est ig a t ed t h eir ba ck g r ou n ds, a n d t h e pecu lia r sw ir l of pla y in g for Un it ed cou ld u n do som e of t h ese im por t ed n a m es. In 2 0 0 9 –1 0 , w e w er e r esea r ch in g Ja v ier Her n á n dez – n ick n a m ed Ch ich a r it o (it m ea n s ‘lit t le pea ’). He w a s 2 1 y ea r s of a g e. W e sen t a scou t ou t t o liv e in Mex ico for a m on t h . T h e in for m a t ion w e r eceiv ed w a s t h a t h e w a s a fa m ily boy w h o w a s r elu ct a n t t o lea v e Mex ico. Ou r con t a ct ou t t h er e h elped u s r esea r ch h is ba ck g r ou n d dow n t o ev er y det a il. Un it ed’s su ppor t is odd in som e r espect s. W e w ou ld sig n a pla y er for £2 m illion a n d som e fa n s w ou ld con sider it a sig n of w ea k n ess a n d believ e w e h a d low er ed ou r st a n da r ds. Ga br iel Ober t a n w a s in t h a t

pr ice r a n g e. He w a s g r ea sed lig h t n in g . Bu t in t h e fin a l t h ir d of t h e field, h is feet w er e som et im es a ll ov er t h e pla ce. His t a sk w a s t o coor din a t e h is speed w it h h is br a in a n d deliv er t h e h u r t in t h e fin a l t h ir d of t h e pit ch . Ma m e Bir a m Diou f w a s r ecom m en ded by Ole Gu n n a r Solsk ja er t h r ou g h h is con t a ct s a t Molde in Nor w a y . Ha n n ov er 9 6 a n d Ein t r a ch t Fr a n k fu r t w er e st a r t in g t o sn iff a r ou n d h im w h en w e st epped u p ou r in t er est . So w e sen t Ole a n d a clu b officia l ov er a n d a cqu ir ed h im for 4 m illion eu r os. A g a in , t h e ba ck g r ou n d w a s r ig h t , t h ou g h h e n ev er est a blish ed h im self w it h u s. Ch r is Sm a llin g w a s bou g h t fr om Fu lh a m in Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 0 w it h t h e idea t h a t h e w ou ld join u s for t h e st a r t of t h e 2 0 1 0 –1 1 ca m pa ig n . He h a d been pla y in g w it h n on -lea g u e Ma idst on e u n t il 2 0 0 8 , bu t Roy Hodg son dev eloped a h ig h r eg a r d for h im a t Fu lh a m . He cost u s a r ou n d £1 0 m illion . W e m ov ed for h im w h en Rio Fer din a n d st a r t ed h a v in g pr oblem s w it h h is ba ck a n d ot h er pa r t s. W e w er e on t o cen t r e-ba ck s ev er y w h er e, a ll ov er . W e w a t ch ed t h em a ll t h r ou g h 2 0 0 9 –1 0 a n d t h ou g h t Sm a llin g w a s a y ou n g g u y w h o w ou ld m a t u r e in t o h is fr a m e. Lon g -t er m , I cou ld im a g in e a cen t r a l defen ce for m in g a r ou n d Ch r is Sm a llin g a n d Jon n y Ev a n s. T h er e w a s n o r est in g on t h e st a t u s qu o, ev en in t h e best t im es. T h e lon g er I st a y ed, t h e fu r t h er I look ed a h ea d. Reg en er a t ion w a s a n ev er y da y du t y .

seventeen

BEFORE

t h e Moscow Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l of 2 0 0 8 , I w a s t h e r elu ct a n t h older of possibly t h e w or st r ecor d in pen a lt y sh oot -ou t s. I h a d lost t w o sem i-fin a ls a t A ber deen , a Eu r opea n t ie a t A ber deen , a n FA Cu p t ie a t Old T r a ffor d a g a in st Sou t h a m pt on , a n FA Cu p fin a l a g a in st A r sen a l a n d a Eu r opea n t ie in Moscow t h r ou g h pen a lt y sh oot -ou t s. Six defea t s a n d on e v ict or y w a s t h e in a u spiciou s con t ex t t o Ca r los T év ez pla cin g t h e ba ll on t h e spot a t t h e st a r t of ou r sh oot -ou t w it h Ch elsea in Rom a n A br a m ov ich ’s h om e t ow n . W it h t h ose m em or ies, y ou w ou ld h a r dly ex pect m e t o h a v e been opt im ist ic. A ll t h ose ea r lier disa ppoin t m en t s w er e in m y h ea d a s t h e g a m e st r et ch ed bey on d ex t r a t im e a n d t h e m a t ch cr ept in t o t h e ea r ly h ou r s of t h e follow in g da y a ft er a 1 0 .4 5 p.m . k ick -off. W h en V a n der Sa r sa v ed fr om Nicola s A n elk a t o w in t h e t r oph y for u s, I h a r dly m a de it off m y sea t , beca u se I cou ld ba r ely believ e w e h a d w on . I st a y ed m ot ion less for sev er a l m om en t s. Ron a ldo w a s st ill ly in g on t h e t u r f cr y in g beca u se h e h a d m issed h is pen a lt y k ick .

Ou r g oa lk eepin g coa ch h a d com piled a ll t h e v ideo a n a -ly sis w e cou ld possibly n eed, a n d w a s a ble t o pu ll t h e da t a u p on a scr een t o sh ow V a n der Sa r h ow ea ch Ch elsea pla y er m ig h t t a k e h is spot k ick . For sev er a l da y s w e h a d discu ssed t h e or der in w h ich ou r pla y er s w ou ld st ep u p. T h ey w er e a ll g ood, a pa r t fr om Ron a ldo, w h o h a d been scor in g t h em a ll sea son . Gig g s’ ex ecu t ion w a s t h e best : h a r d a n d low , in side t h e post . Ha r g r ea v es ba t t er ed h is in t o t h e t op cor n er . Na n i w a s a t ou ch lu ck y beca u se t h e g oa lk eeper sh ou ld h a v e sa v ed it a n d g ot a h a n d t o it . Ca r r ick ’s w a s st r a ig h t for w a r d. Ron a ldo h esit a t ed a n d st opped. Joh n T er r y h a d on ly t o k n ock h is in t o w in t h e g a m e for Ch elsea . A t t h a t poin t I w a s st ill a n d ca lm , t h in k in g : ‘W h a t a m I g oin g t o sa y t o t h e pla y er s?’ I k n ew I w ou ld h a v e t o be ca r efu l w it h m y w or ds in defea t . It w ou ld be u n fa ir t o sla u g h t er t h em a ft er a Eu r opea n fin a l, I t old m y self, beca u se t h ey h a d w or k ed so h a r d t o g et t h er e, a n d t h ese a r e deeply em ot ion a l m om en t s for t h ose in t h e t h ick of t h e a ct ion . W h en T er r y m issed t h e t en t h pen a lt y in t h e sequ en ce a n d w e h ea ded in t o su dden dea t h , m y opt im ism r et u r n ed. A n der son ’s pen a lt y , t h e fir st in t h e do-or -die st a g e, h a d lift ed ou r su ppor t er s beca u se h e h a d r u n t o t h em t o celebr a t e, a n d t h ey w er e t h en bu oy a n t a g a in . T h e k ick s w er e t a k en in t o ou r en d of t h e g r ou n d, w h ich w a s a n a dv a n t a g e. In n o sen se w a s t h is a con v en t ion a l Eu r opea n fin a l. T h e t im e zon e w a s t h e fir st qu ir k , w h ich m ea n t t h e g a m e h a d k ick ed off a t 1 0 .4 5 p.m . I a lw a y s r em em ber , t oo, t h a t t h e r a in h a d dr en ch ed m e a n d r u in ed m y sh oes, so I a t t en ded t h e v ict or y pa r t y in t r a in er s, for

w h ich I t ook plen t y of st ick fr om t h e pla y er s. I k n ew I sh ou ld h a v e pa ck ed a spa r e pa ir of sh oes. It w a s bet w een 4 a n d 5 a .m . by t h e t im e w e sa t dow n for t h e bu ffet . T h e food w a s poor bu t t h e pla y er s g a v e Gig g s a w on der fu l g ift t o com m em or a t e h im pa ssin g Bobby Ch a r lt on ’s a ppea r a n ce r ecor d. T h is w a s h is 7 5 9 t h g a m e. On t h e st a g e t h ey a ll sa n g h is n a m e. T h e g a m e it self w a s a m a r v ellou s dr a m a w h ich dr ew som e t er r ific per for m a n ces fr om ou r side. I t h ou g h t W es Br ow n h a d on e of h is best g a m es for Un it ed a n d set u p Ron a ldo’s open in g g oa l w it h a n ex cellen t cr oss. In Ch elsea ’s sem i-fin a l, Mich a el Essien h a d pla y ed r ig h t -ba ck , a n d I decided w h ile w a t ch in g A v r a m Gr a n t ’s t ea m t h a t Ron a ldo w ou ld pla y w ide left t o m a k e life u n com for t a ble for Essien , a m idfielder by t r a de. For ou r g oa l, Ron a ldo ou t -ju m ped Essien , so t h e pla n w or k ed. A m idfielder pla y in g r ig h t -ba ck a g a in st a n a t t a ck er of Ron a ldo’s br illia n ce w a s a big a sk , a n d ou r m a n t or e h im a pa r t . Mov in g Ron a ldo left open ed t h e door for som eon e t o pla y w ide r ig h t . I ch ose Ha r g r ea v es, w h o w a s qu ick , h a d en er g y a n d cou ld cr oss t h e ba ll. He did w ell in t h a t r ole. In t h e cen t r e of m idfield w e h a d Sch oles a n d Ca r r ick , t h ou g h Sch oles w a s t o com e off w it h a bleedin g n ose. His br ea t h in g w a s st a r t in g t o becom e con g est ed. Gig g s w en t on in h is pla ce a n d pr osper ed. Despit e t h e cu lt u r e sh ock of Moscow a n d t h e h ot el, ou r pr epa r a t ion h a d been sm oot h . In t h e sem i-fin a ls w e h a d bea t en Ba r celon a , dr a w in g 0 –0 ov er t h er e a n d w in n in g by a sin g le g oa l a t ou r pla ce. Sch oles’ g oa l w a s

m a g n ificen t , a t y pica l t h u n der bolt fr om 2 5 y a r ds. In t h e fir st 2 0 m in u t es a t Ca m p Nou w e pla y ed w ell, a s w e oft en did a g a in st t h em , st r ik in g t h e ba r a n d m issin g a pen a lt y . W h en t h ey t ook a g r ip on t h e g a m e w e ju st r et r ea t ed t ow a r ds t h e box , w h ich w e m ig h t h a v e don e a g a in in t h e 2 0 0 9 a n d 2 0 1 1 fin a ls, h a d I n ot been det er m in ed t o w in t h ose g a m es ou r w a y . Y ou cou ld ca ll t h a t t a ct ica lly n a iv e if y ou w ish , bu t I disa g r ee. W e w er e t r y in g t o st r en g t h en ou r ph ilosoph y a bou t w in n in g in t h e r ig h t m a n n er . My t h ou g h t on t w o sem i-fin a ls w a s t h a t w e en du r ed a lot of h ea r t st oppin g m om en t s. W e liv ed on t h e edg e of t h e box , or in side it , desper a t e t o esca pe. A t Old T r a ffor d, in a n ev en g a m e, w e ou g h t t o h a v e w on by m or e, w it h ou r g ood cou n t er -a t t a ck in g . Equ a lly , w h en t h ey br ou g h t on T h ier r y Hen r y for t h e la st 1 5 m in u t es, t h ey besieg ed u s in ou r pen a lt y box . It w a s a g on y on t h e t ou ch lin e, look in g a t m y w a t ch . La t er I ca lled it t h e g r ea t est ex a m ple of t h e fa n s g et t in g beh in d ou r m en . Ev er y clea r a n ce fr om ou r box r a ised a ch eer , u n u su a lly . Hen r y m issed a sit t er . W e sh ow ed g r ea t ch a r a ct er . T h e t ea m a bsor bed im m en se pr essu r e a n d m a in t a in ed t h eir con cen t r a t ion . A ft er t h e g a m e I a lso sa id: ‘T h ey ca n ’t be sh r in k in g v iolet s h er e. T h ey h a v e t o be m en , a n d t h ey w er e m en t h a t n ig h t .’ W e a lw a y s fa n cied ou r ch a n ces of a ddin g t o t h e Eu r opea n Cu ps of 1 9 6 8 a n d 1 9 9 9 , pr ov ided w e cou ld t a k e con t r ol of t h e ba ll qu ick ly in Moscow , w h ich w e did fr om t h e st a r t . Ou r g a m e w a s fu ll of t h r u st a n d in v en t ion a n d w e m ig h t h a v e been t h r ee or fou r g oa ls

u p. I st a r t ed t o t h in k it w ou ld be a m a ssa cr e. Goa ls ca n t u r n g a m es u pside dow n , h ow ev er , a n d Ch elsea en joy ed a da sh of lu ck ju st befor e h a lf-t im e, equ a lisin g t h r ou g h Fr a n k La m pa r d, w h ich set u s on t h e ba ck foot . Ch elsea pr og r essed fr om t h er e a n d w er e t h e bet t er side for 2 5 m in u t es of t h e secon d h a lf. Dr og ba st r u ck a post . T h a t w a s m y sig n a l t o t h in k fa st a bou t h ow w e m ig h t r eg a in a h old on t h e g a m e. I sen t Roon ey w ide r ig h t a n d br ou g h t Ha r g r ea v es in t o a m or e cen t r a l posit ion , w h ich pu t u s on t op in t h e g a m e a g a in . By t h e en d I felt w e w er e t h e su per ior g r ou p of pla y er s. Ca u g h t in t h e ebb a n d flow of ev en t s a t pit ch lev el, y ou ca n n ev er be qu it e su r e w h et h er t h e spect a cle in fr on t of y ou is en t er t a in in g . Bu t ev er y on e felt t h is w a s a t er r ific piece of t h ea t r e, on e of t h e best Eu r opea n Cu p fin a ls. It w a s sa t isfy in g t o be pa r t of a sh ow t h a t displa y ed ou r Lea g u e in su ch a g ood lig h t . I m u st g iv e cr edit t o Edw in v a n der Sa r for t h e in t ellig en ce of h is sh ot -st oppin g . A s A n elk a jog g ed t ow a r ds t h e pen a lt y spot I w a s t h in k in g – div e t o y ou r left . Edw in k ept div in g t o h is r ig h t . Ex cept for t h e pen u lt im a t e Ch elsea k ick , w h ich Sa lom on Ka lou t ook , w h en Edw in div ed t o h is left . So w h en A n elk a a ppr oa ch ed h is m om en t of t r u t h , h e m u st h a v e been t h e fir st Ch elsea pla y er t o a sk h im self: ‘I w on der w h et h er h e’s g oin g t o div e t o h is r ig h t or h is left ?’ V a n der Sa r k ept poin t in g t o h is left t o u n n er v e t h e t a k er . Y es, A n elk a ’s pen a lt y w a s poor , bu t Edw in ch ose t h e r ig h t w a y t o div e. A v r a m Gr a n t is a n ice m a n . My fea r w a s a lw a y s t h a t h e m ig h t n ot be st r on g en ou g h for t h a t g r ou p of

Ch elsea pla y er s. T h eir beh a v iou r in t h e fin a l w a s t er r ible, dr a g g in g t h em selv es ou t for t h e secon d h a lf on e a t a t im e, g iv in g t h e r efer ee st ick on t h e w a y in t o t h e dr essin g r oom . A t ea m g oes ou t t og et h er , t h ey don ’t a m ble ou t on e by on e. T h e r efer ee h a d been u r g in g t h em t o g et a m ov e on , bu t t h ey ju st ig n or ed h im . A t t h e in t er v a l t h ey t r ied ev er y t r ick in t h e book . T h a t m ig h t h a v e pla y ed on t h e r efer ee’s m in d w h en Dr og ba w a s sen t off. T h e r ed ca r d for Dr og ba follow ed a cla sh w it h Ca r los T év ez, w h ich br ou g h t V idić ov er t o su ppor t h is t ea m m a t e. Up w en t Dr og ba ’s h a n d t o flick V ida ’s fa ce. If y ou lift y ou r h a n ds, y ou ’v e n o ch a n ce. My u n der st a n din g w a s t h a t t h e r efer ee a sk ed t h e lin esm a n w h o t h e offen der h a d been . A n d boom ph , Dr og ba w a s off. By t h en w e h a d a lr ea dy r est or ed ou r h old on t h e g a m e. Dr og ba ’s dism issa l w a s n ot t h e t u r n in g poin t . Gig g s h a d a sh ot clea r ed off t h e lin e. W e cr ea t ed ch a n ces in ex t r a t im e a n d sh ou ld h a v e k illed t h em off. Ch elsea , in m y v iew , pla y ed for t h e dr a w a n d g a m bled on w in n in g t h e sh oot -ou t . T h ou g h h e w a s r em ov ed fr om t h e fr a y t h a t n ig h t , Dr og ba w a s a lw a y s a h a n dfu l for u s. He w a s a pow er fu l, big la d, bu t w h a t m a r k ed h im ou t in m y book w a s a t a len t for spect a cu la r g oa ls, sa y , on t h e t u r n , fr om 3 0 y a r ds. I w a s su r pr ised t o see h im m issin g fr om t h e t ea m -sh eet a g a in st u s in a g a m e du r in g Ca r lo A n celot t i’s fin a ls w eek s in ch a r g e. T or r es st a r t ed, bu t Dr og ba ca m e on t o scor e a n d for ce Ch elsea ba ck in t o t h e m a t ch . Fr om t h a t Ch elsea t ea m , w h ich w e fou n d it difficu lt

t o pla y a g a in st , t h e g oa lk eeper , Pet r Ĉech , w a s ou t st a n din g . I sh ou ld h a v e sig n ed h im a t 1 9 w h en I h a d m y ch a n ce. In st ea d, Ch elsea t ook h im t h a t su m m er for £8 m illion . Joh n T er r y w a s a lw a y s a n in flu en ce in t h eir t ea m . A sh ley Cole a lw a y s g a v e t h em en er g y g oin g for w a r d. A n d Fr a n k La m pa r d w a s in cr edibly r elia ble a n d con sist en t fr om box t o box . He a v oided defen siv e w or k a bit in h is pr im e, bu t h e w a s en d t o en d a n d h a r dly m issed a g a m e. W it h Dr og ba , t h ey w er e t h e cor e, t h e cen t r a l fiv e. T h ey w er e a pow er fu l pr esen ce in t h e dr essin g r oom . A t n o poin t befor e t h e g a m e did I a ccept t h a t Ch elsea w ou ld be u n der m or e pr essu r e t h a n u s by v ir t u e of A br a m ov ich ’s Moscow ba ck g r ou n d, t h ou g h h e w a s t h er e in t h e st a n ds, g a zin g dow n on h is v a st in v est m en t . I didn ’t see t h a t a s a fa ct or in t h e g a m e it self. Secu r it y w a s m y m a in con cer n . Moscow is a cit y of g r ea t m y st er ies. I’v e r ea d book s on t h e Ru ssia n Rev olu t ion a n d on St a lin , w h o w a s w or se t h a n t h e cza r s, k illin g h is ow n people t o collect iv ise a g r icu lt u r e. W e t ook t w o ch efs w it h u s, a n d t h e food w a s m ost ly fin e, u n lik e in Rom e, w h er e it w a s a jok e, a disg r a ce. W h a t a sea son Ron a ldo h a d in t h a t Eu r opea n Cu p w in n in g ca m pa ig n . For t y -t w o g oa ls for a w in g er ? In som e g a m es h e pla y ed cen t r e-for w a r d, bu t h e w a s essen t ia lly a w ide m a n in ou r sy st em . In ev er y g a m e h e w ou ld cr ea t e t h r ee ch a n ces for h im self. I w a t ch ed h im on e n ig h t a t Rea l Ma dr id a n d h e h a d a bou t 4 0 sh ot s on g oa l. Moscow w a s a r elief, a bov e a ll, beca u se I a lw a y s sa id

Ma n ch est er Un it ed ou g h t t o be a ch iev in g m or e in Eu r ope. It w a s ou r t h ir d Eu r opea n Cu p v ict or y a n d t ook u s closer t o Liv er pool’s fiv e. I a lw a y s felt w e w ou ld m a t ch Liv er pool’s t ot a l w it h in a r ea son a ble st r et ch of t im e, ev en a ft er t h e t w o defea t s t o Ba r celon a in 2 0 0 9 a n d 2 0 1 1 , beca u se w e h a d ea r n ed ex t r a r espect in Eu r ope. W it h a w in in eit h er of t h ose Ba r celon a fin a ls, w e w ou ld h a v e been on fou r , equ a l w it h Ba y er n Mu n ich a t t h e t im e, a n d w it h A ja x . In ou r m om en t of t r iu m ph t h er e w a s n o ch a m pa g n e t o be fou n d a t t h e Lu zh n ik i St a diu m . In t h e a bsen ce of t h e r ea l st u ff, st a ff w er e dispa t ch ed t o a ba r t o bu y som e k in d of fizzy liqu id. Hea v en k n ow s w h a t it w a s. ‘I ca n ’t ev en offer y ou a g la ss of ch a m pa g n e,’ I a polog ised t o A n dy Rox bu r g h , w h o ca m e in t o ou r dr essin g r oom t o con g r a t u la t e u s. W h a t ev er w a s in t h ose bot t les, w e sh ook it a bou t a n d m a de a fu ss. T h er e w a s a lot of h ila r it y a n d n on sen se, w it h t h e pla y er s g iv in g ea ch ot h er st ick . Y ou ’r e plea sed a n d pr ou d of t h em . I w a s soa k ed t o t h e sk in fr om t h e r a in , a n d for ced t o ch a n g e in t o m y t r a ck su it . T h er e w a s n o sig n of A br a m ov ich a n d I don ’t r eca ll a n y Ch elsea pla y er s com in g in . T h e 1 9 9 9 fin a l in Ba r celon a , w h en w e bea t Ba y er n Mu n ich , fell on t h e la t e Sir Ma t t Bu sby ’s bir t h da y . Som et im es y ou h ope t h e g ods a r e w it h y ou , or t h a t old Ma t t is look in g dow n . I’m n ot a g r ea t believ er in coin ciden ces, bu t t h er e is su ch a t h in g a s fa t e, a n d I w on der ed w h et h er it pla y ed a h a n d in bot h v ict or ies. Ma t t h a d t a k en ou r clu b in t o Eu r ope w h en t h e En g lish Lea g u e w a s fir m ly set a g a in st it . Ma t t w a s sh ow n t o be r ig h t beca u se En g lish foot ba ll h a s h a d som e g lor iou s n ig h t s in Eu r ope.

W it h a m a jor t r oph y in y ou r possession , y ou sh ou ld a lw a y s bu y pla y er s t o r efr esh t h e squ a d a n d a v oid t h e r isk of st a g n a t ion . It w a s in t h e w eek s a ft er Moscow t h a t w e a dded Dim it a r Ber ba t ov t o ou r squ a d. Ber ba t ov h a d been on ou r t a r g et list befor e h e m ov ed t o Spu r s. He h a d t a len t in a bu n da n ce: g ood ba la n ce, com posu r e on t h e ba ll a n d a fin e scor in g r ecor d. He w a s a g ood a g e, t a ll, a t h let ic. I felt w e n eeded a bit m or e com posu r e in t h e la st t h ir d of t h e field, t h e a t t a ck in g t h ir d. Bu t it en ded u p a s a scr a p w it h Da n iel Lev y , t h e T ot t en h a m ch a ir m a n , w h ich left u s r elu ct a n t t o r et u r n t o Spu r s for pla y er s. T h is w a s ou r secon d t r ip on t h e Big Dipper follow in g ou r m ov e for Mich a el Ca r r ick . Y ou com e off dizzy . Y ou ca n ’t discu ss bot h sides of t h e issu e w it h Da n iel. It ’s a bou t h im , a n d T ot t en h a m , n ot h in g m or e, w h ich is n o ba d t h in g fr om h is clu b’s per spect iv e.

eighteen

FIRST

of a ll, y ou m u st t ell t h em t h e t r u t h . T h er e is n ot h in g w r on g w it h pr esen t in g t h e h a r d fa ct s t o a pla y er w h o h a s lost h is for m . A n d w h a t I w ou ld sa y t o a n y on e w h ose con fiden ce w a s w a v er in g is t h a t w e w er e Ma n ch est er Un it ed a n d w e sim ply cou ld n ot a llow ou r selv es t o dr op t o t h e lev el of ot h er t ea m s. Fa ced w it h t h e n eed t o con fr on t a pla y er w h o h a d per for m ed below ou r ex pect a t ion , I m ig h t h a v e sa id: ‘T h a t w a s r u bbish , t h a t .’ Bu t t h en I w ou ld follow it u p w it h , ‘For a pla y er of y ou r a bilit y .’ T h a t w a s for pick in g t h em ba ck u p fr om t h e in it ia l blow . Cr it icise bu t ba la n ce it ou t w it h en cou r a g em en t . ‘W h y a r e y ou doin g t h a t ? Y ou ’r e bet t er t h a n t h a t .’ En dless pr a ise sou n ds fa lse. T h ey see t h r ou g h it . A cen t r a l com pon en t of t h e m a n a g er –pla y er r ela t ion sh ip is t h a t y ou h a v e t o m a k e t h em t a k e r espon sibilit y for t h eir ow n a ct ion s, t h eir ow n m ist a k es, t h eir per for m a n ce lev el, a n d fin a lly t h e r esu lt . W e w er e a ll in t h e r esu lt s in du st r y . Som et im es a sca bby w in w ou ld m ea n m or e t o u s t h a n a 6 –0 v ict or y w it h a g oa l

fea t u r in g 2 5 pa sses. T h e bot t om lin e w a s a lw a y s t h a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed h a d t o be v ict or iou s. T h a t w in n in g cu lt u r e cou ld be m a in t a in ed on ly if I t old a pla y er w h a t I t h ou g h t a bou t h is per for m a n ce in a clim a t e of h on est y . A n d y es, som et im es I w ou ld be for cefu l a n d a g g r essiv e. I w ou ld t ell a pla y er w h a t t h e clu b dem a n ded of t h em . I t ell y ou n g m a n a g er s n ow : don ’t seek con fr on t a t ion . Don ’t look for it , beca u se y ou ca n bet y ou r life it w ill com e y ou r w a y . If y ou seek a cla sh , t h e pla y er is pla ced in a cou n t er -a t t a ck in g r ole, w h ich g iv es h im a n a dv a n t a g e. W h en t h e for m er A ber deen , Un it ed a n d Scot la n d ca pt a in Ma r t in Bu ch a n w en t t o m a n a g e Bu r n ley , h e pu n ch ed t h e ca pt a in on t h e fir st Sa t u r da y . ‘T h a t w a s a g ood st a r t , Ma r t in ,’ I t old h im . He w a s a v er y pr in cipled g u y , Ma r t in Bu ch a n . In h is pla y in g da y s, h e m ov ed t o Oldh a m a n d w a s g iv en a £4 0 ,0 0 0 sig n in g -on fee, w h ich w a s a lot of m on ey ba ck t h en . St r u g g lin g for for m , h e h a n ded t h e £4 0 ,0 0 0 ba ck t o t h e boa r d. He cou ldn ’t br in g h im self t o k eep m on ey h e felt h e h a d n ot ea r n ed. Im a g in e t h a t h a ppen in g t oda y . In g en er a l, a cr oss m y ca r eer , people a lw a y s a ssu m ed I h a d ela bor a t e Ma ch ia v ellia n st r a t eg ies. In r ea lit y I didn ’t set ou t t o m a st er t h e da r k a r t s. I did t r y t h e odd t r ick . Sa y in g w e a lw a y s fin ish ed t h e ca m pa ig n a t a h ig h er g a llop a n d w it h h eig h t en ed r esolv e cou ld be cla ssified a s a m in d g a m e, a n d I w a s in t r ig u ed t o see Ca r lo A n celot t i, t h e Ch elsea m a n a g er , t w ig it , in t h e w in t er of 2 0 0 9 . T o pa r a ph r a se, h e sa id, ‘A lex is sa y in g Un it ed a r e st r on g er in t h e secon d h a lf of t h e sea son , bu t

w e a r e, t oo.’ I did it ev er y y ea r . ‘W a it t ill t h e secon d h a lf of t h e sea son ,’ I w ou ld sa y . A n d it a lw a y s w or k ed. It cr ept in t o t h e m in ds of ou r pla y er s a n d beca m e a n a g g in g fea r for t h e opposit ion . Secon d h a lf of t h e sea son , Un it ed w ou ld com e lik e a n in v a sion for ce, h ellfir e in t h eir ey es. It beca m e a self-fu lfillin g pr oph ecy . T a ppin g m y w a t ch w a s a n ot h er psy ch olog ica l ploy . I didn ’t k eep t r a ck of t h e t im e in g a m es. I k ept a loose ey e on it bu t it w a s t oo h a r d t o w or k ou t h ow lon g m ig h t be a dded for a st oppa g e t o h a v e a n a ccu r a t e sen se of w h en t h e g a m e sh ou ld en d. Her e’s t h e k ey : it w a s t h e effect it h a d on t h e ot h er t ea m , n ot ou r s, t h a t cou n t ed. Seein g m e t a p m y w a t ch a n d g est icu la t e, t h e opposit ion w ou ld be spook ed. T h ey w ou ld im m edia t ely t h in k a n ot h er 1 0 m in u t es w er e g oin g t o be a dded. Ev er y on e k n ew Un it ed h a d a k n a ck of scor in g la t e g oa ls. Seein g m e poin t t o m y t im epiece, ou r oppon en t s w ou ld feel t h ey w ou ld h a v e t o defen d a g a in st u s t h r ou g h a spell of t im e t h a t w ou ld feel, t o t h em , lik e in fin it y . T h ey w ou ld feel besieg ed. T h ey k n ew w e n ev er g a v e u p a n d t h ey k n ew w e specia lised in la t e dr a m a . Cliv e T y ldesley sa id it , in h is IT V com m en t a r y on t h e 1 9 9 9 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l, a t t h e beg in n in g of st oppa g e t im e: ‘Un it ed a lw a y s scor e’, w h ich w a s com pa r a ble t o Ken n et h W olst en h olm e in t h e 1 9 6 6 W or ld Cu p fin a l. T h a t ’s a m in d g a m e. T h er e is a psy ch olog ica l dim en sion a lso t o h a n dlin g in div idu a l pla y er s. W it h er r a n t beh a v iou r it h elps t o look for a m om en t t h r ou g h t h eir ey es. Y ou w er e y ou n g on ce, so pu t y ou r self in t h eir posit ion . Y ou do

som et h in g w r on g , y ou ’r e w a it in g t o be pu n ish ed. ‘W h a t ’s h e g oin g t o sa y ?’ y ou t h in k . Or , ‘W h a t ’s m y da d g oin g t o sa y ?’ T h e a im is t o m a k e t h e big g est possible im pa ct . W h a t w ou ld h a v e m a de t h e deepest im pr in t on m e a t t h a t st a g e of life? A m a n a g er ’s a dv a n t a g e is t h a t h e k n ow s t h e pla y er w a n t s t o pla y . Fu n da m en t a lly , t h ey a ll w a n t t o be ou t t h er e on t h e pa r k . So w h en y ou depr iv e t h em of t h a t plea su r e y ou ’r e t a k in g a w a y t h eir life. It becom es t h e u lt im a t e t ool. T h is is t h e g r ea t est lev er of pow er a t y ou r disposa l. W it h t h e in ciden t w it h Fr a n k McGa r v ey a t St Mir r en , I w a s con sist en t in t ellin g h im , ‘Y ou ’r e n ev er g oin g t o pla y a g a in .’ He believ ed t h a t . For t h r ee w eek s h e believ ed it . He fin ish ed u p beg g in g m e for a n ot h er ch a n ce. In h is m in d w a s t h e idea t h a t a ll t h e pow er w a s on m y side. Fr eedom of con t r a ct w a sn ’t a r ea lit y t h en . People t a lk ed n on -st op a bou t m y m in d g a m es. Ev er y t im e I m a de a pu blic u t t er a n ce, a sw a r m of a n a ly st s w ou ld look for t h e h idden m ea n in g , w h en 9 8 per cen t of t h e t im e t h er e w a s n on e. Bu t psy ch olog ica l pr essu r e h a s it s pla ce. Ev en su per st it ion s, beca u se ev er y on e h a s on e. A w om a n sa id t o m e a t Ha y dock r a ces on e da y in 2 0 1 0 : ‘I see y ou on t h e t elev ision a n d y ou ’r e so ser iou s, y et h er e y ou a r e la u g h in g a n d en joy in g y ou r self.’ I t old h er , ‘W ell, do y ou n ot w a n t m e t o be ser iou s a t w or k ? My job is a bou t con cen t r a t ion . Ev er y t h in g t h a t g oes on in m y br a in h a s t o be ben eficia l t o t h e pla y er s. I ca n n ot m a k e m ist a k es. I don ’t t a k e n ot es, I don ’t r ely on v ideo ev iden ce, a n d I h a v e t o be r ig h t . It ’s a ser iou s

bu sin ess a n d I don ’t w a n t t o be m a k in g m ist a k es.’ I m a de plen t y , of cou r se. In a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l a g a in st Bor u ssia Dor t m u n d, I w a s con v in ced Pet er Sch m eich el h a d m a de a n er r or . Bu t a t t h a t t im e I w a sn ’t w ea r in g m y spect a cles a t g a m es. Pet er sa id: ‘It t ook a deflect ion .’ ‘Deflect ion , m y a r se,’ I sh ou t ed. ‘No deflect ion .’ W h en I sa w t h e r epla y la t er , I cou ld see t h e ba ll h a d m a de a v iolen t ch a n g e in dir ect ion . So I st a r t ed w ea r in g m y g la sses t o g a m es. I cou ldn ’t a ffor d t o m a k e m ist a k es lik e t h a t , t o em ba r r a ss m y self. If y ou a sk a defen der , ‘W h y did y ou t r y t o pla y h im offside?’ a n d h is r eply is, ‘I didn ’t t r y t o pla y h im offside,’ y ou n eed t o k n ow y ou ’r e cor r ect in y ou r a sser t ion . It m a k es n o sen se t o offer pla y er s a n ea sy ch a n ce t o t ell t h em selv es, ‘T h e m a n a g er ’s lost it .’ If t h ey lose fa it h in y ou r k n ow ledg e, t h ey lose fa it h in y ou . T h a t g r a sp of t h e fa ct s m u st be k ept a t a h ig h lev el, for a ll t im e. Y ou h a v e t o be a ccu r a t e in w h a t y ou sa y t o t h e pla y er s. T r y in g t o be r ig h t cou ld be fu n , t oo. It w a sn ’t a ll a qu est for t h e t r u t h . A g a m e w e w ou ld pla y w a s t r y in g t o g u ess t h e opposit ion ’s st a r t in g X I. On e n ig h t I m a de m y u su a l con fiden t pr edict ion a bou t w h o w ou ld pla y . W h en t h e t ea m ca m e u n der t h e door , for a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g a m e, Ren é a n n ou n ced, ‘Boss, t h ey ’v e m a de six ch a n g es.’ I fr oze, t h en sa w m y oppor t u n it y . In dig n a t ion w ou ld g et m e ou t of t h is h ole. ‘See t h is?’ I ba r k ed a t t h e pla y er s. ‘T h ey ’r e t a k in g t h e piss ou t of u s. T h ey t h in k t h ey ca n com e h er e w it h t h eir r eser v e t ea m !’

A n ea r ly ex per ien ce w a s pla y in g Cov en t r y in t h e FA Cu p, a t Old T r a ffor d, a ft er w e h a d k n ock ed Ma n Cit y ou t in t h e t h ir d r ou n d. T h e w eek befor e, I h a d been t o w a t ch Cov en t r y pla y Sh effield W edn esda y . Y ou w ou ldn ’t believ e h ow ba d Cov en t r y w er e. A r ch ie Kn ox a n d I dr ov e h om e w it h ou t a ca r e. Gu ess w h a t ? Cov en t r y w er e br illia n t a g a in st u s a t Old T r a ffor d. T ea m s w h o ca m e t o ou r g r ou n d oft en beca m e a differ en t species. Differ en t t a ct ics, differ en t m ot iv a t ion ; ev er y t h in g . Fr om t h ose ea r ly lesson s, I lea r n ed a lw a y s t o pr epa r e in h om e g a m es for t h e opposit ion ’s best t ea m , best t a ct ics, best per for m a n ce, a n d m a k e su r e t h ey w er e n ot in t h e g a m e. T h e bet t er t ea m s w ou ld a lw a y s com e t o Old T r a ffor d look in g t o g iv e u s a fr ig h t . A r sen a l, especia lly ; Ch elsea , t o a n ex t en t , a n d oft en Liv er pool. Cit y , w h en t h e Sh eik h Ma n sou r er a st a r t ed, w ou ld a lso a r r iv e w it h n ot icea bly en h a n ced a m bit ion . Clu bs m a n a g ed by ex Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er s w ou ld a lso be bold. St ev e Br u ce’s Su n der la n d, for ex a m ple, w er e n ot sh y on ou r t u r f. My lon g ev it y r en der ed m e im m u n e in t h e en d t o t h e n or m a l w h isper in g a n d specu la t ion t h a t w ou ld en v elop ot h er m a n a g er s a ft er t h r ee defea t s in a r ow . My su ccess in su la t ed m e a g a in st t h e m edia ca llin g for a n ex ecu t ion . Y ou sa w t h a t w it h ot h er clu bs bu t n ot w it h m e. T h a t g a v e m e st r en g t h in t h e dr essin g r oom . T h ose ben efit s t r a n sfer r ed t h em selv es t o t h e pla y er s. T h e m a n a g er w ou ld n ot be lea v in g so n or w ou ld t h e pla y er s. T h e coa ch es a n d t h e ba ck r oom st a ff w ou ld n ot be lea v in g beca u se t h e m a n a g er w a s st a y in g . St a bilit y . Con t in u it y . Ra r e, in t h e m oder n g a m e. In a

ba d r u n w e didn ’t pa n ic. W e didn ’t lik e it , bu t w e didn ’t pa n ic. I lik e t o t h in k , a lso, t h a t w e w er e con sciou s of t h e spir it of t h e g a m e. Joh a n Cr u y ff sa id t o m e on e n ig h t ba ck in t h e 1 9 9 0 s, ‘Y ou ’ll n ev er w in t h e Eu r opea n Cu p.’ ‘W h y ?’ ‘Y ou don ’t ch ea t a n d y ou don ’t bu y r efer ees,’ h e sa id. I t old h im : ‘W ell if t h a t ’s t o be m y epit a ph , I’ll t a k e it .’ A cer t a in t ou g h n ess is r equ ir ed in pr ofession a l foot ba ll a n d I lea r n ed t h a t ea r ly on . T a k e Da v e Ma ck a y – I pla y ed a g a in st h im a t 1 6 y ea r s old. A t t h e t im e I w a s w it h Qu een ’s Pa r k a n d pla y in g in t h e r eser v es. Da v e w a s com in g ba ck fr om a br ok en t oe a n d w a s t u r n in g ou t for t h e r eser v es a t Hea r t s, w h o h a d a g r ea t t ea m du r in g t h ose y ea r s. I w a s in side-for w a r d a n d h e w a s r ig h t -h a lf. I look ed a t h im , w it h h is big , bu ll-lik e ch est , st r et ch in g . T h e fir st ba ll ca m e t o m e a n d h e w a s r ig h t t h r ou g h m e. In a r eser v e g a m e. I t h ou g h t : ‘I’m n ot g oin g t o t a k e t h is.’ T h e n ex t t im e w e ca m e t og et h er I w ir ed r ig h t in t o h im . Da v e look ed a t m e coldly a n d sa id, ‘Do y ou w a n t t o la st t h is g a m e?’ ‘Y ou boot ed m e t h er e,’ I st a m m er ed. ‘I t a ck led y ou ,’ sa id Da v e. ‘If I boot y ou , y ou ’ll k n ow a ll a bou t it .’

I w a s t er r ified of h im a ft er t h a t . A n d I w a sn ’t a fr a id of a n y on e. He h a d t h is in cr edible a u r a a bou t h im . Fa bu lou s pla y er . I h a v e t h e pict u r e in m y office of h im g r a bbin g Billy Br em n er . I t ook a r isk on e da y a n d a sk ed h im , ch eek ily , ‘Did y ou a ct u a lly w in t h a t fig h t ?’ I w a s t h er e a t Ha m pden Pa r k w h en t h ey pick ed t h e best Scot t ish t ea m of a ll t im e a n d Da v e’s n a m e w a s a bsen t . Ev er y on e w a s em ba r r a ssed. I cou ld cr it icise m y t ea m pu blicly , bu t I cou ld n ev er ca st ig a t e a n in div idu a l a ft er t h e g a m e t o t h e m edia . T h e su ppor t er s w er e en t it led t o k n ow w h en I w a s u n h a ppy w it h a per for m a n ce. Bu t n ot a n in div idu a l. It a ll w en t ba ck t o Jock St ein ; I w ou ld qu est ion h im a ll t h e t im e a bou t ev er y t h in g . A t Celt ic h e w a s a lw a y s so h u m ble. It a lm ost beca m e a n n oy in g . W h en I w a s qu izzin g h im a bou t Jim m y Joh n st on e or Bobby Mu r doch , I’d ex pect h im t o t a k e cr edit for h is t ea m select ion or t a ct ics, bu t Jock w ou ld ju st sa y , ‘Oh , w ee Jim m y w a s in su ch g r ea t for m t oda y .’ He w ou ld n ev er pr a ise h im self. I w a n t ed h im t o a n n ou n ce, ju st on ce: ‘W ell, I decided t o pla y 4 –3 –3 t oda y a n d it w or k ed.’ Bu t h e w a s ju st t oo h u m ble t o do it . Jock m issed a Celt ic t r ip t o A m er ica a ft er a ca r cr a sh a n d Sea n Fa llon h a d sen t t h r ee pla y er s h om e for m isbeh a v in g . ‘No, I w ou ldn ’t h a v e don e t h a t , a n d I t old Sea n so,’ Jock t old m e w h en I pr essed h im t o t ell m e h ow h e w ou ld h a v e dea lt w it h it . ‘W h en y ou do t h a t y ou m a k e a lot of en em ies,’ h e sa id. ‘Bu t t h e su ppor t er s w ou ld u n der st a n d,’ I a r g u ed. ‘For g et t h e su ppor t er s,’ Jock sa id. ‘T h ose pla y er s h a v e m ot h er s. Do y ou t h in k a n y m ot h er t h in k s t h eir boy is

ba d? T h eir w iv es, t h eir br ot h er s, t h eir fa t h er , t h eir pa ls: y ou a lien a t e t h em .’ He a dded, ‘Resolv e t h e dispu t e in t h e office.’ Som et im es ice w or k s a s w ell a s fir e. W h en Na n i w a s sen t off in a g a m e a t V illa Pa r k in 2 0 1 0 , I didn ’t sa y a w or d t o h im . I let h im su ffer . He k ept look in g a t m e for a cr u m b of com for t . I k n ow h e didn ’t t r y t o do w h a t h e did. A sk ed a bou t it on T V , I ca lled it ‘n a iv e’. I sa id h e w a sn ’t a m a liciou s pla y er bu t t h a t it w a s a t w o-foot ed t a ck le a n d h e h a d t o g o. St r a ig h t for w a r d. T h er e w a s n o la st in g da m a g e. I m er ely sa id h e h a d m a de a m ist a k e in a t a ck le, a s w e a ll h a v e, beca u se it ’s a n em ot ion a l g a m e. People a ssu m ed I w a s a lw a y s w a g in g psy ch olog ica l w a r a g a in st A r sèn e W en g er , a lw a y s t r y in g t o ca u se det on a t ion s in h is br a in . I don ’t t h in k I set ou t t o pr ov ok e h im . Bu t som et im es I did u se m in d g a m es in t h e sen se t h a t I w ou ld pla n t sm a ll in fer en ces, k n ow in g t h a t t h e pr ess w ou ld see t h em a s psy ch olog ica l for a y s. I r em em ber Br ia n Lit t le, w h o w a s t h en m a n a g in g A st on V illa , ca llin g m e a bou t a r em a r k I h a d m a de befor e w e pla y ed t h em . ‘W h a t did y ou m ea n by t h a t ?’ h e a sk ed. ‘Not h in g ,’ I sa id. I w a s ba ffled. ‘I t h ou g h t y ou w er e u p t o y ou r m in d g a m es a g a in ,’ Br ia n sa id. W h en h e pu t t h e ph on e dow n , a ppa r en t ly , Br ia n cou ldn ’t st op t h in k in g : ‘W h a t ’s h e u p t o? W h a t w a s h e t r y in g t o sa y ?’ T h ou g h it ser v ed m e w ell t o be u n n er v in g r iv a l t ea m s, qu it e oft en I u n set t led oppon en t s w it h ou t ev en

m ea n in g t o, or r ea lisin g t h a t I h a d.

nineteen

BARCELONA w er e t h e best

t ea m ev er t o lin e u p a g a in st m y Ma n ch est er Un it ed sides. Ea sily t h e best . T h ey br ou g h t t h e r ig h t m en t a lit y t o t h e con t est . W e h a d m idfield pla y er s in ou r cou n t r y – Pa t r ick V ieir a , Roy Kea n e, Br y a n Robson – w h o w er e st r on g m en , w a r r ior s; w in n er s. A t Ba r celon a t h ey h a d t h ese w on der fu l m it es, 5 feet 6 in ch es t a ll, w it h t h e cou r a g e of lion s, t o t a k e t h e ba ll a ll t h e t im e a n d n ev er a llow t h em selv es t o be bu llied. T h e a ccom plish m en t s of Lion el Messi, X a v i a n d A n dr és In iest a w er e a m a zin g t o m e. T h e Ba r celon a side t h a t bea t u s a t W em bley in t h e 2 0 1 1 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l w er e su per ior t o t h e t ea m t h a t con qu er ed u s in Rom e t w o y ea r s ea r lier . T h e 2 0 1 1 bu n ch w er e a t t h e h eig h t of t h eir pow er s a n d br ou g h t t r em en dou s m a t u r it y t o t h e job. In bot h in st a n ces I h a d t o w r est le w it h t h e k n ow ledg e t h a t w e

w er e a r ea lly g ood t ea m bu t h a d en cou n t er ed on e t h a t h a d h a n dled t h ose t w o fin a ls bet t er t h a n u s. I w ish w e cou ld h a v e pla y ed t h e Rom e fin a l a g a in t h e n ex t da y . T h e v er y n ex t da y . T h er e w a s a w on der fu l a t m osph er e in Rom e’s St a dio Olim pico, on a bea u t ifu l n ig h t , a n d it w a s m y fir st defea t in a Eu r opea n fin a l, in fiv e ou t in g s. T o collect a r u n n er s-u p m eda l is a pa in fu l a ct w h en y ou k n ow y ou cou ld h a v e per for m ed m u ch bet t er . Br a v er y w a s a pr er equ isit e for con fr on t in g t h ose Ba r celon a sides. T h ey w er e t h e t ea m of t h eir g en er a t ion , ju st a s Rea l Ma dr id w er e t h e t ea m of t h eir s in t h e 1 9 5 0 s a n d 1 9 6 0 s, a n d A C Mila n w er e in t h e ea r ly 1 9 9 0 s. T h e g r ou p of w or ld-bea t er s w h o for m ed a r ou n d Messi w er e for m ida ble. I felt n o en v y t ow a r ds t h ese g r ea t sides. Reg r et s, y es, w h en w e lost t o t h em , bu t jea lou sy , n o. In ea ch of t h ose t w o Eu r opea n Cu p fin a ls, w e m ig h t h a v e been closer t o Spa in ’s fin est by pla y in g m or e defen siv ely , bu t by t h en I h a d r ea ch ed t h e st a g e w it h Ma n ch est er Un it ed w h er e it w a s n o g ood u s t r y in g t o w in t h a t w a y . I u sed t h ose t a ct ics t o bea t Ba r celon a in t h e 2 0 0 8 sem i-fin a l: defen ded r ea lly deep; pu t m y self t h r ou g h t or t u r e, pu t t h e fa n s t h r ou g h h ell. I w a n t ed a m or e posit iv e ou t look a g a in st t h em su bsequ en t ly , a n d w e w er e bea t en pa r t ly beca u se of t h a t ch a n g e in em ph a sis. If w e h a d r et r ea t ed t o ou r box a n d k ept t h e defen din g t ig h t , w e m ig h t h a v e a ch iev ed t h e r esu lt s w e cr a v ed. I’m n ot bla m in g m y self; I ju st w ish ou r posit iv e a ppr oa ch cou ld h a v e pr odu ced bet t er ou t com es.

Bea t in g u s in Rom e a cceler a t ed Ba r celon a ’s dev elopm en t in t o t h e dom in a n t t ea m of t h eir er a . It dr ov e t h em on . A sin g le v ict or y ca n h a v e t h a t ca t a ly t ic effect . It w a s t h eir secon d Ch a m pion s Lea g u e w in in fou r sea son s a n d Pep Gu a r diola ’s t ea m w er e t h e fir st Spa n ish side t o w in t h e Lea g u e, Copa del Rey a n d Ch a m pion s Lea g u e in t h e sa m e ca m pa ig n . W e w er e t h e r eig n in g Eu r opea n ch a m pion s bu t w er e u n a ble t o becom e t h e fir st in t h e h ist or y of t h e m oder n com pet it ion t o defen d t h a t t it le. Y et w e sh ou ldn ’t h a v e lost t h a t g a m e in t h e Et er n a l Cit y . T h er e w a s a w a y t o pla y a g a in st Ba r celon a , a s w e pr ov ed t h e y ea r befor e. T h er e is a w a y t o st op t h em , ev en Messi. W h a t w e did, 1 2 m on t h s pr ev iou sly in t h e a w a y leg , w a s t o deploy T év ez off t h e fr on t a n d Ron a ldo a t cen t r e-for w a r d, so w e cou ld h a v e t w o a r ea s of a t t a ck . W e h a d t h e pen et r a t ion of Ron a ldo a n d T év ez t o h elp u s g et h old of t h e ba ll. W e st ill fou n d it h a r d, of cou r se, beca u se Ba r celon a m on opolised possession for su ch lon g per iods a n d in t h ose cir cu m st a n ces y ou r ow n pla y er s t en d t o lose in t er est . T h ey st a r t w a t ch in g t h e g a m e: t h ey a r e dr a w n in t o w a t ch in g t h e ba ll w ea v e it s pa t t er n s. Ou r idea w a s t h a t w h en w e h a d a n y sem bla n ce of possession , Ron a ldo w ou ld g o look in g for spa ce a n d T év ez w ou ld com e sh or t t o g et on t h e ba ll. Bu t t h ey w er e bu sy spect a t in g . I m a de t h a t poin t t o t h em a t h a lf-t im e. ‘Y ou ’r e w a t ch in g t h e g a m e,’ I sa id. ‘W e’r e n ot cou n t er -a t t a ck in g a t a ll.’ Ou r m et h od w a s n ot t h a t of In t er Mila n ; t h ey defen ded deep a n d pla y ed on t h e cou n t er -a t t a ck t h r ou g h ou t . W e w er e in a t t a ck m ode in

t h e secon d h a lf. A m a jor in h ibit in g fa ct or in Rom e, I w ill n ow sa y , w a s t h e ch oice of h ot el. It w a s a sh a m bles. For m ea ls w e w er e in a r oom w it h n o lig h t ; t h e food w a s la t e, it w a s cold. I t ook a ch ef t h er e a n d t h ey dism issed h im , ig n or ed h im . On t h e m or n in g of t h e g a m e, t w o or t h r ee of ou r t ea m w er e feelin g a bit seedy , pa r t icu la r ly Gig g s. A few w er e feelin g u n der t h e w ea t h er a n d on e or t w o pla y ed t h a t w a y . T h e r ole Gig g s w a s a ssig n ed ca m e w it h a h ig h w or k loa d t h a t w a s in com pa t ible w it h t h e slig h t bu g in h is sy st em . It w a s t oo big a t a sk for h im t o oper a t e on t op of Ser g io Bu squ et s, Ba r celon a ’s defen siv e m idfielder , a n d t h en a dv a n ce a s a st r ik er a n d com e ba ck in t o cov er a g a in . Y ou w ou ld n ev er t h in k a bou t cr it icisin g Ry a n Gig g s, n ot in a n y sh a pe or for m , a ft er w h a t h e a ch iev ed a t ou r clu b. It w a s ju st a pit y h e w a s below h is n or m a l en er g y lev el t h a t n ig h t in Rom e. W e st a r t ed t h e g a m e r ea lly w ell, h ow ev er , w it h Ron a ldo t h r ea t en in g t h e Ba r celon a defen ce t h r ee t im es: fir st , fr om a dippin g fr ee k ick , t h en t w o sh ot s fr om dist a n ce, w h ich h ea ped pr essu r e on V ict or V a ldés, t h eir g oa lk eeper . Bu t t en m in u t es in , w e con ceded a r ea lly a w fu l g oa l on a ccou n t of ou r m idfield’s fa ilu r e t o r et r ea t in t im e t o st op In iest a m a k in g a pa ss t o Sa m u el Et o’o. Et o’o st r u ck t h e sh ot a n d Edw in v a n der Sa r didn ’t qu it e dea l w it h it a s t h e ba ll slipped in side t h e n ea r post . Ba r celon a beg a n w it h Messi w ide r ig h t , Et o’o t h r ou g h t h e m iddle a n d T h ier r y Hen r y w ide left . Ju st pr ior t o t h e g oa l, t h ey pu sh ed Et o’o w ider r ig h t a n d Messi in t o

m idfield, a s a deep cen t r a l st r ik er . T h ey ch a n g ed Et o’o t o t h e r ig h t -h a n d side beca u se Ev r a h a d been br ea k in g a w a y fr om Messi, ea r ly on . Ev r a w a s r a cin g for w a r d per sist en t ly a n d t h ey ch a n g ed t h eir sh a pe t o st op h im . A ft er w a r ds Gu a r diola a ck n ow ledg ed t h a t poin t . Messi h a d been m ov ed t o sa v e h im fr om h a v in g t o dea l w it h Ev r a . By m a k in g t h a t a lt er a t ion , Ba r celon a cr ea t ed a posit ion for Messi h e en joy s, in t h e cen t r e of t h e pa r k . T h a t ’s w h er e h e pla y ed fr om t h en on , in t h a t h ole, w h ich m a de life h a r d for t h e ba ck fou r beca u se t h ey w er e u n su r e w h et h er t o pu sh in a g a in st h im or st a y ba ck a n d pla y sa fe. A ft er Et o’o’s g oa l, a n d w it h Messi cen t r a l, Ba r celon a h a d a n ex t r a m a n in m idfield. In iest a a n d X a v i ju st w en t boom p-boom p-boom p, k ept possession a ll n ig h t . T h ey w er e su per ior t o u s a t ba ll-cir cu la t ion . I w on ’t w a st e t im e con t est in g t h a t fa ct . Con cedin g t h e ba ll t o Gu a r diola ’s m en ca m e a t a n a w fu l pr ice beca u se t h eir n u m er ica l su per ior it y in m idfield r edu ced y ou t o a spect a t in g r ole a g a in . T o cou n t er a ct t h eir pa ssin g g a m e, I sen t on T év ez for A n der son a t h a lf-t im e a n d w a t ch ed h im m iss a fin e ch a n ce w h en h e w en t r ou n d a defen der bu t decided t o bea t h im a secon d t im e, pu llin g t h e ba ll ba ck in a n d losin g it . Ba r celon a ’s clin ch in g g oa l ca m e a n h ou r a ft er t h eir fir st : a h ea der , u n u su a lly , by Messi, fr om a cr oss by X a v i. La t er I discu ssed Ba r celon a ’s ev olu t ion w it h Lou is v a n Ga a l, t h eir for m er Du t ch coa ch . T h e ba sis of t h eir ph ilosoph y w a s la id dow n by Joh a n Cr u y ff, a t er r ific

coa ch w h o con ceiv ed t h eir idea s a bou t w idt h a n d ba llcir cu la t ion , a lw a y s w it h a n ex t r a m a n in m idfield. A ft er Bobby Robson , t h ey w en t ba ck t o t h e Du t ch w a y , w it h V a n Ga a l a n d Fr a n k Rijk a a r d. W h a t Gu a r diola a dded w a s a m et h od of pr essin g t h e ba ll. Un der Pep t h ey h a d t h is t h r ee-secon d dr ill, a ppa r en t ly , w h er e t h e defen din g t ea m w ou ld be a llow ed n o m or e t h a n t h r ee secon ds on t h e ba ll. A ft er t h e w in in Rom e, Gu a r diola sa id: ‘W e’r e for t u n a t e t o h a v e t h e leg a cy of Joh a n Cr u y ff a n d Ch a r ly Rex a ch . T h ey w er e t h e fa t h er s a n d w e’v e follow ed t h em .’ W h a t I cou ld n ev er qu it e u n der st a n d is h ow t h eir pla y er s w er e a ble t o pla y t h a t n u m ber of g a m es. T h ey fielded a lm ost t h e sa m e side ev er y t im e. Su ccess is oft en cy clica l, w it h doldr u m s. Ba r celon a em er g ed fr om t h eir s a n d w en t in h ot pu r su it of Rea l Ma dr id. I don ’t lik e a dm it t in g , w e w er e bea t en by a g r ea t t ea m , beca u se w e n ev er w a n t ed t o sa y t h ose w or ds. T h e big g est con cession w e ev er w a n t ed t o m a k e w a s: t w o g r ea t t ea m s con t est ed t h is fin a l, bu t w e ju st m issed ou t . Ou r a im w a s t o a t t a in t h a t lev el w h er e people sa id w e w er e a lw a y s on a pa r w it h Eu r ope’s best . T o bea t Ba r celon a in t h a t cy cle y ou n eeded cen t r eba ck s w h o cou ld be r ea lly posit iv e. Rio a n d V idić w er e a t a n a g e w h er e t h eir pr efer en ce w a s t o defen d t h e spa ce. Not h in g w r on g w it h t h a t . Qu it e cor r ect . Bu t a g a in st Ba r celon a it ’s a lim it ed a ppr oa ch . Y ou n eed cen t r e-ba ck s w h o a r e pr epa r ed t o dr op r ig h t on t op of Messi a n d n ot w or r y a bou t w h a t is h a ppen in g beh in d t h em . OK, h e’ll dr ift a w a y t o t h e side. T h a t ’s fin e. He’s

less of a t h r ea t on t h e side t h a n h e is t h r ou g h t h e cen t r e. T h ey h a d fou r w or ld-cla ss pla y er s: Piqu é, t h e t w o cen t r e-m idfield pla y er s a n d Messi. Piqu é w a s w it h ou t dou bt t h e m ost u n der r a t ed pla y er in t h eir t ea m . He is a g r ea t pla y er . W e k n ew t h a t w h en h e w a s a y ou n g st er pla y er w it h u s. A t a Eu r opea n con fer en ce, Gu a r diola t old m e h e w a s t h e best sig n in g t h ey h a d m a de. He cr ea t ed t h e t em po, t h e a ccu r a cy , t h e con fiden ce a n d t h e pen et r a t ion fr om t h a t deep posit ion . T h a t ’s w h a t w e t r ied t o n u llify by sh ov in g ou r st r ik er s on t op of t h em a n d bein g fir st t o t h e ba ll or for cin g t h em t o offloa d it . For t h e fir st 2 0 or 3 0 m in u t es it w or k ed r ea lly w ell, bu t t h en t h ey scor e. T h ey w r ig g le ou t . T h ey h a d t h is w on der fu l t a len t for esca polog y . Y ou pu t t h e ba it in t h e r iv er a n d a fish g oes for it . Som et im es it doesn ’t , t h ou g h . X a v i w ou ld pa ss t h e ba ll t o In iest a a t a pa ce t h a t en cou r a g ed y ou t o t h in k y ou w er e g oin g t o w in it . A n d y ou w er e n ot g oin g t o w in it , beca u se t h ey w er e a w a y fr om y ou . T h e pa ce of t h e pa ss, t h e w eig h t of t h e pa ss, a n d t h e a n g le, ju st dr ew y ou in t o t er r it or y y ou sh ou ldn ’t h a v e been in . T h ey w er e br illia n t a t t h a t for m of decept ion . T h e Pr em ier Lea g u e desper a t ely w a n t a m or e len ien t policy on w or k per m it s. T h er e w ou ld be a da n g er in su ch a la issez-fa ir e a ppr oa ch . Y ou cou ld flood t h e g a m e w it h ba d pla y er s. Bu t t h e big clu bs sh ou ld be g r a n t ed t h a t fr eedom , beca u se t h ey h a v e t h e a bilit y t o scou t t h e best pla y er s. T h a t ’s a bit elit ist , I k n ow , bu t if y ou w a n t t o w in in Eu r ope, on e w a y r ou n d it is t o ch a n g e t h e w or k per m it st a t u s in fa v ou r of t h e clu bs. In t h e EU

w e cou ld t a k e pla y er s a t 1 6 . T w o y ea r s la t er , ou r clu bs con v er g ed on t h e fin a l a g a in , t h is t im e a t W em bley . W e h a d t h e sa m e in t en t ion a s in Rom e, st a r t ed w ell, a n d w er e t h en ju st ov er r u n in t h e m iddle of t h e pit ch in a 3 –1 defea t . W e st a r t ed w it h Edw in v a n der Sa r in g oa l, Fa bio, Fer din a n d, V idić a n d Ev r a a cr oss t h e ba ck , Gig g s, Pa r k , Ca r r ick a n d V a len cia in m idfield a n d Roon ey a n d Her n á n dez u p fr on t . W e didn ’t h a n dle Messi. Ou r cen t r e-ba ck s w er en ’t m ov in g for w a r d on t o t h e ba ll. T h ey w er e w a n t in g t o sit ba ck . Y et t h e pr epa r a t ion for t h a t g a m e w a s t h e best I h a v e seen . For 1 0 da y s w e pr a ct ised for it on t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d. Y ou k n ow t h e pr oblem ? Som et im es pla y er s pla y t h e occa sion , n ot t h e g a m e. W a y n e Roon ey , for ex a m ple, w a s disa ppoin t in g . Ou r t a ct ic w a s for h im t o r a id in t o t h e spa ces beh in d t h e fu ll-ba ck s a n d for Her n á n dez t o st r et ch t h em ba ck , w h ich h e did, bu t w e fa iled t o pen et r a t e t h ose spa ces beh in d t h e fu llba ck s. For som e r ea son , A n t on io V a len cia fr oze on t h e n ig h t . He w a s n er v ou s a s h ell. I don ’t m ea n t o be ov er cr it ica l. W e n ev er r ea lly a t t a ck ed t h eir left -ba ck , w h o h a d ju st com e ba ck fr om a n illn ess a n d h a dn ’t pla y ed a lot of g a m es. W e t h ou g h t t h a t w ou ld be a big plu s poin t for u s – eit h er h im or Pu y ol pla y in g t h er e. V a len cia ’s for m lea din g u p t o t h e fin a l h a d been ex cellen t . He t or t u r ed A sh ley Cole t w o or t h r ee w eek s befor e W em bley a n d h a d t w ist ed t h e blood of t h e fu ll-ba ck a t Sch a lk e. Y ou m ig h t be bet t er g oin g ba ck t o y ou r box a g a in st Ba r celon a , bu t w e sh ou ld h a v e been bet t er a t pu sh in g

on t op of Messi. Mich a el Ca r r ick w a s below h is best t oo. T h e fir st n ew sfla sh t h a t n ig h t w a s t h a t I h a d left Dim it a r Ber ba t ov ou t of t h e m a t ch -da y squ a d. In st ea d, Mich a el Ow en t ook t h e st r ik er ’s sea t on t h e ben ch . He obv iou sly t ook it ba dly a n d I felt r ot t en . W em bley h a s a coa ch ’s r oom , n ice a n d pr iv a t e, w h er e I ex pla in ed t h e r ea son s for m y decision . Dim it a r h a d g on e off t h e boil a bit a n d w a sn ’t a lw a y s t h e idea l su bst it u t e. I t old h im : ‘If w e’r e g oin g for a g oa l in t h e la st m in u t e, in t h e pen a lt y box , Mich a el Ow en h a s been v er y fr esh .’ It pr oba bly w a sn ’t fa ir bu t I h a d t o t a k e t h ose decision s a n d ba ck m y self t o be r ig h t . I sig n ed Ber ba t ov in t h e su m m er of 2 0 0 8 beca u se h e h a d t h a t lov ely ba la n ce a n d com posu r e in t h e a t t a ck in g a r ea s. I t h ou g h t it w ou ld ba la n ce ou t t h e ot h er pla y er s I h a d in t h e t ea m , bu t by doin g so I cr ea t ed a n im pa sse w it h T év ez, w h o w a sn ’t h a v in g it . He w a s su b, pla y in g , t h en su b a g a in . In fa ir n ess t o T év ez, h e a lw a y s m a de a n im pa ct . He w ou ld g et a bou t t h e g a m e. Y et it defin it ely ca u sed t h a t block a g e a n d g a v e h is ca m p som et h in g t o ba r g a in w it h a t ot h er clu bs. Ber ba t ov w a s su r pr isin g ly la ck in g in self-a ssu r a n ce. He n ev er h a d t h e Ca n t on a or A n dy Cole pea cock qu a lit y , or t h e con fiden ce of T eddy Sh er in g h a m . Her n á n dez a lso h a d h ig h con fiden ce: h e w a s br ig h t a n d br eezy . Ber ba t ov w a s n ot sh or t of belief in h is a bilit y , bu t it w a s ba sed on h is w a y of pla y in g . Beca u se w e fu n ct ion ed a t a cer t a in speed, h e w a s n ot r ea lly t u n ed in t o it . He w a s n ot t h a t t y pe of qu ick -r eflex pla y er . He w a n t s t h e g a m e t o g o slow a n d t o w or k h is w a y in t o t h e

box in h is ow n t im e. Or h e’ll do som et h in g ou t side t h e a r ea a n d lin k t h e pla y . His a sset s w er e con sider a ble. A lt h ou g h w e h a d a few in qu ir ies for h im in t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 1 , I w a s n ot pr epa r ed t o let h im g o a t t h a t st a g e. W e h a d spen t £3 0 m illion on h im a n d I w a s n ot w illin g t o w r it e t h a t off ju st beca u se h e h a d m issed a few big g a m es t h e pr ev iou s sea son . W e m ig h t a s w ell k eep h im a n d u se h im . In t r a in in g h e pr a ct ised g et t in g t o t h e ba ll fa st er . Bu t w h en t h e pla y br ok e dow n h e w a s in clin ed t o w a lk . Y ou cou ldn ’t do t h a t a t ou r pla ce. W e h a d t o r eg r ou p qu ick ly or w e w ou ld be t oo open , w it h t oo m a n y pla y er s u p t h e pit ch . W e n eeded people t o r ea ct t o u s losin g t h e ba ll so t h e opposit ion w ou ld be u n der pr essu r e qu ick ly . Bu t h e w a s ca pa ble of g r ea t m om en t s. He a lso h a d a h u g e a ppet it e, of Nick y Bu t t pr opor t ion s. Hea d dow n a t m ea l-t im es, a n d som et im es w it h food t o t a k e h om e a s w ell. Ber ba t ov w ou ldn ’t h a v e fea t u r ed in t h e W em bley g a m e, ev en if h e h a d been on t h e ben ch . I h a d been for ced t o t a k e off Fá bio a n d sen d on Na n i, w h ich left m e w it h on ly t w o opt ion s. I w a n t ed t o g et Sch oles on beca u se I n eeded a n ex per ien ced pla y er t o or ch est r a t e ou r pa ssin g , so Pa u l ca m e on for Ca r r ick . W e h a d t a lk ed a bou t Sch olesy ’s r et ir em en t for m a n y m on t h s a n d I h a d t r ied t o t a lk h im r ou n d, t o en t ice h im w it h on e m or e sea son , bu t h is v iew w a s t h a t 2 5 g a m es a sea son w er e n ot en ou g h . He a lso a dm it t ed h is leg s t en ded t o be em pt y in t h e la st 2 5 –3 0 m in u t es. He h a d su r v iv ed t w o k n ee oper a t ion s a n d a n ey e pr oblem t h a t h a d k ept h im ou t for m on t h s a t a t im e, y et h e w a s st ill pla y in g a t t h a t h ig h lev el. Ph en om en a l.

T h e g oa l h e scor ed a t h is t est im on ia l t h a t su m m er w a s a bea u t y . He g a v e Br a d Fr iedel in g oa l n o h ope. It w a s a r ock et . Er ic Ca n t on a , t h e v isit in g m a n a g er , w a s a ppla u din g . On T a lk spor t la t er I h ea r d a pr esen t er sa y Pa u l w a sn ’t in t h e t op fou r of m oder n En g lish pla y er s. His a sser t ion w a s t h a t Ga scoig n e, La m pa r d a n d Ger r a r d w er e a ll bet t er pla y er s. A bsolu t e n on sen se. A ft er ou r secon d Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l defea t t o Ba r celon a , I h a d t o a sk : w h a t is t h e pr oblem h er e? Fa ct No. 1 is t h a t som e of ou r pla y er s fell below t h e lev el t h ey w er e ca pa ble of. A con t r ibu t in g fa ct or m ig h t h a v e been t h a t w e w er e a ccu st om ed t o h a v in g m ost of t h e possession in g a m es. W h en t h a t a dv a n t a g e t r a n sfer r ed it self t o t h e opposit ion it m ig h t h a v e da m a g ed ou r con fiden ce a n d con cen t r a t ion . T h er e w a s som e cr eden ce in t h e t h eor y t h a t ou r pla y er s w er e u n set t led by h a v in g t o pla y a su bser v ien t r ole: ev en a pla y er su ch a s Gig g s, or Ji-Su n g Pa r k , w h o, in t h e qu a r t er fin a l a g a in st Ch elsea , t a ck led ev er y body a n d w a s u p a n d dow n t h e pit ch a ll da y . W e n ev er sa w h im , in t h a t w a y , a g a in st Ba r celon a , w h ose st a r t in g X I w a s: V a ldés; A lv es, Piqu é, A bida l, Ma sch er a n o; Bu squ et s, X a v i, In iest a ; Messi, V illa a n d Pedr o. T h ey t ook t h e lea d t h r ou g h Pedr o fr om on e of X a v i’s cou n t less clev er pa sses bu t Roon ey equ a lised for u s a ft er a qu ick ex ch a n g e w it h Gig g s. Bu t t h en t h e Ba r celon a ca r ou sel r ea lly st a r t ed spin n in g , w it h Messi a t t h e con t r ols. He a n d V illa scor ed t h e g oa ls t h a t fin ish ed u s off in V a n der Sa r ’s la st g a m e for t h e clu b. I m a de a n er r or a t h a lf-t im e. I w a s st ill focu sin g on w in n in g t h e g a m e a n d t old Roon ey h e n eeded t o k eep

r u n n in g in t o t h ose g a ps beh in d t h e fu ll-ba ck s. ‘W e’ll w in t h e g a m e if y ou k eep doin g t h a t ,’ I u r g ed h im . I for g ot t h e big issu e w it h pla y in g Ba r celon a . So m a n y of t h eir g a m es w er e effect iv ely w on in t h e fir st 1 5 m in u t es of t h e secon d h a lf. I sh ou ld h a v e m en t ion ed t h a t t o m y pla y er s. I m ig h t h a v e been bet t er a ssig n in g Pa r k t o m a r k Messi for t h e fir st 1 5 m in u t es a n d pu sh in g Roon ey w ide left . If w e h a d em ploy ed t h ose t a ct ics, w e m ig h t ju st h a v e sn ea k ed it . W e w ou ld st ill h a v e been a ble t o cou n t er -a t t a ck . T h ose ch a n g es w ou ld h a v e left Bu squ et s fr ee, so m a y be w e w ou ld h a v e been dr iv en ba ck t ow a r ds ou r box , bu t w e’d h a v e posed m or e of a t h r ea t , w it h Roon ey a t t a ck in g fr om a w ide left posit ion . I h a d in t en ded t o r epla ce V a len cia a ft er 1 0 m in u t es o f t h e secon d h a lf, bu t t h en Fá bio w a s a t t a ck ed by cr a m ps a g a in a n d I w a s for ced t o r e-jig a r ou n d h is in ju r y . My lu ck in fin a ls w a s g en er a lly g ood. Fa v ou r deser t ed m e in t h is on e. On t h e ba la n ce of a ll t h ose big g a m es a n d t h e su ccess I h a d en joy ed, I cou ld h a r dly st a r t pit y in g m y self a t W em bley , t h e scen e of Un it ed’s w in ov er Ben fica in 1 9 6 8 . W e t h ou g h t w e m ig h t h a v e a ch a n ce a t cor n er k ick s bu t t h ey n ev er ca m e ou r w a y . A s ou r defea t w a s con fir m ed, t h er e w a s n o sm u g n ess a bou t Ba r celon a . Not on ce did t h ey fla u n t t h eir su per ior it y . X a v i’s fir st m ov e a ft er t h e fin a l w h ist le w a s t o m a k e a m ov e for Sch oles’ jer sey . Foot ba ller s sh ou ld h a v e a r ole m odel. T h ey sh ou ld be sa y in g t o t h em selv es: ‘He’s w h er e I w a n t t o g et t o.’ I h a d it w it h Den is La w . Den is w a s a y ea r a n d a h a lf older t h a n m e a n d I look ed a t h im a n d sa id, ‘T h a t ’s w h a t I w a n t t o be.’

In t h e da y s a ft er t h a t loss I beg a n t a k in g a ser iou s look a t t h e coa ch in g in ou r a ca dem y . Ga r y Nev ille, Pa u l Sch oles a n d I ex ch a n g ed a lot of opin ion s. I look ed a t a ppoin t in g a n ot h er t ech n ica l coa ch t o t h e a ca dem y . Ou r clu b w a s a lw a y s ca pa ble of pr odu cin g g r ea t pla y er s a n d Ba r celon a ’s n ex t w a v e w er e n ot bet t er t h a n ou r s. No w a y . T h ia g o w a s on a pa r w it h W elbeck a n d Clev er ley bu t t h er e w a s n o fea r a bou t t h e r est of t h eir s com in g t h r ou g h . Look in g a h ea d is v it a l. W e w er e on t o Ph il Jon es lon g befor e t h a t Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l. I t r ied t o bu y h im in 2 0 1 0 bu t Bla ck bu r n w ou ld n ot sell. A sh ley Y ou n g w a s bou g h t t o r epla ce Gig g s. T h e g oa lk eepin g sit u a t ion w a s a ll set t led in Decem ber . Gr a n t ed, Da v id de Gea h a d a t or r id st a r t t o h is Un it ed ca r eer , bu t h e w ou ld dev elop. Sm a llin g a n d Ev a n s w er e ou t st a n din g pr ospect s. W e h a d Fá bio a n d Ra fa el, a n d W elbeck a n d Clev er ley w er e com in g t h r ou g h ; Na n i w a s 2 4 , Roon ey 2 5 . W e h a d a n u cleu s of y ou n g t a len t . W e sh ed fiv e t h a t su m m er beca u se w it h Jon es join in g it w a sn ’t g oin g t o be ea sy for W es Br ow n or Joh n O’Sh ea t o m a k e t h e st a r t in g X I. T h ey w er e g ood ser v a n t s t o m e. T h e h or r ible pa r t of m a n a g em en t is t ellin g people w h o h a v e g iv en t h eir a ll for y ou t h a t t h er e is n o lon g er a pla ce for t h em in y ou r pla n s. A ft er t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e t it le pa r a de, in t h e r a in , w e r et u r n ed t o t h e sch ool fr om w h er e w e h a d st a r t ed t h e pr ocession . I spok e t o Da r r on Gibson a n d a sk ed h im h ow h e sa w h is fu t u r e. Per h a ps it w a sn ’t t h e per fect pla ce t o beg in t h a t discu ssion , bu t h e g ot t h e g ist of w h a t I w a s t h in k in g . He w a s off on h olida y t h a t n ig h t so w e n eeded t o st a r t t h e con v er sa t ion . W es Br ow n , I st r u g g led t o r ea ch by

t eleph on e. It w a s h or r ible t o let pla y er s of t h a t ex per ien ce a n d loy a lt y t o m e g o. I lost fiv e pla y er s a g ed 3 0 a n d a bov e a n d let Ow en Ha r g r ea v es g o. W e w er e br in g in g ba ck W elbeck , Clev er ley , Ma m e Diou f a n d Ma ch eda fr om loa n spells, a n d sig n in g t h r ee n ew pla y er s. T h e a v er a g e a g e of t h e squ a d w a s r edu ced t o a r ou n d 2 4 . W it h Sch oles a n d Nev ille, m y pla n w a s t o let t h em r oa m a bou t t h e pla ce, w it h t h e y ou t h t ea m , a ca dem y a n d r eser v es, t h en t h e t h r ee of u s w ou ld sit dow n for a n a ssessm en t of h ow st r on g w e w er e. I w a s g oin g t o pla ce a big bu r den on t h em t o sh a pe t h e fu t u r e, beca u se t h ey k n ew bet t er t h a n a n y on e w h a t it t ook t o be on e of ou r pla y er s. It ’s som et h in g I’d w a n t ed t o do for y ea r s a n d y ea r s: feed m y t op pla y er s in t o t h e st r ea m . Sch oles w a s a m a n of ex cellen t opin ion s. His a ssessm en t s w er e br illia n t . A lw a y s in on e lin e. T h er e w er e n o m a y bes. W h en w e h a d a pr oblem w it h V a n Nist elr ooy , Pa u l w a s in st a n t ly clea r t h a t Ru u d cou ld n ot be a llow ed t o ca u se disr u pt ion . His la n g u a g e w a s blu n t . Ga r y a sk ed h im , ‘A r e y ou su r e, Sch olesy ?’ – ju st w in din g h im u p. A t t h a t poin t , on t h e coa ch in g side, w e h a d Br ia n McCla ir , Mick Ph ela n , Pa u l McGu in n ess, Jim Ry a n a n d T on y W h ela n . T h ey w er e a ll Un it ed pla y er s or a ca dem y g r a du a t es. I w a n t ed t o st r en g t h en t h ose a r ea s. Cla y t on Bla ck m or e a n d Qu in t on For t u n e did a few bit s on t h e dev elopm en t side. A ft er t h e in qu est , I t old m y self: ‘W h en w e pla y Ba r celon a n ex t t im e in a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fin a l, I w ou ld h a v e Jon es a n d Sm a llin g , or Sm a llin g a n d

Ev a n s, r ig h t on t op of Messi.’ I w a sn ’t g oin g t o let h im t or t u r e u s a g a in .

twenty

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best piece of a dv ice I ev er r eceiv ed on t h e m edia fr on t w a s fr om a fr ien d ca lled Pa u l Doh er t y , w h o w a s t h en a t Gr a n a da T V . Gr ea t la d, Pa u l. He sou g h t m e ou t on e da y a n d sa id: ‘I’v e been w a t ch in g y ou r pr ess con fer en ces a n d I’m g oin g t o poin t som et h in g ou t t o y ou . Y ou ’r e g iv in g t h e g a m e a w a y . Y ou ’r e sh ow in g y ou r w or r ies. Look in t h a t m ir r or a n d pu t t h e A lex Fer g u son fa ce on .’ A ppea r in g belea g u er ed is n o w a y t o h a n dle t h e pr ess. Sh ow in g y ou r t or m en t s t o t h em is n o w a y t o h elp t h e t ea m or im pr ov e y ou r ch a n ces of w in n in g on a Sa t u r da y . Pa u l w a s r ig h t . W h en h e g a v e m e t h a t a dv ice I w a s displa y in g t h e st r a in s of t h e job. I cou ldn ’t a llow a pr ess con fer en ce t o becom e a t or t u r e ch a m ber . It w a s m y du t y t o pr ot ect t h e dig n it y of t h e clu b a n d a ll t h a t w e w er e doin g . It w a s im por t a n t t o be on t h e fr on t foot a n d con t r ol t h e con v er sa t ion a s m u ch a s possible. Befor e I w en t t h r ou g h t h a t door t o fa ce t h e w or ld, I

t r a in ed m y self, pr epa r ed m y self m en t a lly . Ex per ien ce h elped. I r ea ch ed t h e poin t in m y Fr ida y pr ess con fer en ces w h er e I cou ld see t h e lin e a jou r n a list w a s pu r su in g . Som et im es t h ey a g r eed a pa r t y lin e, t ellin g on e a n ot h er : ‘Rig h t , y ou st a r t t h a t , I’ll g o t h e ot h er w a y .’ I cou ld r ea d t h em a ll. Ex per ien ce g a v e m e t h a t . Plu s, t h e in t er n a l m ech a n ism st a r t s t o w or k fa st er . I lov ed it w h en a jou r n a list a sk ed a big lon g qu est ion beca u se it a llow ed m e t im e t o pr epa r e m y a n sw er . T h e h a r d on es w er e t h e sh or t qu est ion s: ‘W h y w er e y ou so ba d?’ T h a t k in d of pit h y in qu ir y ca n ca u se y ou t o elon g a t e y ou r r espon se. Y ou st r et ch it ou t w h ile y ou ’r e t r y in g t o t h in k , a n d en d u p ju st ify in g y ou r w h ole w or ld t o t h em . T h er e’s a n a r t t o n ot ex posin g t h e w ea k n esses of y ou r t ea m , w h ich is a lw a y s y ou r fir st pr ior it y . A lw a y s. Y ou m ig h t h a v e a g a m e t h r ee da y s la t er a n d t h a t , t oo, sh ou ld be a t t h e for efr on t of y ou r t h ou g h t s w h en bein g in t er r og a t ed. W in n in g t h a t g a m e is w h a t cou n t s, n ot scor in g in t ellect u a l poin t s in a n ew s con fer en ce. T h e t h ir d object iv e is n ot t o m a k e a fool of y ou r self by a n sw er in g st u pidly . T h ose w er e t h e con sider a t ion s w or k in g a w a y in m y br a in a s I w a s bein g g r illed. T h e sk ills, t h a t g r ea t er a w a r en ess, t ook y ea r s t o a cqu ir e. I r em em ber bein g on t elev ision a s a y ou n g pla y er a n d blu bbin g a bou t a six -g a m e su spen sion I h a d r eceiv ed fr om t h e Scot t ish Foot ba ll A ssocia t ion . I sa id on a ir : ‘A y e, t h a t ’s t h e St a r Ch a m ber ju st ice t h ey oper a t e in Scot la n d.’ Rig h t a w a y , a let t er fr om t h e SFA ca m e fly in g in t o t h e clu b. T h in k in g y ou h a v e a du t y t o be in t er est in g ,

y ou ca n sa y som et h in g y ou r eg r et . I w a s r ig h t t h a t da y in Scot la n d bu t I fin ish ed u p h a v in g t o w r it e a let t er t o ex pla in m y self. T h e m a n a g er a sk ed m e: ‘W h er e t h e h ell did y ou g et t h a t on e fr om – t h e St a r Ch a m ber ju st ice lin e?’ I cou ldn ’t h ide t h e or ig in s of m y speech . ‘I w a s r ea din g a book a n d ju st t h ou g h t it sou n ded g ood,’ I t old h im . Of cou r se m y lon g est a n d big g est m edia bu st -u p w a s w it h t h e BBC, w h ich la st ed sev en y ea r s u n t il I decided en ou g h w a s en ou g h in A u g u st 2 0 1 1 . T h er e w er e m a n y a n n oy a n ces fr om m y per spect iv e, in clu din g a n a r t icle in Match of the Day m a g a zin e, bu t t h e st ep t oo fa r w a s a docu m en t a r y ca lled Fergie and Son, br oa dca st on 2 7 Ma y 2 0 0 4 , on BBC3 , w h ich fea t u r ed a h or r ible a t t a ck on m y son Ja son . T h ey look ed a t t h e t r a n sfer s of Ja a p St a m t o Rom a a n d Ma ssim o T a ibi t o Reg g in a in r ela t ion t o Ja son ’s in v olv em en t w it h t h e Elit e Spor t s A g en cy . Befor e t h e br oa dca st w en t ou t , t h e Un it ed boa r d clea r ed m e, Ja son a n d Elit e of a n y w r on g doin g in t r a n sfer s, bu t decided t h a t Ja son cou ld n o lon g er a ct for t h e clu b on t r a n sfer dea lin g s. T h e BBC w ou ld n ot a polog ise a n d t h e a lleg a t ion s t h ey m a de w er e n ot t r u e. In t h e a ft er m a t h , Pet er Sa lm on of t h e BBC ca m e u p t o see m e a n d I t old h im , ‘Y ou w a t ch t h a t pr og r a m m e a n d t ell m e w h et h er it does t h e BBC cr edit .’ I w a n t ed t o su e t h em , bu t m y solicit or a n d Ja son bot h opposed t h e idea . Sa lm on a ssu m ed h is old fr ien dsh ip w it h m e fr om Gr a n a da T V w ou ld en d t h e st a n doff. ‘T h e BBC’s a Ma n ch est er fir m n ow ,’ h e sa id.

‘Gr ea t ,’ I sa id. ‘A n d y ou n eed t o a polog ise.’ No a n sw er . His pla n w a s t o g et m e t o a ddr ess t h e Fergie and Son pr og r a m m e in a n in t er v iew w it h Cla r e Ba ldin g . W h y w ou ld I do t h a t ? Bu t w e did a g r ee t o differ in t h e en d a n d I r esu m ed m y in t er v iew s w it h BBC st a ff. By t h en I h a d m a de m y poin t . Mor e g en er a lly Sk y t elev ision ch a n g ed t h e w h ole m edia clim a t e by m a k in g it m or e com pet it iv e a n d a ddin g t o t h e h y pe. T a k e t h e cov er a g e of t h e Su á r ez bit in g in ciden t in t h e spr in g of 2 0 1 3 . I w a s a sk ed a bou t it in a pr ess con fer en ce. T h e h ea dlin e on m y a n sw er w a s: ‘Fer g u son feels sy m pa t h y for Liv er pool’. T h ey a sk ed m e a qu est ion a bou t Su á r ez a n d I sa id, ‘I k n ow h ow t h ey feel beca u se Ca n t on a r eceiv ed a n in e-m on t h ba n for k u n g -fu k ick in g a fa n .’ My poin t w a s – n ev er m in d t en g a m es, t r y n in e m on t h s. Y et t h ey r a n a h ea dlin e su g g est in g I felt sor r y for Su á r ez. A n ot h er h ea dlin e w a s: ‘Fer g u son sa y s José Mou r in h o is g oin g t o Ch elsea ’. T h e qu est ion t h ey h a d a sk ed m e w a s: ‘W h o w ill be y ou r m a in ch a llen g er n ex t y ea r ?’ I r eplied t h a t Ch elsea w ou ld be t h er e n ex t sea son a n d a dded t h a t if t h e pa per s w er e r ig h t a n d Mou r in h o w a s g oin g ba ck , it w ou ld g iv e t h em a boost . T h e h ea dlin e beca m e: Fer g u son sa y s Mou r in h o’s g oin g ba ck t o Ch elsea . I h a d t o t ex t Mou r in h o t o ex pla in . He t ex t ed ba ck a n d sa id, ‘It ’s OK, I k n ow , I sa w it .’ T h a t h ea dlin e r a n ev er y t en m in u t es. Mou r in h o did en d u p ba ck a t Ch elsea bu t t h a t ’s n ot t h e poin t . So t h er e w a s a n in t en sit y a n d v ola t ilit y a bou t t h e m oder n m edia I fou n d difficu lt . I felt t h a t by t h e en d it

w a s h a r d t o h a v e r ela t ion sh ips w it h t h e pr ess. T h ey w er e u n der so m u ch pr essu r e it w a s n ot ea sy t o con fide in t h em . W h en I fir st ca m e t o Ma n ch est er , I w a s w a r y of som e bu t w a sn ’t g u a r ded in t h e w a y I w a s in m y fin a l y ea r s. Ch a r a ct er s lik e Joh n Bea n a n d Pet er Fit t on w er e decen t la ds. Bill T h or n t on . Da v id W a lk er . St ev e Milla r . Decen t g u y s. A n d I h a d m y old fr ien ds fr om Scot la n d. On t ou r s w e u sed t o h a v e a n ig h t ou t w it h t h e pr ess la ds. On e ev en in g w e en ded u p ba ck in m y r oom a n d Bea n o w a s in st r ik in g for m , t a p-da n cin g on m y t a ble. A n ot h er n ig h t I w a s in bed, a t a bou t 1 1 o’clock , w h en t h e ph on e r a n g a n d a v oice sa id: ‘A lex ! Ca n y ou con fir m or den y t h a t y ou w er e seen in a t a x i w it h Ma r k Hu g h es t on ig h t ?’ It w a s Joh n Bea n . I t old h im , ‘It w ou ld be v er y difficu lt , Joh n , beca u se h e w a s pla y in g for Ba y er n Mu n ich t on ig h t in a Eu r opea n t ie.’ Joh n sa id: ‘Oh y es, I w a t ch ed t h a t g a m e.’ I ba n g ed dow n t h e ph on e. Joh n t h en t u r n s u p on t h e Fr ida y . ‘A m illion a polog ies, A lex . I k n ow y ou ’ll a ccept m y a polog y .’ A n d sa t dow n . La t t er ly w e h a d a lot of y ou n g r epor t er s w h o dr essed m or e ca su a lly t h a n t h e m en I h a d k n ow n in m y ea r ly y ea r s. Ma y be it w a s a g en er a t ion a l t h in g , bu t it ju st didn ’t sit w ell w it h m e. It ’s a difficu lt job for t h ose y ou n g r epor t er s beca u se t h ey a r e u n der so m u ch pr essu r e fr om t h eir edit or s. For g et off t h e r ecor d. It doesn ’t ex ist a n y m or e. I ba n n ed a cou ple of r epor t er s

in 2 0 1 2 –1 3 for u sin g off-t h e-r ecor d r em a r k s. I ba n n ed a n ot h er for sa y in g Roon ey a n d I n ev er spok e in t r a in in g session s – a n d t h a t ev er y on e a t t h e clu b cou ld see it . Not t r u e. I didn ’t r ea d a ll t h e pa per s, bu t fr om t im e t o t im e ou r m edia st a ff w ou ld poin t t h in g s ou t t h a t w er e in a ccu r a t e. T h e pr ocess ca n dr a in y ou . Y ea r s a g o I u sed t o t a k e a ct ion , bu t it en ds u p cost in g y ou m on ey . A s for a n a polog y , 4 0 w or ds t u ck ed a w a y on pa g e 1 1 w a s a lon g w a y fr om a st or y w it h ba n n er h ea dlin es on t h e ba ck pa g e. So w h a t w a s t h e poin t ? In ba n n in g r epor t er s I w ou ld be sa y in g : I’m n ot a ccept in g y ou r v er sion of ev en t s. A g a in , I w a s in a st r on g posit ion , beca u se I h a d been a t Ma n Un it ed a lon g t im e a n d h a d been su ccessfu l. If I h a d been som e poor g u y st r u g g lin g on a ba d r u n of r esu lt s, t h e scen a r io w ou ld h a v e been differ en t . In m ost ca ses I felt a n u n der ly in g sy m pa t h y beca u se I k n ew t h a t ex t r a pola t ion or ex a g g er a t ion w a s a pr odu ct of t h e com pet it iv e n a t u r e of t h e bu sin ess. New spa per s a r e u p a g a in st Sk y t elev ision , w ebsit es a n d ot h er socia l m edia ch a n n els. A n y Pr em ier Lea g u e m a n a g er sh ou ld h a v e a n ex per ien ced pr ess officer , som eon e w h o k n ow s t h e m edia a n d ca n a ct qu ick ly on st or ies. Y ou ca n ’t st op t h em a ll bu t y ou ca n w a r n t h e a u t h or w h en t h e fa ct s a r e w r on g a n d seek cor r ect ion s. A s a ba ck u p, a g ood pr ess officer ca n ex t r ica t e y ou fr om t r ou ble. Ev er y da y , for 2 4 h ou r s, Sk y New s is r ollin g . A st or y w ill be r epea t ed ov er a n d ov er a g a in . Dea lin g w it h t h e pr ess is becom in g m or e a n d m or e pr oblem a t ic for m a n a g er s.

Sa y Pa u l La m ber t is h a v in g a ba d t im e a t A st on V illa . T h e pr ess con fer en ce is bou n d t o be dom in a t ed by n eg a t iv it y . On ly som eon e w h o k n ow s t h e pr ess ca n t r a in a m a n a g er for t h a t . W h en I h a d m y ba d spell a t Un it ed, Pa u l Doh er t y t old m e: ‘Y ou ’r e t en se, y ou ’r e ba it for t h em . Befor e y ou g et in t h a t pr ess con fer en ce, look in t h e m ir r or , r u b y ou r fa ce, g et y ou r sm ile on , g et y ou r a ct t og et h er . Be su r e t h ey ca n ’t ea t y ou u p.’ T h a t w a s m a r v ellou s a dv ice. A n d t h a t is w h a t y ou h a v e t o do. Most t im es y ou h a v e t o g o w it h t h e flow a n d m a k e t h e best of it . A st a n da r d qu est ion is: do y ou feel pr essu r e? W ell, of cou r se y ou do. Bu t don ’t g iv e t h em a h ea dlin e. I h eld m y pr ess con fer en ces befor e t r a in in g . A lot of m a n a g er s h old t h eir s a ft er w a r ds. In t h a t scen a r io, y ou a r e con cen t r a t in g on y ou r t r a in in g session a n d n ot t h in k in g a bou t t h e pr ess. For a 9 a .m . pr ess con fer en ce I w ou ld h a v e been br iefed by Ph il T ow n sen d, ou r dir ect or of com m u n ica t ion s, on w h a t m ig h t com e u p. He w ou ld t ell m e, for ex a m ple, t h a t I m ig h t be a sk ed a bou t t h e Lu is Su á r ez bit in g in ciden t , sa y , or t h e Godolph in dopin g sca n da l in r a cin g , or a possible m ov e for a pla y er su ch a s Lew a n dow sk i. I a lw a y s st a r t ed by t a lk in g a bou t pla y er s w h o w ou ld be a v a ila ble for t h a t pa r t icu la r g a m e. T h en t h e em ph a sis w ou ld u su a lly sw it ch t o issu es a r ou n d t h e g a m e, per son a lit ies. T h e Su n da y s w ou ld oft en look t o bu ild a piece a r ou n d on e su bject . Mich a el Ca r r ick ’s g ood for m , for in st a n ce. I w a s g en er a lly fin e in pr ess con fer en ces. T h e m ost difficu lt ch a llen g e w a s h ow t o a ddr ess t h e pr oblem of ba d r efer eein g . I w a s pen a lised for m a k in g r em a r k s

a bou t r efer ees beca u se m y r efer en ce poin t w a s t h e st a n da r ds I set for foot ba ll, n ot m a t ch officia ls. I w a sn ’t in t er est ed in t h e st a n da r ds r efer ees set t h em selv es. A s a m a n a g er I felt en t it led t o ex pect r efer eein g lev els t o m a t ch t h ose of t h e g a m e t h ey w er e con t r ollin g . A n d a s a g r ou p, r efer ees a r en ’t doin g t h eir job a s w ell a s t h ey sh ou ld be. T h ey t a lk of r efer eein g n ow a s a fu ll-t im e job, bu t t h a t ’s codsw a llop. Most st a r t a t 1 6 or so, w h en t h ey a r e k ids. I a dm ir e t h e im pu lse t o w a n t t o r efer ee. T h e g a m e n eeds t h a t . I w a n t ed t o see m en su ch a s t h e It a lia n Rober t o Roset t i r efer ee h er e. He’s 6 feet 2 in ch es t a ll, a com m a n din g fig u r e, bu ilt lik e a box er , a n d h e flies ov er t h e pit ch , ca lm s pla y er s dow n . He’s in con t r ol. I lik ed t o see t h e t op r efer ees in a ct ion . I en joy ed obser v in g pr oper a u t h or it y , pr oper ly a pplied. It w ou ld h a v e been h a r d t o g et r id of a Pr em ier Lea g u e r efer ee on g r ou n ds of in com pet en ce or w eig h t . T h ey a ll h a v e la w y er s. T h e u n ion is v er y st r on g . Plu s, y ou n g r efer ees a r e n ot com in g t h r ou g h , so t h ey clin g t o t h e on es t h ey h a v e. Refer eein g w a s t h e on e a r ea of t h e g a m e w h er e m a y be I sh ou ld h a v e w a lk ed a w a y fr om in t er v iew s w it h ou t ex pr essin g m y opin ion s. T h e follow in g w eek , I m ig h t be t h e ben eficia r y of a decision in ou r fa v ou r ; so t o g o ov er boa r d a ft er on e ba d decision cou ld be in t er pr et ed a s select iv e ou t r a g e. I su ppor t T h e Refer ees’ A ssocia t ion . A t A ber deen I w ou ld br in g t h em in t o t r a in in g t o h elp t h em g et fit . I lik e st a n da r ds. I lik e t o see a fit r efer ee. A n d I don ’t t h in k t h a t lev els of fit n ess a r e h ig h en ou g h cu r r en t ly

in t h e En g lish g a m e. How fa r t h ey r u n is n ot t h e cor r ect st a n da r d of m ea su r em en t . It ’s h ow qu ick ly t h ey cov er t h e g r ou n d. If t h er e’s a cou n t er -a t t a ck on , ca n t h ey r ea ch t h e r ig h t en d of t h e pit ch in t im e? In fa ir n ess, if y ou look a t ou r 2 0 0 9 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e sem i-fin a l a g a in st A r sen a l, w h en Roset t i w a s t h e r efer ee, h e w a s st ill 2 0 y a r ds beh in d t h e pla y w h en w e pu t t h e ba ll in t h e n et . It t ook u s n in e secon ds t o scor e. So y ou ’r e a sk in g t h e r efer ee t o r u n 1 0 0 y a r ds in n in e secon ds. On ly Usa in Bolt cou ld m a n a g e t h a t . A s a r u le, I felt t h a t t h e Foot ba ll A ssocia t ion t en d t o g o a ft er t h e h ig h -pr ofile t a r g et s beca u se t h ey k n ow it w ill br in g fa v ou r a ble pu blicit y . If y ou look a t t h e W a y n e Roon ey in ciden t a g a in st W est Ha m , w h en h e sw or e in t o t h e ca m er a , w e felt t h ey pr essu r ised t h e r efer ee, a n d Roon ey en ded u p w it h a t h r ee-m a t ch su spen sion . T h e ju st ifica t ion w a s t h a t it ’s n ot n ice for ch ildr en t o see a pla y er sw ea r in t o a T V ca m er a . I ca n see t h a t , bu t h ow oft en h a v e y ou seen pla y er s sw ea r ov er t h e y ea r s? It w a s n ev er r ea lly possible t o w or k ou t w h o w a s r u n n in g En g lish foot ba ll’s g ov er n in g body . Y ou w ou ld g et Ex et er sch ools h a v in g a sa y . Gr eg Dy k e, t h e n ew ch a ir m a n , h a s t o r edu ce t h e n u m ber s in v olv ed in decision -m a k in g . A com m it t ee of 1 0 0 people ca n ’t pr odu ce sen sible m a n a g em en t . T h ese com m it t ees a r e set u p t o h on ou r people’s ‘con t r ibu t ion t o t h e g a m e’ r a t h er t h a n m a k e t h e or g a n isa t ion r u n sm oot h ly . It ’s a n in st it u t ion a l pr oblem . Refor m er s g o in t h er e 6 feet 2 in ch es t a ll a n d com e ou t 5 feet 4 in ch es. Ou r beh a v iou r in big g a m es w a s g en er a lly ex cellen t .

On e n ew spa per cit ed t h e ca se of t h e r efer ee A n dy D’Ur so bein g h a r a ssed by Roy Kea n e a n d Ja a p St a m , w h ich w e st a m ped on . Me sa y in g , ‘It ’s n on e of t h eir bu sin ess,’ ev iden t ly ir k ed t h e FA . I a lso poin t ed ou t t h a t t h is w a s t h e Lea g u e Cu p, n ot t h e FA Cu p. I w a s n ev er m u ch im pr essed w it h t h e w or k of t h e FA ’s com plia n ce u n it . W h en I cr it icised A la n W iley for h is ph y siqu e in t h e a u t u m n of 2 0 0 9 , I w a s m a k in g a w ider poin t a bou t t h e fit n ess of r efer ees. In m y opin ion A la n W iley w a s ov er w eig h t w h en I m a de t h a t poin t a ft er a 2 –2 dr a w w it h Su n der la n d a t Old T r a ffor d. T h e com m en t t h a t la n ded m e in h ot w a t er w a s: ‘T h e pa ce of t h e g a m e dem a n ded a r efer ee w h o w a s fit . He w a s n ot fit . Y ou see r efer ees a br oa d w h o a r e a s fit a s bu t ch er s’ dog s. He w a s t a k in g t h ir t y secon ds t o book a pla y er . He w a s n eedin g a r est . It w a s r idicu lou s.’ La t er I a polog ised for a n y per son a l em ba r r a ssm en t ca u sed t o A la n W iley a n d sa id m y in t en t ion h a d been t o ‘h ig h lig h t a ser iou s a n d im por t a n t issu e in t h e g a m e’. Bu t , 1 6 da y s a ft er t h e Su n der la n d g a m e, I w a s ch a r g ed by t h e FA w it h im pr oper con du ct . I h a d t w ice been ba n n ed fr om t h e t ou ch lin e, in 2 0 0 3 , a n d a g a in in 2 0 0 7 for h a v in g m y sa y a bou t r efer ee Ma r k Cla t t en bu r g . La t er I w a s fin ed £3 0 ,0 0 0 a n d ba n n ed fr om t h e t ou ch lin e for fiv e m a t ch es for m y com m en t s a bou t r efer ee Ma r t in A t k in son in t h e w a k e of ou r 2 –1 defea t a t Ch elsea . A ft er m y com m en t s a bou t A la n W iley , for m er r efer ee Jeff W in t er su g g est ed a ‘FIFA st y le st a diu m ba n ’ m ig h t be a ppr opr ia t e. By t h e en d, I felt w e h a dn ’t h a d a r ea lly t op Pr em ier

Lea g u e r efer ee for a lon g t im e. I k n ow Gr a h a m Poll h a d t h a t a r r og a n t st r ea k , bu t h e w a s t h e best decision m a k er . He h a d su ch a n eg o t h a t it det r a ct ed fr om h is per for m a n ces, a n d w h en h e en t er ed on e of h is st r oppy m oods h e cou ld be difficu lt for y ou . He w a s t h e best ju dg e of a n in ciden t ov er m y t im e a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. W h en a r efer ee is w or k in g in fr on t of 4 4 ,0 0 0 a t A n field, or 7 6 ,0 0 0 a t Old T r a ffor d, a n d h e g iv es a g oa l t h a t g oes a g a in st t h e h om e t ea m , a n d t h e cr ow d scr ea m , it does a ffect a lot of t h em . T h a t ’s a n ot h er dist in ct ion : t h e a bilit y t o m a k e decision s a g a in st t h e t ide, a g a in st t h e r oa r of t h e cr ow d. T h e old sa y in g t h a t a r efer ee w a s ‘a h om er ’ does a pply . It ’s n ot t o sa y a r ef is ch ea t in g , m or e t h a t t h ey a r e in flu en ced by t h e for ce of em ot ion in t h e cr ow d. A n field w a s pr oba bly t h e h a r dest pla ce for a m a t ch officia l t o be object iv e, beca u se it w a s su ch a closed-in , v ola t ile en v ir on m en t . T h er e is a n in t im ida t ion fa ct or , fr om fa n s t o r efer ees, n ot ju st a t Liv er pool bu t a cr oss t h e g a m e. For t y y ea r s a g o, cr ow ds w er e n ot fr en zied t h e w a y t h ey a r e t oda y . So per h a ps it w ou ld ser v e a h ig h er pu r pose for t h e r efer ee t o a t t en d a pr ess con fer en ce w it h h is su per v isor a lon g side h im a n d ex pla in h ow h e sa w it . For in st a n ce, I w ou ld h a v e fou n d it in t er est in g t o h ea r fr om t h e T u r k ish r efer ee w h o h a n dled ou r Ch a m pion s Lea g u e t ie a g a in st Rea l Ma dr id a t Old T r a ffor d in Ma r ch 2 0 1 3 , a n d list en t o w h a t h e h a d t o sa y a bou t Na n i’s sen din g -off, w h ich w a s a ppa llin g . A br ief r efer ee’s pr ess con fer en ce m ig h t h a v e been a

st ep for w a r d. Y ou ca n ’t st op pr og r ess. T a k e foot ba ll boot s: I w a s t ot a lly a g a in st t h e m oder n boot , y et m a n u fa ct u r er s w er e pou r in g m on ey in t o foot ba ll a n d t h er efor e cou ld n ot be ch a llen g ed. T h e lev el of g im m ick r y is n ow v er y h ig h , t o g et y ou n g k ids t o bu y pin k boot s, or a n g e boot s. A lot of clu bs u se t h e k it m a n u fa ct u r er s a s pa r t of t h e dea l t o sig n a pla y er : w e ca n g et y ou a dea l w it h Nik e or a dida s, a n d so on . T h ey h a v e t o g et t h eir m on ey ba ck , a n d it ’s t h r ou g h boot s. A s a n a u dien ce w e a r e n ev er ev er g oin g t o be sa t isfied w it h r efer ees, beca u se w e a r e a ll bia sed t ow a r ds ou r ow n t ea m s. Bu t fu ll-t im e r efer ees h a v e n ot been su ccessfu l, ex cept in t er m s of m a n -m a n a g em en t . It ’s im possible for a per son t o do h is n or m a l job a n d st ill follow t h e k in d of t r a in in g pr og r a m m e r efer ees a r e a ssig n ed. So t h e sy st em is fla w ed. T h er e sh ou ld be fu llt im e r efer ees w h o r epor t t o St Geor g e’s Pa r k ev er y da y . Y ou m a y sa y – h ow a r e t h ey g oin g t o t r a v el fr om New ca st le t o Bu r t on -u pon -T r en t ev er y da y ? W ell, if w e sig n ed a pla y er fr om Lon don , w e fou n d h im a h ou se in Ma n ch est er . Robin v a n Per sie, for ex a m ple. If t h ey w a n t t h e best r efer eein g sy st em , t h ey sh ou ld be a s pr ofession a l a s t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e clu bs, w it h t h e m on ey t h e g a m e n ow h a s. Mik e Riley , t h e h ea d of t h e Pr ofession a l Ga m e Ma t ch Officia ls Boa r d, on ce cla im ed t h ey la ck ed t h e fin a n ce t o t a k e su ch st eps. If h e is r ig h t , it is in cr edible t h a t foot ba ll la ck s t h e r esou r ces for pr oper pr ofession a l r efer eein g , w it h £5 billion in r ev en u es fr om t elev ision . T h a t is r idicu lou s. T h in k of t h e su m s a v a ila ble in pa r a ch u t e pa y m en t s t o clu bs r eleg a t ed t o t h e Ch a m pion sh ip. If r efer ees a r e g oin g t o be fu ll-t im e, t h e

sy st em sh ou ld r eflect t h a t . It sh ou ld be don e pr oper ly . In Eu r ope, Ch a m pion s Lea g u e r efer ees h a v e a n a r r og a n ce a bou t t h em beca u se t h ey k n ow t h ey w on ’t see y ou a g a in t h e follow in g w eek en d. I w a s in fou r fin a ls a n d t h er e w a s on ly on e w h er e t h e r efer ee cou ld be r ecog n ised a s a t op officia l: Pier lu ig i Collin a , in t h e Ba r celon a fin a l of 1 9 9 9 . I’v e lost t w o im por t a n t Eu r opea n t ies t o José Mou r in h o, n ot beca u se of t h e per for m a n ce of t h e pla y er s bu t beca u se of t h e r efer ee. T h e Por t o g a m e in 2 0 0 4 w a s u n believ a ble. T h e w or st decision h e m a de t h a t n ig h t w a s n ot t h e disa llow ed Sch oles g oa l t h a t w ou ld h a v e pu t u s 2 –0 in fr on t . W h en Ron a ldo br ok e a w a y w it h a few m in u t es t o g o, h e w a s br ou g h t dow n by t h e left -ba ck . T h e lin esm a n fla g g ed for a fr ee k ick bu t t h e r efer ee ch ose t o pla y on . Por t o w en t u p t h e pa r k , g ot a fr ee k ick , T im How a r d pa r r ied it ou t a n d t h ey scor ed in in ju r y t im e. So w e h a d plen t y of ex per ien ce of ba d decision s a g a in st u s in Eu r ope. I w a s a t a n A C Mila n –In t er g a m e a n d a sen ior In t er officia l sa id t o m e: ‘Do y ou k n ow t h e differ en ce bet w een t h e En g lish a n d t h e It a lia n s? In En g la n d t h ey don ’t t h in k a g a m e ca n ev er be cor r u pt . In It a ly t h ey don ’t t h in k a g a m e ca n not be cor r u pt .’ In En g la n d, on t h e plu s side, t h er e w a s a n im pr ov em en t in m a n -m a n a g em en t . T h a t w a s g ood. T h e com m u n ica t ion bet w een m a t ch officia ls a n d pla y er s w a s m u ch m or e con st r u ct iv e. People in a u t h or it y h a v e t o be a ble t o m a k e decision s, a n d a lot of t h em la ck ed t h e a bilit y t o r ea ch t h em qu ick ly . T h e h u m a n elem en t t ells y ou a r efer ee ca n be w r on g . Bu t

t h e g ood on es w ill m a k e t h e cor r ect decision s m or e oft en t h a n n ot . T h e on es w h o m a k e t h e w r on g on es a r e n ot n ecessa r ily ba d r efer ees. T h ey ju st la ck t h a t t a len t for m a k in g t h e r ig h t ca lls in a t ig h t t im e fr a m e. It w a s t h e sa m e w it h pla y er s. W h a t m a k es t h e differ en ce in t h e la st t h ir d? It ’s y ou r decision -m a k in g . W e w er e on t o pla y er s a bou t it a ll t h e t im e. If I w er e st a r t in g a g a in , I w ou ld for ce ev er y pla y er t o lea r n ch ess t o g iv e t h em t h e a bilit y t o con cen t r a t e. W h en y ou fir st lea r n ch ess y ou ca n be t h r ee or fou r h ou r s fin ish in g a g a m e. Bu t w h en y ou ’v e m a st er ed it a n d st a r t pla y in g 3 0 -secon d ch ess, t h a t ’s t h e u lt im a t e. Qu ick decision s, u n der pr essu r e. W h a t foot ba ll is a ll a bou t .

twenty-one

IN t h e

bu ild-u p t o u s w in n in g ou r 1 9 t h En g lish Lea g u e t it le, t h er e w a s t h is con st a n t qu est ion a bou t u s bea t in g Liv er pool’s r ecor d. My v iew w a s t h a t w e w ou ld pa ss t h eir h a u l of 1 8 ch a m pion sh ips a t som e poin t a n y w a y , so t h er e w a s n o n eed t o m a k e a fu ss a bou t it in t h a t pa r t icu la r sea son . I w a n t ed ou r a t t en t ion focu sed on t h e ca m pa ig n it self. Bu t it w a s som et h in g I a lw a y s felt w e n eeded t o a ch iev e. T h e Sou n ess–Da lg lish Liv er pool t ea m s w er e t h e ben ch m a r k for En g lish foot ba ll in t h e 1 9 8 0 s, w h en I m a de m y fir st for a y in t o m a n a g em en t sou t h of t h e bor der . T h ose Liv er pool sides w er e for m ida ble. I h a d su ffer ed a g a in st t h em w it h A ber deen a n d br ou g h t t h ose m em or ies w it h m e t o Ma n ch est er . In on e Eu r opea n t ie w e h a d lost 1 –0 a t Pit t odr ie, pla y ed r ea lly w ell for t h e fir st 2 0 m in u t es a t A n field, bu t st ill en ded u p 2 –0 dow n a t h a lf-t im e. I did m y u su a l t h in g in t h e dr essin g r oom a n d, a s t h e pla y er s w er e lea v in g , on e, Dr ew Ja r v ie, sa id, ‘Com e on , la ds, t w o qu ick g oa ls a n d w e’r e ba ck in it .’

W e w er e 3 –0 dow n on a g g r eg a t e, a t A n field, a n d h e w a s t a lk in g a bou t t w o qu ick g oa ls a s if t h ey w er e ou r s t o t a k e. I look ed a t Dr ew a n d sa id: ‘God bless y ou , son .’ La t er t h e pla y er s w ou ld h a m m er Dr ew w it h t h e qu ot e. T h ey w ou ld sa y , ‘W e w er en ’t pla y in g For fa r , y ou k n ow .’ W h en t h a t g r ea t Liv er pool side w er e 1 –0 u p a g a in st y ou , it w a s im possible t o g et t h e ba ll off t h em . It w ou ld be boom p-boom p a r ou n d t h e pa r k . Sou n ess w ou ld spr ea d t h e pla y . Ha n sen , La w r en son , T h om pson : w h a t ev er t h e com bin a t ion a t t h e ba ck , t h ey w er e com for t a ble on t h e ba ll. W h en I m ov ed t o Un it ed, t h ey st ill h a d Ia n Ru sh , Joh n A ldr idg e, t h a t ca libr e of pla y er . Bu y in g Joh n Ba r n es a n d Pet er Bea r dsley ju st elev a t ed t h em a g a in . I sa id a t t h e t im e: ‘I w a n t t o k n ock t h em off t h eir per ch .’ I ca n ’t a ct u a lly r em em ber sa y in g t h a t , bu t t h e lin e is a t t r ibu t ed t o m e. A n y w a y , it w a s a r epr esen t a t ion of h ow I felt , so I h a v e n o object ion t o it bein g in t h e n ew spa per cu t t in g s. Ma n ch est er Un it ed’s g r ea t est r iv a l, t h ou g h it ch a n g ed t ow a r ds t h e en d, w a s Liv er pool – h ist or ica lly , in du st r ia lly a n d foot ba ll-w ise. T h e g a m es w er e a lw a y s em ot ion a lly in t en se ev en t s. Ou r Lea g u e su ccess in 1 9 9 3 open ed t h e door , a n d by t h e t u r n of t h e cen t u r y w e h a d a dded a fu r t h er fiv e ch a m pion sh ips. In 2 0 0 0 I look ed a t Liv er pool a n d k n ew t h er e w a s n o ea sy w a y ba ck for t h em . T h ey w er e in for a lon g h a u l. Y ou t h dev elopm en t w a s spa sm odic. Y ou h a d n o feelin g t h a t Liv er pool w er e a t h r ea t a g a in . T h e im pet u s w a s a ll w it h u s. On t h e da y w e r ea ch ed 1 8 t it les t o m a t ch t h eir r ecor d, I k n ew fin e w ell w e w er e

g oin g t o pa ss t h em , t h e w a y ou r clu b w a s oper a t in g . T h e w eek en d of ou r 1 9 t h cor on a t ion w a s a n ex t r a or din a r y on e for t h e cit y of Ma n ch est er . Cit y w on t h eir fir st t r oph y sin ce t h e 1 9 7 6 Lea g u e Cu p, w it h a 1 – 0 w in ov er St ok e in t h e FA Cu p fin a l, a n d w e dr ew 1 –1 a t Bla ck bu r n w it h a 7 3 r d-m in u t e pen a lt y by Roon ey . In 1 9 8 6 , w h en I a r r iv ed, Liv er pool led Un it ed 1 6 –7 in Lea g u e t it les w on . T h is w a s t h e sea son in w h ich Ch elsea h a d spen t £5 0 m illion on Fer n a n do T or r es a n d Cit y h a d in v est ed £2 7 m illion in Edin Džek o w h ile Ja v ier Her n á n dez t u r n ed ou t t o be a ba r g a in for u s a t £6 m illion . W e w en t 2 4 g a m es u n bea t en befor e losin g a t W olv es on 5 Febr u a r y 2 0 1 1 , a n d fin ish ed w it h on ly fou r defea t s. A t u r n in g poin t in t h e r a ce w a s t h e 4 –2 w in a t W est Ha m in ea r ly A pr il, a ft er w e h a d been 2 –0 dow n a t t h e in t er v a l. I m a de t h e poin t t h a t sev er a l of ou r pla y er s h a d sa m pled su ccess for t h e fir st t im e a n d w ou ld w a n t m or e, V a len cia , Sm a llin g a n d Her n á n dez a m on g t h em . W in n in g t h e t it le w a s t h e m ost im por t a n t a im t h a t sea son , w it h t h e 1 9 a s a bon u s. By t h e t im e I fin ish ed w e h a d m ov ed on t o 2 0 , w h ich w a s a n u m ber t h a t t h e fa n s ch a n t ed w it h g r ea t r elish . T h er e w a s n o ev iden ce in m y fin a l sea son t h a t Liv er pool, despit e som e ex cellen t per for m a n ces, possessed a t ea m w h o m ig h t w in t h e Lea g u e. I w a s com in g ou t of t h e Gr a n d Na t ion a l m eet in g w it h Ca t h y in A pr il 2 0 1 3 a n d t w o Liv er pool fa n s ca m e u p a lon g side t o sa y , ‘Hey Fer g ie, w e’ll h a m m er y ou n ex t sea son .’ T h ey w er e g ood la ds. ‘W ell, y ou ’ll n eed t o bu y n in e pla y er s,’ I sa id.

T h ey look ed cr est fa llen . ‘Nin e?’ On e sa id: ‘W a it t ill I t ell t h e boy s in t h e pu b t h a t .’ I t h in k h e m u st h a v e been a n Ev er t on fa n . ‘I don ’t t h in k w e n eed n in e,’ sa id t h e ot h er a s h e t r a ipsed a w a y . I n ea r ly sh ou t ed, ‘W ell, sev en , t h en .’ Ev er y on e w a s la u g h in g . T h a t su m m er w e k n ew Ma n ch est er Cit y w er e em er g in g a s t h e t ea m w e w ou ld h a v e t o bea t . T h e da n g er n o lon g er em a n a t ed fr om Lon don or Mer sey side. It w a s so close y ou cou ld sm ell it . A n ow n er w it h t h e m ea n s t o m a k e t h is a ser iou s m u n icipa l con t est st ood bet w een u s a n d con t r ol of t h e cit y . W e con t in u ed dow n ou r pa t h of bu ildin g u p st r en g t h for t h e fu t u r e a n d h oped it w ou ld see u s t h r ou g h . T h e big pla y er w e n eeded t o r epla ce w a s Edw in v a n der Sa r . A lt h ou g h m ost people a ssu m ed Ma n u el Neu er w a s g oin g t o be ou r t a r g et (h e w a s on ou r a g en da ), w e h a d scou t ed Da v id de Gea for a lon g t im e, r ig h t t h r ou g h fr om w h en h e w a s a boy . W e a lw a y s t h ou g h t h e w a s g oin g t o be a t op g oa lk eeper . In t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 1 , a lso, A sh ley Y ou n g h a d a y ea r t o r u n on h is con t r a ct a t A st on V illa . He w a s a solid bu y : En g lish , v er sa t ile, cou ld w or k eit h er side of t h e pit ch , cou ld pla y off t h e fr on t , a n d h a d a decen t g oa l-scor in g r ecor d. Giv en t h a t Ji-Su n g Pa r k w a s com in g u p t o 3 1 , a n d w it h Ry a n Gig g s’ a dv a n cin g a g e, I t h ou g h t it w a s a g ood t im e t o m ov e for Y ou n g . Gig g s w a s n ev er g oin g t o be a t h r u st in g ou t side-left a n y m or e in t h e w a y h e h a d been in t h e pa st . W e pick ed u p Y ou n g for £1 6 m illion , w h ich w a s a r ea son a ble fee, m a y be a pou n d or t w o m or e t h a n w e

ex pect ed t o pa y , w it h h im in t h e fin a l y ea r of h is con t r a ct . Bu t w e con clu ded t h e dea l qu ick ly . A sh ley r a n in t o t r ou ble a g a in st QPR in t h e 2 0 1 1 –1 2 sea son , w h en Sh a u n Der r y w a s sen t off a n d ou r pla y er w a s a ccu sed of div in g . I left h im ou t for t h e n ex t g a m e, a n d t old h im t h a t t h e la st t h in g h e n eeded a s a Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er w a s a r epu t a t ion for g oin g dow n ea sily . It w a sn ’t a pen a lt y k ick a g a in st QPR a n d Sh a u n Der r y ’s sen din g -off w a s n ot r escin ded. A sh ley did it t w o w eek s in a r ow bu t w e st opped it . Goin g t o g r ou n d t oo w illin g ly w a s n ot som et h in g I t oler a t ed. Ron a ldo h a d issu es w it h t h e sa m e t en den cy ea r ly in h is ca r eer , bu t t h e ot h er pla y er s w ou ld g iv e h im st ick for it on t h e t r a in in g g r ou n d. T h e speed h e w a s t r a v ellin g a t , y ou h a d on ly t o n u dg e Cr ist ia n o t o k n ock h im ov er . W e spok e t o h im m a n y t im es a bou t it . ‘He fou led m e,’ h e w ou ld sa y . ‘Y es, bu t y ou ’r e ov er doin g it , y ou ’r e ex a g g er a t in g it ,’ w e w ou ld t ell h im . He er a dica t ed it fr om h is g a m e a n d beca m e a r ea lly m a t u r e pla y er . Lu k a Modr ić w a s a n ex a m ple of a pla y er in t h e m oder n g a m e w h o w ou ld n ev er div e. St a y s on h is feet . Gig g s a n d Sch oles w ou ld n ev er div e. Dr og ba w a s a pr om in en t offen der . A Ba r celon a g a m e a t St a m for d Br idg e in 2 0 1 2 w a s t h e w or st ex a m ple. T h e pr ess w er e n ev er h a r d on h im , ex cept in t h a t Ch a m pion s Lea g u e fix t u r e. If t h e m edia h a d been t ou g h er on h im fiv e y ea r s ea r lier , it w ou ld h a v e been bet t er for t h e g a m e. T h e pu r ch a se of Ph il Jon es w a s a lon g -t er m pla n fr om w h en Sa m A lla r dy ce w a s Bla ck bu r n m a n a g er . W h en Rov er s bea t u s in t h e FA Y ou t h Cu p, I ca lled Sa m t h e

n ex t da y a n d sa id, ‘W h a t a bou t t h e boy Jon es?’ Sa m la u g h ed a n d sa id, ‘No, h e’ll be in t h e fir st t ea m on Sa t u r da y ,’ w h ich h e w a s. A n d h e st a y ed t h er e. Sa m w a s a big fa n of Jon es. Bla ck bu r n w ou ldn ’t sell h im in t h e 2 0 1 1 Ja n u a r y t r a n sfer w in dow beca u se t h ey w er e in a r eleg a t ion ba t t le. By t h e en d of t h e sea son , ev er y clu b w a s on h is t a il: Liv er pool, A r sen a l, Ch elsea . He spok e t o a ll fou r clu bs bu t w e m a n a g ed t o coa x h im t o Un it ed, a t 1 9 y ea r s of a g e. A t t h e poin t w e sig n ed Ph il, I w a s u n su r e w h a t h is best posit ion w ou ld be. La t er I ca m e t o feel it w ou ld be a t cen t r e-ba ck . He g a v e u s v er sa t ilit y . He cou ld pla y a lm ost a n y w h er e. In t h e 2 0 1 1 Com m u n it y Sh ield I t ook Fer din a n d a n d V idić off a t h a lf-t im e a n d a ssig n ed Jon es a n d Ev a n s t o pu sh r ig h t on t op of t h e opposit ion . Ev a n s is g ood a t t h a t t oo: br ea k in g in t o t h e m iddle of t h e pit ch . V idić a n d Fer din a n d w er e m or e old sch ool. T h ey h a v e g ot g ood h ea ds, u n der st a n d t h e g a m e w ell, don ’t g et ca u g h t ou t . T h ey w er e a g r ea t pa r t n er sh ip. In cr ea sin g ly , t h ou g h , I cou ld a pply v a r ia t ion s a t cen t r e-ba ck , a n d Jon es w a s a m a jor pa r t of m y t h in k in g . Ev a n s, I t h in k , n eeded a sh a k e. He didn ’t a ppr ecia t e m e sig n in g Jon es a n d Sm a llin g . It ca u sed h im t o qu est ion m y opin ion of h im . Bu t h e pr ov ed h im self in h is ow n r ig h t a n d did in cr ea sin g ly w ell for u s. It ’s a lw a y s g r a t ify in g w h en a pla y er r espon ds t o n ew a r r iv a ls by r edou blin g h is ow n effor t s. T om Clev er ley , a n ot h er y ou n g h opefu l, w a s t h e v ict im of a sh ock in g t a ck le a g a in st Bolt on ea r ly in t h a t sea son , w h ich k illed h is y ea r in m a n y w a y s. He ca m e

ba ck a ft er a bou t a m on t h a n d w e pla y ed h im r ig h t a w a y a g a in st Ev er t on . A r ecu r r en ce of t h e in ju r y t h en k ept h im ou t for a bou t t h r ee m on t h s. T h e pla n w a s t o sen d h im off for a n oper a t ion , w h ich h e didn ’t w a n t . It w ou ld h a v e k ept h im ou t for n in e m on t h s. He w a n t ed t o ca r r y on , a n d it w or k ed, bu t by t h a t t im e I h a d Sch oles a n d Ca r r ick ba ck . I w a s n ev er a ble t o pla ce T om in t h e side r eg u la r ly . He’s a v er y clev er pla y er , t h e boy . V er y in t ellig en t . He’s m obile a n d a g ood fin ish er . He w a s in t h e Lon don Oly m pic squ a d, w h ich plea sed m e beca u se h e n eeded a ch a llen g e t o lift h is self-belief r ig h t u p. Da r r en Flet ch er , m ea n w h ile, w a s ba t t lin g a colon ic illn ess. In t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 2 , it w a s possible h e m ig h t h a v e a n oper a t ion , bu t h e n eeded t o be w ell t o g o u n der t h e k n ife. W it h a set ba ck h e h a d, h e w a s g oin g t o be ou t u n t il Decem ber . T h e pr ev iou s sea son I h a d h im w it h t h e r eser v es t o do som e coa ch in g . He en joy ed t h a t . Sch olesy h a d g on e ba ck t o t h e fir st t ea m . Da r r en deliv er ed a cou ple of h a lf-t im e t a lk s in r eser v es g a m es a n d w a s im pr essiv e. De Gea , w h o w a s 2 0 w h en w e sig n ed h im for 2 4 m illion eu r os fr om A t lét ico Ma dr id, h a d a t or r id t im e t o beg in w it h . It w a s obv iou s h e la ck ed t h e ph y siqu e of V a n der Sa r or Sch m eich el. T h a t pa r t of h is body n eeded t o be dev eloped a n d w e dev ised a pr og r a m m e t o h elp h im a dd m u scle m a ss. A com plica t ion for h im w a s t h a t w e lost Fer din a n d a n d V idić in ou r fir st g a m e of t h e 2 0 1 1 –1 2 Lea g u e ca m pa ig n : a 2 –1 w in a t W est Br om w ich A lbion , in w h ich h e a llow ed a w ea k sh ot fr om Sh a n e Lon g t o slip t h r ou g h . I descr ibed t h e ba t t er in g h e r eceiv ed in ou r pen a lt y box a t W est Br om

a s h is ‘w elcom e t o En g la n d’. V idić w a s ou t for six w eek s a n d Rio for t h r ee. De Gea t h en h a d Sm a llin g a n d Jon es pla y in g in fr on t of h im . Y ou n g pla y er s. He did a ll r ig h t bu t w a s a few deg r ees sh or t of in fa llible. T h er e w er e issu es w it h h is h a n dlin g of t h e pla y er s in fr on t of h im . By t h e t im e w e pla y ed Liv er pool in Oct ober , h e con ceded t h e fir st g oa l fr om a cor n er k ick . He sh ou ld h a v e dea lt w it h t h a t bet t er : n ot ju st h im bu t Ev a n s a n d Sm a llin g , t h e cen t r e-ba ck s on t h a t occa sion . T h eir posit ion in g w a s ba d, w h ich lock ed De Gea in t o h is six -y a r d a r ea , bu t it ’s t h e g oa lk eeper w h o t a k es t h e b l a m e for t h ose r ock y m om en t s. In t h e decisiv e Pr em ier Lea g u e g a m e a g a in st Cit y a t t h e Et ih a d St a diu m t h e follow in g A pr il, Jon es block ed h im in a n d st opped h im g et t in g ou t t o dea l w it h t h e cor n er k ick t h a t led t o Kom pa n y ’s g oa l. T h er e w a s pr og r ess t o be m a de on t h a t fr on t . A s t h e sea son w or e on , t h ou g h , h e w a s m or e a n d m or e effect iv e a n d self-a ssu r ed. Som e of h is sa v es w er e m ir a cu lou s. Ou r in st in ct s w er e cor r ect a ll a lon g . He w a s on e of t h e w or ld’s best y ou n g k eeper s a n d w e w er e pr ou d t o h a v e h im w it h u s, w h er e h e cou ld dev elop a s so m a n y ot h er s h a d befor e. A t Rea l Ma dr id, in t h e fir st leg of ou r Ch a m pion s Lea g u e r ou n d of 1 6 t ie in Febr u a r y 2 0 1 3 , h e sa v ed br illia n t ly fr om Ron a ldo, Fá bio Coen t r ã o a n d Sa m i Kh edir a . Da v id cou ldn ’t spea k t h e la n g u a g e a n d h e h a d t o lea r n t o dr iv e, a n ot h er illu st r a t ion of h ow y ou n g h e w a s. It cou ld n ev er be ea sy for a g oa lk eeper com in g t o En g la n d fr om Con t in en t a l Eu r ope a t 2 0 y ea r s of a g e. If y ou r eca ll t h e big g oa lk eepin g m ov es of t h e la st t w o

deca des or so, Bu ffon w a s ou t st a n din g fr om t h e m om en t h e a r r iv ed a t Ju v en t u s a s a t een a g er . Bu t v er y few w h o h a v e m a de a m ov e on t h e sca le of De Gea g oin g t o Un it ed h a v e click ed st r a ig h t a w a y . W e a lw a y s look ed t o in v est in t h e fu t u r e, t h ou g h . He w ill be on e of t h e v er y best a n d I w a s delig h t ed w h en h e w a s n a m ed in t h e PFA t ea m of t h e y ea r in m y la st sea son . Jon es w a s u n for t u n a t e in t h a t 2 0 1 1 –1 2 sea son in su st a in in g a su ccession of n ig g lin g in ju r ies. Y ou n g cou ld look ba ck on a n en cou r a g in g sea son in w h ich h e scor ed eig h t g oa ls. For a w in g er , t h a t ’s n ot ba d. He ca n dr a w on a g ood u n der st a n din g of t h e g a m e a n d a h ig h st a m in a lev el. W it h a n ex t r a h a lf-y a r d of pa ce, h is a r sen a l w ou ld h a v e been com plet e, bu t h is speed w a s h a r dly deficien t , a n d h e dev eloped a k n a ck of slippin g in side on t o h is r ig h t foot – h is st r on g est foot – a n d deliv er in g fr om t h er e. He w a s ex cellen t t h r ou g h t h e m iddle a s w ell, bu t w e w er e blessed w it h m a n y opt ion s in t h a t a r ea of t h a t field. I w a s v er y plea sed w it h A sh ley , t h ou g h . He w a s a qu iet boy a n d a g ood t r a in er . T h e t h r ee of t h em – Jon es, Y ou n g a n d De Gea – w er e g ood sor t s. Br iefly t h e idea w a s m oot ed of a n En g la n d com eba ck for Pa u l Sch oles, bu t it w a s n ev er a ser iou s possibilit y . Pa u l w ou ld t ir e a t t h e en d of g a m es in h is la t er y ea r s beca u se h e w a s n ot bor n w it h t h e g en es of Ry a n Gig g s, a n d h e h a d lit t le in t er est in pla y in g in t er n a t ion a l foot ba ll a g a in . Sch olesy st ill offer ed u s a t em po a n d a pla t for m for ou r g a m e w h en h e r et u r n ed in Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 2 . T h er e w a s n obody bet t er in t h e r h y t h m sect ion of ou r t ea m . In fa ir n ess, t h e FA ca m e t o a ccept Pa u l’s a v er sion t o bein g r eca lled. Fa bio Ca pello’s a ssist a n t

a ppr oa ch ed h im befor e t h e 2 0 1 0 W or ld Cu p bu t t h er e w a s n o a ppr oa ch a h ea d of Eu r o 2 0 1 2 in Pola n d a n d Uk r a in e. Mich a el Ca r r ick w a s a n ot h er in t er est in g ca se st u dy . No En g la n d m a n a g er a ppea r ed t o r eg a r d h im a s a st a r t in g m idfield pla y er . Mich a el g r ew u p sit t in g on t h e En g la n d ben ch a n d h e h a d n o desir e t o spen d a ll su m m er in t h a t obser v er ’s r ole a t Eu r o 2 0 1 2 . A s it t u r n ed ou t , h e t ook t h e oppor t u n it y t o clea r ou t h is A ch illes. Mich a el’s h a n dica p w a s, I feel, t h a t h e la ck ed t h e br a v a do of Fr a n k La m pa r d a n d St ev en Ger r a r d. La m pa r d, for m e, w a s a m a r v ellou s ser v a n t for Ch elsea , bu t I didn ’t t h in k of h im a s a n elit e in t er n a t ion a l foot ba ller . A n d I a m on e of t h e few w h o felt Ger r a r d w a s n ot a t op, t op pla y er . W h en Sch oles a n d Kea n e w er e in ou r t ea m , Ger r a r d seldom h a d a k ick a g a in st u s. W it h En g la n d, Mich a el Ca r r ick su ffer ed in t h e sh a dow of t h ose t w o big per son a lit ies. Pla y in g La m pa r d a n d Ger r a r d w a s a n ig h t m a r e for En g la n d m a n a g er s beca u se t h ey w er e in com pa t ible in a 4 –4 –2 for m a t ion . T h e t ea m fu n ct ion ed bet t er w it h Ha r g r ea v es in cen t r a l m idfield, in 2 0 0 6 . By t h e by e, in t h e W or ld Cu p qu a r t er -fin a l a g a in st Por t u g a l in 2 0 0 6 , w h ich En g la n d lost , I t old St ev e McCla r en t h a t h e a n d Er ik sson sh ou ld h a v e h a d t h e pla y er s celebr a t in g a n d bu oy a n t a ft er g et t in g t o pen a lt ies w it h 1 0 m en , follow in g Roon ey ’s dism issa l. A sen se of a ch iev em en t a g a in st t h e odds sh ou ld h a v e t a k en h old a m on g Er ik sson ’s pen a lt y t a k er s. Lit t le t h in g s lik e t h a t cou n t . It w ou ld h a v e lift ed En g la n d’s pla y er s.

I h a d som e st r a n g e dea lin g s on t h e En g la n d fr on t . A ft er Ca pello r esig n ed, t h e FA w r ot e t o m e t o a sk m e n ot t o t a lk a bou t t h e En g la n d m a n a g er ’s job. A t t h e t im e, ev er y on e w a s t ou t in g Ha r r y Redk n a pp a s t h e pr oba ble su ccessor , a n d a ll I did w a s en dor se t h e popu la r v iew t h a t Ha r r y w ou ld be idea lly su it ed t o t h e r ole. I don ’t k n ow w h y t h ey ju m ped on m e t h a t w a y . Clea r ly t h ey h a d it in m in d t h a t Ha r r y w a s n ot g oin g t o be t h e n ex t En g la n d m a n a g er , ev en t h ou g h ev er y on e a ssu m ed h e w ou ld. I w a s offer ed t h e En g la n d job on t w o occa sion s. A da m Cr ozier , ch ief ex ecu t iv e of t h e FA fr om 2 0 0 0 t o 2 0 0 2 , ca m e t o see m e befor e Er ik sson w a s a ppoin t ed in 2 0 0 1 . T h e fir st t im e w a s befor e t h a t , w h en Ma r t in Edw a r ds w a s ch a ir m a n , a r ou n d t h e t im e Kev in Keeg a n t ook t h e r ein s in 1 9 9 9 . T h er e w a s n o w a y I cou ld con t em pla t e t a k in g t h e En g la n d job. Ca n y ou im a g in e m e doin g t h a t ? A Scot sm a n ? I a lw a y s jok ed t h a t I w ou ld t a k e t h e posit ion a n d r eleg a t e t h em : m a k e t h em t h e 1 5 0 t h r a t ed cou n t r y in t h e w or ld, w it h Scot la n d 1 4 9 . T h e En g la n d job r equ ir es a pa r t icu la r t a len t – a n d t h a t sk ill is t h e a bilit y t o h a n dle t h e pr ess. St ev e McCla r en m a de t h e m ist a k e of t r y in g t o be pa lly w it h on e or t w o. If y ou cu t 9 0 per cen t ou t , t h e ot h er s a r e a ft er y ou r body . If on e per son g iv es y ou fa v ou r a ble cov er a g e, t h e ot h er s w ill h ou n d y ou . No, it w a sn ’t a bed of n a ils I w a s ev er t em pt ed t o lie on .

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in t h e sa n ct u a r y of ou r h om e, Ca t h y sa id, ‘T h a t w a s t h e w or st da y of m y life. I ca n ’t t a k e m u ch m or e of t h is.’ T h e a ft er n oon of Su n da y 1 3 Ma y 2 0 1 2 w a s cr u sh in g . T o n eu t r a ls it w a s t h e m ost t h r illin g en d t o a Pr em ier Lea g u e t it le r a ce in h ist or y . For u s t h er e w a s on ly t h e pa in fu l k n ow ledg e t h a t w e h a d t h r ow n a w a y a com m a n din g lea d. W e h a d br ok en t h e Ma n Un it ed r u le of n ot su r r en der in g a posit ion of pow er . Ma n ch est er Cit y w er e En g la n d’s ch a m pion s. I felt pr et t y r a g g ed m y self, bu t I cou ld see t h e dist r ess in m y w ife. ‘Ca t h y ,’ I beg a n , ‘w e h a v e a g r ea t life, a n d w e’v e h a d a fa n t a st ic per iod of su ccess.’ ‘I k n ow ,’ sh e sa id, ‘bu t I’m n ot g oin g ou t . T h er e a r e t oo m a n y Cit y fa n s in t h e v illa g e.’ Som et im es y ou for g et t h a t set ba ck s ca n a ffect y ou r fa m ily m or e t h a n y ou . My t h r ee son s g r ew u sed t o t h e cy cle of t r iu m ph a n d disa st er . T h e g r a n dch ildr en w er e t oo y ou n g t o u n der st a n d it . Na t u r a lly it w a s w or se t h is t im e beca u se Ma n Cit y w er e t h e on es celebr a t in g a t ou r

ex pen se. A n d w or se, beca u se w e’d h a d t h e Lea g u e in ou r g r a sp a n d t h r ow n it a w a y . Of a ll t h e set ba ck s I en du r ed, n ot h in g com pa r ed t o losin g t h e Lea g u e t o Cit y . I h a d fa ced 1 4 Ma n Cit y m a n a g er s sin ce 1 9 8 6 , st a r t in g w it h Jim m y Fr izzell. Fin a lly a m a n a g er fr om a cr oss t ow n h a d bea t en m e t o t h e lin e in a t it le r a ce. A y ea r la t er , Rober t o Ma n cin i beca m e t h e 1 4 t h Cit y m a n a g er t o lose or lea v e t h e job befor e I st ood dow n . Rober t o w en t a ft er t h e FA Cu p fin a l defea t by W ig a n A t h let ic in Ma y 2 0 1 3 . By t h en w e w er e Lea g u e ch a m pion s a g a in , for t h e 2 0 t h t im e. W e h a d t u r n ed t h e t a bles on Cit y . Bu t I w ou ld n ot be t a k in g t h em on a g a in . A t t h e st a r t of t h e 2 0 1 1 –1 2 ca m pa ig n , I felt it w a s bet w een u s, Cit y a n d Ch elsea . A ft er a r ea lly g ood st a r t , on e of ou r best , I fou n d m y self h a v in g t o ch a n g e t h e t ea m a lot t o a ccom m oda t e in ju r ies. Ou r 8 –2 v ict or y ov er A r sen a l w a s t h eir h ea v iest defea t sin ce 1 8 9 6 , w h en t h ey lost 8 –0 t o Lou g h bor ou g h T ow n . It cou ld h a v e been 2 0 . It a ct u a lly r ea ch ed t h e poin t w h er e I felt – plea se, n o m or e g oa ls. It w a s a h u m ilia t ion for A r sèn e. T h e clim a t e a t A r sen a l w a s h a r dly ser en e t o beg in w it h . Bu t w e pla y ed som e fa n t a st ic foot ba ll t h a t da y . W it h t h e m issed ch a n ces on eit h er side, it m ig h t h a v e been 1 2 –4 or 1 2 –5 . A r sen a l pla y ed a y ou n g boy in m idfield; I h a d h a r dly h ea r d of h im – Fr a n cis Coqu elin – a n d h e ba r ely pla y ed a g a in . He w a s com plet ely ou t of h is dept h . T h e pla y er w h o r ea lly disa ppoin t ed m e t h a t da y w a s A r sh a v in , w h o cou ld h a v e been sen t off for t w o t er r ible t a ck les,

ov er t h e t op of t h e ba ll. T h er e h a d been a ch a n g e in A r sh a v in . Y ou m a k e a m en t a l n ot e w h en a pla y er w h o u su a lly g et s w h a ck ed by ev er y body else t u r n s it r ou n d a n d st a r t s h u n t in g dow n oppon en t s. His beh a v iou r sh ock ed m e. A r sh a v in con t r ibu t ed n ot h in g t o t h a t g a m e. It ’s disa ppoin t in g , ev en a s a n opposin g m a n a g er , t o see t h is. Ev en t u a lly A r sèn e t ook h im off a n d sen t on a y ou n g er r epla cem en t . T h ey h a d pla y er s m issin g , obv iou sly , a n d w er e n ot t h e sa m e w it h ou t Fà br eg a s a n d Na sr i. For t h a t r ea son I h a d discou n t ed A r sen a l a s t it le ch a llen g er s. For m e, Per Mer t esa ck er , t h e cen t r e-ba ck , w a sn ’t a m a jor sig n in g . W e’v e seen plen t y of t h a t t y pe of pla y er in Ger m a n y ov er t h e y ea r s. I didn ’t t h in k h e w ou ld be a h a n dica p, bu t n or did I believ e h e w ou ld lift A r sen a l t o a h ig h er t ier . T h ey n eeded pla y er s w h o cou ld dir ect ly in flu en ce t h eir per for m a n ces a n d r esu lt s. I sa w t h is t h em e dev elopin g in A r sen a l’s t r a n sfer t r a din g . W e w a t ch ed Ma r ou a n e Ch a m a k h , t h e A r sen a l st r ik er , a t Bor dea u x . W e h a d g ood scou t s in Fr a n ce bu t t h ey n ev er r a t ed h im . Oliv ier Gir ou d w a s a n ot h er pu r ch a se. A r sèn e seem ed w illin g t o bu y Fr en ch pla y er s of t h a t st a n da r d a n d I felt h e m ig h t be ov er est im a t in g Fr en ch foot ba ll. A ft er t h e 8 –2 w in ov er A r sen a l ca m e t h e fa r ce of a 6 –1 h om e defea t t o Cit y . W e ba t t er ed t h em for 4 0 m in u t es in t h a t g a m e. A bsolu t ely ba t t er ed t h em . W e sh ou ld h a v e been t h r ee or fou r u p. T h e r efer ee a llow ed Mica h Rich a r ds t o boot lu m ps ou t of A sh ley Y ou n g , ov er look in g fiv e fou ls in a r ow . A t h a lf-t im e w e w er e

r ea lly con t r ollin g t h e g a m e. T h en w e h a d a m a n sen t off ju st a ft er t h e br ea k . If y ou w a t ch it a g a in , Ma r io Ba lot elli pu lls Jon n y Ev a n s fir st , bu t ou r cen t r e-ba ck t h en br ou g h t h im dow n a n d w a s dism issed. So a t 2 –0 dow n I m a de a ch a n g e a n d br ou g h t on Ph il Jon es, w h o k ept fly in g for w a r d. W e dr a g g ed it ba ck t o 3 –1 a n d t h e cr ow d w en t cr a zy . A fa m ou s com eba ck w a s on t h e ca r ds. Flet ch er h a d scor ed a w on der fu l g oa l, so w e beg a n a t t a ck in g , a n d t h en con ceded t h r ee g oa ls in t h e la st sev en m in u t es. Su icide. It look ed h u m ilia t in g bu t it w a s a ct u a lly selfa n n ih ila t ion . T h er e w a s n ev er a poin t in t h e g a m e w h en Cit y look ed a su per ior side t o u s. A t 3 –0 u p t h ey w er e in a com for t zon e, t h a t ’s fa ir t o sa y , bu t t h ey w er e n ot pla y in g a st y le of foot ba ll t h a t w a s t ea r in g u s a pa r t . T h e la st pa ssa g e of pla y w a s a disg r a ce. It w a s com edy . A n d it led m e t o lea n on Rio Fer din a n d n ot t o g a m ble a n y lon g er w it h h is pa ce, w h ich h a d declin ed. A t h is qu ick est , Rio w ou ld sh ow t h e a t t a ck er w h er e t o k n ock t h e ba ll a n d t h en t a k e it off h im . Now h e w a s t r y in g t h a t w it h Da v id Silv a a n d w a sn ’t a ble t o bea t h im in t h e spr in t . T h a t g a m e w a s a w a t er sh ed for Rio. De Gea w a s sh ell-sh ock ed. Six g oa ls flew pa st h im a n d h e didn ’t h a v e a h a n d in a n y of t h em . W e a lso lost W elbeck , w h o w a s becom in g a u sefu l a sset for u s. A ft er t h e fin a l w h ist le, I in for m ed t h e pla y er s t h ey h a d disg r a ced t h em selv es. T h en w e set a bou t fix in g ou r a t t en t ion on t h e defen siv e pa r t of t h e t ea m . T h er e w a s a lea k in t h er e t h a t w e n eeded t o cor r ect . T h a t r em edia l w or k led u s in t o a per iod of st a bilit y w h er e w e

w er e st r on g a t t h e ba ck . W e w or k ed on pla y er s com in g ba ck in t o t h e r ig h t posit ion s, on con cen t r a t ion a n d on t a k in g t h e defen din g m or e ser iou sly . W e fell n in e poin t s beh in d Ma n Cit y w it h t h a t 6 –1 defea t , bu t by New Y ea r ’s Da y t h e g a p w a s dow n t o t h r ee poin t s. Losin g t o Bla ck bu r n Rov er s a t h om e w a s a r ea l sh ock er , especia lly a s it coin cided w it h m y 7 0 t h bir t h da y , t h ou g h t h a t w a s n ot h in g n ew t o m e. On m y 5 0 t h w e w er e bea t en 4 –1 by Qu een s Pa r k Ra n g er s. I’d su spen ded Ev a n s, Gibson a n d Roon ey for h a v in g a big n ig h t ou t a n d t u r n in g u p for t r a in in g dish ev elled. Ca r r ick a n d Gig g s w er e in ju r ed. A ll of w h ich for ced m e t o pla y Ra fa el a n d Ji-Su n g Pa r k in t h e m iddle of t h e pit ch . Bla ck bu r n pla y ed w ell t h a t da y . W e pu lled it ba ck t o 2 –2 a n d t h ey r eceiv ed a cor n er k ick , w h ich De Gea didn ’t h a n dle pr oper ly , a n d Gr a n t Ha n ley g r a bbed t h e w in n er . In t h e m ea n t im e, Un it ed m a n a g ed t o n a m e a st a n d a ft er m e w it h ou t m e k n ow in g a n y t h in g a bou t it . W h en I w a lk ed on t o t h e pit ch , t h e t w o t ea m s lin ed u p t o m a r k m y 2 5 y ea r s a s Un it ed m a n a g er , w h ich w a s r ea lly n ice. T h e Su n der la n d pla y er s, O’Sh ea , Br ow n , Ba r dsley a n d Rich a r dson , a ll for m er Un it ed m en , w er e sm ilin g br oa dly a n d v er y a ppr ecia t iv e. I felt pr ou d of t h a t . I w a s t old t o w a lk t o t h e cen t r e cir cle t o m eet Da v id Gill, w h o h a d a n object a t h is feet . I a ssu m ed h e w a s g oin g t o m a k e a pr esen t a t ion t o m e. Bu t a s I r ea ch ed h im , Da v id t u r n ed m e t ow a r ds t h e Sou t h St a n d. A ppa r en t ly on ly h e a n d t h e com pa n y w h o did t h e w or k w er e a w a r e of w h a t w a s g oin g on . It w a s a ll ca r r ied ou t u n der a cloa k of a bsolu t e secr ecy .

Da v id m a de a speech a n d t h en t u r n ed m e r ou n d t o see t h e let t er in g . Y ou g et som e ch u r n in g m om en t s in y ou r life w h en y ou feel, ‘I don ’t deser v e t h is.’ T h is w a s on e. Da v id h a d w or k ed h a r d t o t h in k of a n a ppr opr ia t e a ck n ow ledg em en t of t h e 2 5 y ea r s. T h a t ’s w h a t it w a s a bou t . Da v id t h r ew m e off by sa y in g , ‘W e w a n t t o bu ild a st a t u e of y ou , bu t do y ou t h in k w e sh ou ld w a it u n t il y ou ’v e fin ish ed t h e job?’ His la st w or ds du r in g t h a t con v er sa t ion w er e, ‘W e m u st do som et h in g , bu t w e’r e n ot su r e w h a t it sh ou ld be.’ T h e a n sw er h e ca m e u p w it h w a s h u m blin g . I h a d been Un it ed m a n a g er for 1 ,4 1 0 g a m es. T h e m om en t didn ’t ca u se m e t o t h in k a n y m or e deeply a bou t r et ir em en t . Bu t a ft er t h e la st g a m e of t h e sea son in 2 0 1 1 –1 2 , I sa id t o m y boy s, ‘T h a t m a y be it . On e m or e sea son a n d t h en t h a t ’s m e,’ beca u se it did t a k e a lot ou t of m e. T h a t la st m in u t e t ook it a ll ou t of m e. Goin g ou t of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e in t h e g r ou p st a g e w a s m y fa u lt . I t ook t h e com pet it ion for g r a n t ed. W e h a d com e t h r ou g h pr ev iou s g r ou p st a g es com for t a bly a n d look in g a t t h is on e I felt it w ou ld be st r a ig h t for w a r d, t h ou g h of cou r se I n ev er sa id t h a t pu blicly . I r est ed pla y er s: t w o or t h r ee w h en w e pla y ed Ben fica a w a y . W e ca m e a w a y w it h a dr a w a n d pla y ed qu it e w ell. T h en , a g a in st Ba sel, w e w er e 2 –0 u p a n d cr u isin g , bu t en ded u p dr a w in g 3 –3 . T h ey h a d w on t h eir fir st g a m e so it pu t t h em t w o poin t s in fr on t of u s a lr ea dy . W e w on ou r n ex t t w o g a m es a g a in st Clu j, bu t Ben fica a n d Ba sel w er e st ill in t h e ch a se. W e pla y ed w ell bu t on ly dr ew a t h om e w it h Ben fica ,

w h ich m ea n t t h a t if w e lost in Ba sel w e w ou ld be ou t . T h e pit ch w a s v er y soft in Sw it zer la n d a n d w e lost V idić in t h e fir st h a lf t o a ser iou s in ju r y . T h ey h a d a cou ple of g ood for w a r ds in Fr ei a n d St r eller a n d w on t h e g a m e 2 –1 . A g a in st Ba sel a t h om e, t h e pla y er s h a d been com pla cen t defen siv ely , n ot g et t in g ba ck t o t h e ba ll. In t h e Ca r lin g Cu p w e w er e elim in a t ed by Cr y st a l Pa la ce, w h o pr epa r ed w ell a g a in st ou r y ou n g pla y er s. T h e Lea g u e Cu p is a lw a y s r eg a r ded n ow a s a bon u s t ou r n a m en t . W e w er e a lso k n ock ed ou t of t h e FA Cu p in t h e fou r t h r ou n d a ft er bea t in g Ma n Cit y ea r lier in t h e com pet it ion . Beca u se t h e focu s w a s n ow on t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e, w e didn ’t m a k e m u ch h ea dw a y in t h e Eu r opa Lea g u e, g oin g ou t t o A t h let ic Bilba o in ea r ly Ma r ch w it h a 3 –2 defea t a t h om e. I w a n t ed t o w in t h e Eu r opa Lea g u e a n d r epr esen t u s in t h e r ig h t w a y . Bu t ou r h om e r ecor d in Eu r ope w a s poor : on e w in fr om fiv e g a m es. A t t h a t poin t t h e m a la ise h it s y ou . Y ou ’v e been k n ock ed ou t of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g r ou p st a g e, y ou ’v e h a d a 6 –1 defea t t o Ma n Cit y a n d y ou ’r e ou t of t h e Ca r lin g Cu p, a t h om e t o Cr y st a l Pa la ce. Y ou h a v e a ch a llen g e a h ea d. Bu t w e w er e g ood a t t h ose. W e h a d t h e en er g y a n d w h er ew it h a l t o con cen t r a t e fu lly on t h e Lea g u e. Ou r for m a ft er t h a t , a pa r t fr om t h e Bla ck bu r n Rov er s r esu lt , w a s t er r ific. Bet w een Ja n u a r y a n d ea r ly Ma r ch , w e bea t A r sen a l a n d T ot t en h a m a w a y , defea t ed Liv er pool a n d dr ew w it h Ch elsea . In Febr u a r y t h e Su á r ez–Ev r a a ffa ir blew u p a g a in

w h en Su á r ez r efu sed t o sh a k e Pa t r ice’s h a n d in a g a m e a t Old T r a ffor d. I br ou g h t t h e pla y er s t og et h er on t h e T u esda y of t h e g a m e a n d t old t h em , ‘I t h in k y ou n eed t o be big .’ T h ey w er e n ot in clin ed t o be n ice a bou t it . I st u ck t o m y t h em e: y ou n eed t o be big g er t h a n t h em . Gr a du a lly t h ey ch a n g ed t h eir m in ds a n d ca m e r ou n d t o t h e idea of a h a n dsh a k e. Fer din a n d, t h e m ost ex per ien ced pla y er , a lso h a d t h e in ciden t w it h Joh n T er r y a n d A n t on Fer din a n d in h is t h ou g h t s. By t h e Fr ida y t h ey w er e fin e w it h it . T h er e w ou ld be a h a n dsh a k e fr om Ev r a ’s side. I’v e w a t ch ed t h e foot a g e sev er a l t im es. Su á r ez seem ed t o qu ick en a s h e pa ssed Pa t r ice. Per h a ps h e t h ou g h t n o on e w ou ld n ot ice t h a t . A s Su á r ez pa ssed h im , Ev r a w a s a n n oy ed a n d sa id som et h in g t o h im . It w a s a ll ov er v er y qu ick ly , bu t t h e r eper cu ssion s lin g er ed. W h en Ken n y Da lg lish g a v e h is in it ia l pr e-m a t ch T V in t er v iew , h e g a v e t h e im pr ession t h a t Su á r ez h a d a g r eed t o sh a k e Ev r a ’s h a n d. A clu b of Liv er pool’s st a t u r e sh ou ld h a v e don e som et h in g a bou t t h a t , bu t h e pla y ed in t h e g a m e a ll t h e sa m e. I ca lled Su á r ez a ‘disg r a ce t o Liv er pool’ a n d sa id t h ey w ou ld be w ise t o ‘g et r id’ of h im . I a lso r epr im a n ded Pa t r ice for celebr a t in g t oo close t o Su á r ez a s t h e pla y er s w a lk ed off t h e pit ch . T h e w h ole sa g a h a d st a r t ed a t A n field w it h Pa t r ice sit t in g in t h e cor n er look in g a g g r iev ed. ‘W h a t ’s h a ppen ed?’ I a sk ed. ‘He ca lled m e a bla ck —,’ Pa t r ice sa id. I t old h im h e w ou ld fir st h a v e t o r epor t it t o t h e

r efer ee. I w en t in t o t h e r efer ee’s r oom w it h Pa t r ice a n d t old t h e m a t ch officia l, ‘Look , Pa t r ice Ev r a sa y s h e’s been r a cia lly a bu sed.’ Ph il Dow d, t h e fou r t h officia l, beg a n w r it in g ev er y t h in g dow n . T h e r efer ee, A n dr e Ma r r in er , t old m e h e t h ou g h t som et h in g h a d h a ppen ed, bu t h a d n o idea w h a t it m ig h t h a v e been . Pa t r ice sa id it h a ppen ed sev er a l t im es. T h en t h ey ca lled in Ken n y Da lg lish . La t er , w h en w e w er e h a v in g a dr in k , Joh n Hen r y a lso ca m e in . He w a s in t r odu ced t o m e bu t didn ’t sa y m u ch . St ev e Cla r k e’s son w a s pou r in g t h e dr in k s. On e or t w o fr om t h e old sch ool ca m e in t o join u s. Bu t n ot h in g m or e w a s sa id. T h en it ex ploded in t h e pa per s. La t er , Liv er pool w or e t h ose T -sh ir t s su ppor t in g Su á r ez, w h ich I t h ou g h t w a s t h e m ost r idicu lou s t h in g for a clu b of Liv er pool’s st a t u r e. I felt w e h a n dled it w ell, m a in ly beca u se w e k n ew w e w er e in t h e r ig h t . T h e FA a sk ed u s sev er a lt im e n ot t o discu ss it , bu t Liv er pool cou ld n ot lea v e t h e su bject a lon e. Da v id Gill w ou ld n ot h a v e a llow ed a n y m a n a g er t o h a n dle it t h a t w a y . Nor w ou ld Bobby Ch a r lt on . T h ey a r e ex per ien ced people w h o k n ow a bou t life. T h er e seem ed n obody a t Liv er pool w illin g t o pu ll Ken n y ’s h or n s in . Su á r ez ca m e t o t h e h ea r in g a n d sa id h e h a d ca lled Ev r a ‘Negrito’. T h e specia list sa id y es, y ou ca n ca ll y ou r fr ien d Negrito, bu t y ou ca n ’t ca ll a st r a n g er t h a t , in a n a r g u m en t . T h en it becom es r a cist . I left Ev r a ou t of t h e Eu r opa Lea g u e g a m e a t A ja x fiv e da y s a ft er t h e n on -h a n dsh a k e a t Old T r a ffor d beca u se it w a s a t r y in g t im e for h im a n d h e n eeded a br ea k . He’s a st r on g w ee g u y . I ch eck ed on h is st a t e of m in d

r eg u la r ly a n d h e w ou ld sa y : ‘I’m fin e, I h a v e n ot h in g t o be a sh a m ed of, I feel I’v e don e t h e r ig h t t h in g . It ’s disg r a cefu l w h a t h e sa id t o m e.’ He a lso sa id h e w a s doin g it pu r ely for h im self, on a poin t of pr in ciple, a n d w a s n ot t r y in g t o fig h t a la r g er polit ica l ba t t le on beh a lf of bla ck pla y er s. I t h in k Ken n y w a s fa llin g ba ck on t h e old ch ip on t h e sh ou lder . T h e pr oblem , I felt , w a s t h a t t h er e w a s n o Pet er Robin son a t A n field. Pet er Robin son w ou ld n ev er h a v e a llow ed t h e Su á r ez sit u a t ion t o be h a n dled t h e w a y it w a s. T h e y ou n g dir ect or s t h er e idolised Ken n y a n d t h er e w a s n o on e t o sa y , ‘Hey , beh a v e y ou r self, t h is is ou t of or der , t h is is Liv er pool Foot ba ll Clu b.’ Equ a lly , n o on e cou ld ev er ov er st a t e Ken n y ’s dig n ified a n d st a t esm a n lik e h a n dlin g of t h e Hillsbor ou g h t r a g edy , w h ich ea r n ed h im a lev el of r espect t h a t n o la t er polit ica l difficu lt y cou ld n u llify . A ft er t h e g r a n dst a n d u n v eilin g of t h e st a t u e, a n ot h er g r ea t h on ou r w a s t h e FIFA Pr esiden t ia l A w a r d for 2 0 1 1 . A t t h e cer em on y I w a s sit t in g beside Pep Gu a r diola a n d r ig h t in fr on t of Messi, X a v i a n d In iest a . T h e t h r ee m u sk et eer s. I felt pr iv ileg ed t o be in t h a t com pa n y . A s I sa t t h er e on m y ow n , t h e t h r ee m a de t h eir w a y t ow a r ds m e t o sh a k e m y h a n d. X a v i sa id: ‘How ’s Sch oles?’ In h is ow n v ict or y speech , Messi sa id h is Ba llon d’Or a w a r d sh ou ld g o t o X a v i a n d In iest a . ‘T h ey m a de m e,’ h e sa id. Messi is su ch a h u m ble la d. It w a s a r ea lly plea su r a ble n ig h t . Sepp Bla t t er , t h e FIFA pr esiden t , h a d been v er y k in d w it h h is w or ds a n d t h er e w er e v ideo m essa g es fr om Gor don Br ow n , T on y Bla ir , José Mou r in h o, Er ic Ca n t on a , Ron a ldo a n d Da v id

Beck h a m . T h e poin t of t h e a w a r d w a s t o r ecog n ise m y 2 5 y ea r s a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed. I sa id it w a s a n h on ou r in t h e ‘t w ilig h t of m y life’. If y ou cou ld h a v e seen m e a t t h e en d of t h a t sea son , y ou ’d h a v e t h ou g h t I w a s r ig h t . I didn ’t u se m in d g a m es w it h Cit y beca u se I felt w e w er e in con t r ol. Pa t r ick V ieir a , h ow ev er , did cla im it w a s a sig n of w ea k n ess for u s t o br in g Sch oles ba ck fr om r et ir em en t in Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 2 . In t h a t ca m pa ig n w e h a d g r ea t m om en t u m u n t il w e w er e bea t en a t W ig a n , w h er e w e r ea lly didn ’t pla y w ell. T h e on e t h a t k illed u s w a s t h e h om e fix t u r e a g a in st Ev er t on on 2 2 A pr il. W it h sev en m in u t es t o g o, w e’r e w in n in g 4 –2 , Pa t r ice Ev r a h it s t h e post a n d Ev er t on g o a n d scor e. In st ea d of 5 –2 , it becom es 4 –3 . W h en w e dr ew t h a t g a m e 4 –4 , I felt w e h a d lost t h e Lea g u e. Cit y w on com for t a bly a t W olv es t o r edu ce ou r lea d t o t h r ee poin t s, w it h t h e Ma n ch est er der by a t Cit y ’s g r ou n d t o com e. It w a s selfdest r u ct ion . I k n ew t h e Cit y g a m e a w a y w a s bou n d t o be t ou g h a n d I t h ou g h t t h ey w ou ld pla y t o k ill t h e g a m e, slow t h e pa ce dow n , g iv e fou ls a w a y in ou r h a lf a n d m ov e t h e ba ll t o Na sr i a n d Silv a t o dr ibble w it h . By t h en , Cit y w er e v er sed in su ch clev er t a ct ics. A t t h e Et ih a d St a diu m w e w a n t ed t h e t w o w ide pla y er s t o com e in a ll t h e t im e t o su ppor t Roon ey , on h is ow n , a n d pla y Ji-Su n g Pa r k in Y a y a T ou r é’s a r ea t o w or k h im a ll t h e t im e. T h er e w a s n obody bet t er a t t h a t t h a n Pa r k . Ph y sica lly h e w a s n ot in t h e sa m e lea g u e a s T ou r é, w h o w a s in ou t st a n din g for m , bu t I n eeded t o t r y a n d n eg a t e t h e t h r ea t h e posed on t h ose m a r a u din g r u n s of h is. Bu t I m a de a m ist a k e. Na n i w a s t er r ible t h a t n ig h t . W e br ou g h t V a len cia on , w h o did a lot bet t er , bu t Cit y w en t 1 –0 u p a n d k illed t h e g a m e.

Sm a llin g w a s ca u g h t ou t by a Da v id Silv a cor n er for t h e V in cen t Kom pa n y h ea der ju st befor e h a lf-t im e. It w a s h a r d t o t a k e. For t h e fir st 2 0 m in u t es w e w er e fin e. Ou r possession of t h e ba ll w a s g ood a n d w e h a d a cou ple of h a lfch a n ces. W h a t w e decided t o do w a s k eep t h e ch a n n els t ig h t . Za ba let a k ept g et t in g t o t h e by -lin e a n d w in n in g cor n er k ick s. Not h in g ca m e fr om Clich y ’s side. It w a s a ll Za ba let a . A n d it w a s a cor n er k ick t h a t did for u s. If w e h a d m a de it t o h a lf-t im e a t 0 –0 w e w ou ld h a v e w on t h e g a m e. W e h a d a pla n for t h e secon d h a lf, a w a y t o pla y , t h a t in v olv ed W elbeck com in g on for Pa r k . Bu t Nig el de Jon g did h im st r a ig h t a w a y t h r ou g h t h e ba ck , a n d t h a t w a s Da n n y ou t for t h e r est of t h e sea son u n t il h e pla y ed for En g la n d. De Jon g w a s on ly book ed for t h e t a ck le dow n W elbeck ’s a n k le. Rober t o Ma n cin i w a s ba dg er in g t h e fou r t h officia l t h r ou g h t h e w h ole g a m e: it w a s Mik e Jon es, w h o I feel is n ot on e of t h e st r on g er officia ls. W h en De Jon g la n ded t h a t t a ck le on W elbeck , Ma n cin i ca m e r u sh in g ou t t o pr ot ect h is pla y er . I t old Ma n cin i w h er e t o g o. T h a t ’s w h a t ou r lit t le cla sh w a s a bou t . Rober t o t r ied t o dom in a t e t h e fou r t h officia l a n d I h a d seen en ou g h . He w a n t ed t h e r efer ee t o com e ov er t o h im a n d spea k t o h im so h e cou ld g et t h e h om e cr ow d g oin g . A n dr e Ma r r in er left it t o Mik e Jon es t o sor t ou t . Y a y a T ou r é w a s t h e on e w h o m a de t h e differ en ce, n o dou bt a bou t t h a t . He w a s t h e best pla y er a g a in st u s in t h e 1 –0 g a m e. He w a s br illia n t . T h er e w a s n o a n im osit y la t er . Rober t o a n d I h a d a dr in k . W it h t h e ex cept ion of Fr a n k Sin a t r a , ju st a bou t

ev er y on e w a s in t h e office w h er e w e t r ied t o t a lk . T h e pla ce w a s m obbed. I sa id t o Ma n cin i, ‘T h is is r idicu lou s, h ow ca n w e h a v e a ch a t w it h a ll t h ese people in t h e r oom ?’ T h e on e su r pr ise a bou t Ma n cin i in h is t im e a s Cit y m a n a g er w a s h is st a n ce ov er Ca r los T év ez. He h a d a ch a n ce t o m a k e a st a n d ov er pla y er pow er a n d I felt h e sh ou ld h a v e t h r ow n h im ou t . In st ea d, a ft er t h eir cla sh a t a Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g a m e in Ger m a n y , T év ez w en t t o A r g en t in a for t h r ee m on t h s, pla y in g g olf, a n d t h en ca m e ba ck sa y in g h e w a n t ed t o fig h t t o w in t h e Lea g u e for t h em . T a k in g h im ba ck sh ow ed desper a t ion . Or per h a ps Sh eik h Ma n sou r in t er v en ed t o en d t h e st a n doff. I do r em em ber Ma n cin i sa y in g , ‘He’ll n ev er pla y for m e a g a in .’ Sa y Edin Džek o or Ba lot elli w er e n ot h a ppy a n d h a d disa ppea r ed for t h r ee m on t h s: w ou ld t h ey h a v e been t r ea t ed differ en t ly fr om T év ez? Ma n cin i m a de a r od for h is ow n ba ck . In t er m s of h is pr est ig e a s a m a n a g er , h e let h im self dow n . I w a s t old t h a t som e of t h e pla y er s a n d st a ff didn ’t lik e h im , bu t h e w a s n ot t h er e t o be lik ed. Resu lt s ba ck ed u p h is m et h ods. He ch ose h is pla y er s w ell, w it h a g ood ba la n ce a n d a g e r a n g e. I believ e h e w a n t ed t o a v oid pla y er s ov er 3 0 a n d t h ose u n der 2 4 . His pla y er s w er e m ost ly in t h a t ba n d of 2 4 t o 2 8 . Most of t h em w er e a t t h eir pea k , w h ich , in t h eor y , g a v e h im t w o t o t h r ee y ea r s w it h t h a t squ a d. T a ct ica lly y ou sa w h is It a lia n in st in ct s. A s soon a s Cit y w en t in fr on t , h e w ou ld oft en pla y fiv e a t t h e ba ck . He h a d t h a t defen siv e m en t a lit y : g iv e n ot h in g

a w a y . T h a t cost s y ou som e g a m es. Goa l differ en ce w a s st ill a fa ct or , t h ou g h . In ou r t w o r em a in in g g a m es, a g a in st Sw a n sea a n d Su n der la n d, w e a t t em pt ed t o close t h e g a p. A g a in st Sw a n sea , Sm a llin g a n d Gig g s m issed ch a n ces. W e cou ld h a v e g on e in a t h a lf-t im e fiv e u p. W e on ly scor ed on e in t h e secon d h a lf, in w h ich Roon ey a n d Clev er ley bot h m issed sit t er s. If w e h a d w on 5 –0 , w e w ou ld h a v e been fiv e g oa ls a dr ift . In t h e Su n der la n d g a m e, t h eir g oa lk eeper w a s ou t of t h is w or ld. Sim on Mig n olet . His sa v es w er e in cr edible. W e h it t h e post t w ice, Roon ey h it t h e ba r ; w e cou ld h a v e w on 8 –0 . W h a t a w a y t h a t w ou ld h a v e been t o w in t h e Lea g u e: on g oa l differ en ce. In t h e ev en t , Roon ey ’s 3 4 t h g oa l of t h e sea son fr om a V a len cia cr oss w a s ou r on ly m a r k on t h e scor eboa r d. Ou r fa n s w er e w on der fu l. I k ept look in g a t t h e y ou n g boy fr om Sk y , a n d h e w a s sa y in g it w a s st ill 2 –1 a t Cit y . How lon g t o g o? Fiv e m in u t es a dded t im e. Bu t I k n ew . Cit y scor ed t w ice in 1 2 5 secon ds, t h r ou g h Džek o a n d A g ü er o. Džek o’s w a s t im ed a t 9 1 m in u t es 1 5 secon ds, t h en A g ü er o w en t r ig h t t h r ou g h QPR’s defen ce, ex ch a n g in g pa sses w it h Ma r io Ba lot elli, a n d st r u ck t h e sh ot t h a t w on t h em t h e t it le for t h e fir st t im e in 4 4 y ea r s. T h e clock sh ow ed 9 3 m in u t es 2 0 secon ds. W e w er e ch a m pion s for 3 0 secon ds. W h en ou r w h ist le blew w e w er e ch a m pion s. In fa ir n ess t o ou r pla y er s, t h ey k n ew t h ey h a d ba llsed it u p. T h er e w er e n o ex cu ses. I t old t h em , ‘Y ou w a lk ou t of t h a t door w it h y ou r h ea ds u p. Y ou ’v e g ot n ot h in g t o be a sh a m ed of. Don ’t

sh ow a n y w ea k n ess.’ T h ey u n der st ood t h a t m essa g e. T h eir in t er v iew s w er e a ll posit iv e. I did w h a t I h a d t o do: con g r a t u la t e Cit y . I h a d n o pr oblem w it h t h a t . T h er e is n o poin t t or t u r in g y ou r self ov er w h a t m ig h t h a v e been in t h e Cit y –QPR g a m e. In m y ca r eer a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed w e ca m e ba ck t im e a n d t im e a g a in a n d w e w ou ld do it a g a in . T h e qu est ion in m y m in d t h a t su m m er w a s: w ou ld Cit y g et bet t er ? T h ey h a d t h e con fiden ce fr om w in n in g t h e Lea g u e; t h er e w er e n o boy s in t h eir t ea m a n d t h ey w er e a v er y ex per ien ced side, in t h a t m id-t w en t ies r a n g e. Mon ey w a s n ot a n object , bu t t h e size of t h e pla y in g st a ff a n d t h e w a g e bill w er e, in t h e con t ex t of t h e Fin a n cia l Fa ir Pla y r eg u la t ion s. I a sk ed of u s: cou ld w e g et t h r ou g h t h e follow in g ca m pa ig n w it h a bet t er in ju r y r ecor d? T h er e w a s a y ou n g Pa u l Sch oles m issin g fr om ou r t ea m . W e n eeded t h a t k in d of pla y m a k in g in flu en ce. People spok e a bou t Modr ić bu t w e w er e r elu ct a n t t o dea l w it h Spu r s a ft er t h e Ber ba t ov ca r r y -on . Ra fa el w a s dev elopin g in t o a r ea lly , r ea lly g ood pla y er , bu t h e m a de m ist a k es. Som e pla y er s ca n n ev er st op m a k in g m ist a k es, it ’s h er edit a r y , bu t ot h er s lea r n by t h em . Ra fa el w a s sen t off a g a in st Ba y er n Mu n ich and t h en im pr ov ed h is disciplin a r y r ecor d dr a m a t ica lly . He’s su ch a com pet it iv e boy , qu ick a n d a g g r essiv e, a n d h e believ es in h im self. He h a s a r ea lly posit iv e a t t it u de t o t h e g a m e. On e t h in g w e la ck ed w a s cov er a t left -ba ck , w h er e Pa t r ice Ev r a h a d been a v er a g in g 4 8 –5 0 g a m es a sea son . W e n eeded t o fill t h a t br ea ch . I sa id in a pr ess con fer en ce, t o ou r fa n s: y ou ’d bet t er

g et u sed t o t h is, beca u se w e’r e g oin g t o be seein g a lot of t h is n ew Ma n Cit y . T h er e w ill be a lot of g a m es bet w een u s a n d t h ey w ill a ll be lik e t h is. I w ou ld lov e t o h a v e been in t h eir Ch a m pion s Lea g u e g r ou p t h e follow in g t er m , beca u se it w ou ld h a v e m a de u s a liv e t o it . For t h e 2 0 1 2 –1 3 ca m pa ig n , I r esolv ed t o lea v e n o m a n beh in d a n d t a k e t h e g r ou p st a g e m u ch m or e ser iou sly , t o w in t h e g r ou p. Befor e t h e fin a l r ou n d of Pr em ier Lea g u e g a m es, Mick Ph ela n a n d I h a d been t o Ger m a n y t o see t h e Ger m a n cu p fin a l, t o w a t ch Sh in ji Ka g a w a , Rober t Lew a n dow sk i a n d Ma t s Hu m m els a n d I h a d t old h im : ‘Mick , t h e on ly w a y Cit y w ill bea t u s t om or r ow is if t h ey scor e la t e on . T h ey ’ll h a v e a h a r d g a m e a g a in st Qu een s Pa r k Ra n g er s. I w ou ldn ’t be su r pr ised if QPR g et a r esu lt , bu t if Cit y scor e la t e on , w e’ll lose t h e Lea g u e.’ W e fin ish ed w it h 8 9 poin t s: t h e h ig h est t ot a l ev er for a r u n n er -u p. T h e g en er a l feelin g w a s t h a t w e la ck ed a bit of st a bilit y in t h e defen siv e posit ion s, pa r t icu la r ly w it h t h e in ju r y t o V idić, bu t on ce Ev a n s a n d Fer din a n d for m ed a pa r t n er sh ip, w e sh ot u p t h e t a ble. Ou r g oa l differ en ce w a s g ood a n d 8 9 poin t s w a s a h ea lt h y r et u r n . Bu t t h ose ea r ly depa r t u r es fr om Lea g u e Cu p, FA Cu p a n d Ch a m pion s Lea g u e oblig ed u s t o m a r k it dow n a s a ba d sea son . I w a s sa d bu t n ot dem or a lised. I felt I h a d a cor e of pla y er s w h o w er e su r e t o im pr ov e. Ra fa el, Jon es, Sm a llin g , De Gea , Clev er ley , W elbeck , Her n á n dez. I h a d a n u cleu s w h o w ou ld be g ood for t h e lon g h a u l. T h e ch a llen g e w a s r epla cin g Sch oles. I don ’t k n ow w h er e y ou fin d t h ose pla y er s. A fit A n der son w ou ld m a k e u p

pa r t of t h e g a p. W e w er e pla n n in g t o sig n Ka g a w a a n d t h e y ou n g boy , Nick Pow ell, fr om Cr ew e. W e h a d fiv e n a t u r a l cen t r e-ba ck s. Plu s V a len cia a n d Na n i. Y ou n g w ou ld g iv e u s plen t y of opt ion s w ide. W e k n ew w h er e t h e ch a llen g e w a s: t h e n oisy n eig h bou r s. It w ou ld su it u s, I decided, if t h ey fa r ed bet t er in Eu r ope a n d g r ew dist r a ct ed. On t h e T u esda y w e w er e dow n t o g o t o Belfa st t o pla y in Ha r r y Gr eg g ’s t est im on ia l. It w a s h a r d t o lift t h e pla y er s, bu t it t u r n ed ou t t o be qu it e in spir in g , beca u se Ha r r y Gr eg g h a s been a g r ea t ser v a n t a n d t h e su ppor t w a s w on der fu l. It h elped u s pu sh t h e disa ppoin t m en t t h r ou g h t h e sy st em . A post scr ipt t o t h a t pa in fu l den ou em en t w a s a m edica l sca r e. I t r a v elled t o Ber lin t o see t h e Dor t m u n d–Ba y er n Ger m a n Cu p fin a l, t h en t o Su n der la n d, t h en ba ck t o Ma n ch est er , t h en t o Belfa st for Ha r r y Gr eg g ’s t est im on ia l a n d t h en ba ck h om e, a n d on t o Gla sg ow , w h er e I w a s su pposed t o spea k a t a Ra n g er s fu n ct ion , w it h a flig h t book ed t o New Y or k on t h e Sa t u r da y . Sh a v in g in Gla sg ow , I n ot iced a dr ip of blood. T h en a n ot h er a n d a n ot h er . I ju st cou ldn ’t st op t h e flow a n d en ded u p in h ospit a l, w h er e t h ey ca u t er ised it . T h e doct or t h ou g h t I w ou ld be a ll r ig h t t o fly , bu t it didn ’t st op bleedin g for t w o da y s, so w e ca n celled t h e New Y or k t r ip. T h e doct or ca m e r ou n d on t h e Fr ida y , Sa t u r da y a n d Su n da y . It w a s pa in fu l bu t ev en t u a lly set t led dow n . I u sed t o g et n osebleeds a s a pla y er , m a in ly fr om k n ock s. Bu t t h is w a s a n especia lly ba d on e. T h e ca u se

w a s dia g n osed a s t oo m a n y flig h t s, t oo m u ch ca bin pr essu r e. It w a s a w ee w a r n in g . If y ou do t oo m u ch , y ou ’r e in v it in g t r ou ble.

twenty-three

SHE

a lw a y s w a it ed u p for m e. Ev en if I ca m e t h r ou g h t h e door a t t w o or t h r ee in t h e m or n in g , Ca t h y w ou ld be t h er e t o g r eet m e. ‘W h y don ’t y ou g o t o bed?’ I w ou ld sa y t o h er ov er t h e ph on e a s w e t r a v elled h om e. ‘No, n o,’ sh e w ou ld sa y , ‘I’ll w a it t ill y ou g et ba ck .’ For 4 7 y ea r s sh e m a in t a in ed t h is lin e. I cou ld g o a bou t m y w or k in foot ba ll k n ow in g fa m ily life w a s com plet ely t a k en ca r e of. Ca t h y is a r em a r k a ble per son . Da v id Gill w a s a g en iu s t o per su a de h er t o u n v eil a st a t u e of m e a t Old T r a ffor d. T h er e is n o w a y I cou ld h a v e coa x ed h er in t o t h e lig h t lik e t h a t . T h e t r u t h a bou t Ca t h y is t h a t sh e h a s n ev er ch a n g ed. Sh e’s a m ot h er , a g r a n dm ot h er a n d a h ou sew ife. T h a t is h er life. Sh e doesn ’t cou r t fr ien dsh ips. It ’s n ot t h a t sh e discou r a g es t h em , m or e t h a t sh e pr efer s t h e com pa n y of fa m ily a n d a few close fr ien ds. Sh e a lm ost n ev er w en t t o t h e foot ba ll. W h en I m a r r ied h er w e w ou ld g o t o da n ces a t w eek en ds, w it h fr ien ds fr om Gla sg ow . Sh e w a s a lw a y s com for t a ble in Gla sw eg ia n com pa n y . Bu t a ft er ou r m ov e t o Un it ed,

sh e w a sn ’t a socia l a n im a l a t a ll. Sh e displa y ed n o in clin a t ion t o g o ou t on t h e cir cu it a n d I w ou ld g o t o m ost fu n ct ion s a n d din n er s on m y ow n . A h ou se w it h g a t es is u sefu l for w h en T or y polit icia n s com e ca n v a ssin g . Ca t h y w ou ld h ea r t h e loca l Con ser v a t iv es a n n ou n ce t h em selv es t h r ou g h t h e T a n n oy a n d sa y , ‘Sor r y , Mr s Fer g u son is ou t , I’m t h e clea n er .’ In a ll r espect s sh e is fa it h fu l t o h er r oot s. W h en I st opped pla y in g a t 3 2 a n d h a d pu bs in Gla sg ow a n d m a n a g ed St Mir r en , m y da y st a r t ed a t Lov e St r eet , w h er e I w ou ld be u n t il 1 1 o’clock , a n d t h en t o t h e pu b, u n t il 2 .3 0 p.m . Som et im es I w ou ld g o h om e a n d som et im es dir ect ly t o Lov e St r eet for t r a in in g . T h en it w a s ba ck t o t h e pu b, t h en h om e. So t h e ch ildr en seldom sa w m e a t t h a t v er y ea r ly a g e. Ca t h y br ou g h t t h em u p. By t h e t im e t h ey r ea ch ed m a n h ood, t h ey w er e closer t o m e, bu t h a v e a lw a y s h a d t h e u t m ost lov e a n d r espect for t h eir m u m . Goin g t o A ber deen w a s a blessin g beca u se I didn ’t h a v e t h e pu bs a n d t h er e w a s m or e of a fa m ily life for t h e fiv e of u s. I w a s t h er e a ll t h e t im e u n less w e h a d a g a m e. Da r r en w a s a ba ll boy a n d Ma r k w ou ld g o t o t h e g a m es w it h h is pa ls. Ca t h y w ou ld t a k e Ja son , w h o w a sn ’t h u g ely in t er est ed in foot ba ll a t t h is st a g e. Bu t a t 1 3 or 1 4 h e t ook u p pla y in g a n d en ded u p r epr esen t in g Scot la n d Boy s Clu b a g a in st W a les. He w a sn ’t a ba d pla y er . He w a s a la t e dev eloper w h o w a s in t er est ed in book s. He’s a v er y clev er boy . W h en w e m ov ed t o Old T r a ffor d h e st a y ed in A ber deen t o con t in u e h is st u dies. T h en h e join ed u s in Ma n ch est er , w h er e h e pla y ed for ou r B t ea m a few t im es.

Da r r en w a s a lw a y s a n a t u r a l, w it h a left foot of g r ea t qu a lit y . Ma r k w a s a v er y g ood pla y er w h o a ppea r ed for A ber deen r eser v es a few t im es. He w en t t o colleg e a n d poly t ech n ic in Sh effield for a la n d econ om y deg r ee. Ma r k beca m e a g r ea t su ccess in t h e Cit y . A ll m y son s h a v e don e w ell. T h ey a r e a ll dr iv en people, a s is Ca t h y , w h o is clev er a n d h a s a det er m in a t ion a bou t h er . People u sed t o sa y I w a s lik e m y da d. Bu t people w h o r ea lly k n ew m e sa id I w a s m or e lik e m y m ot h er , w h o w a s a v er y det er m in ed w om a n . My fa t h er w a s t oo, bu t w a s m u ch qu iet er . My m ot h er , lik e a ll g ood m ot h er s, w a s t h e boss. Sh e r a n t h e fa m ily . Ca t h y m a de a ll t h e fa m ily decision s in ou r h ou se, t oo, w h ich w a s fin e by bot h of u s. W h en Da r r en w a s 1 4 , Br ia n Clou g h ca lled a n d sa id h e w a n t ed t o sig n h im for Not t in g h a m For est . Br ia n w a s fu ll of con t r a dict ion s. He w ou ld n ev er a n sw er t h e ph on e t o m e. It w a s a lw a y s Ron Fen t on , Clou g h ’s a ssist a n t , w h o pick ed u p t h e r eceiv er . A t A ber deen I w en t sou t h t o see For est pla y Celt ic in t h e UEFA Cu p on r ock -h a r d fr ost y g r ou n d. I k n ew Ron Fen t on r ea son a bly w ell. A s I en t er ed t h e dir ect or s’ lou n g e, Ron sa id, ‘A lex , h a v e y ou m et t h e boss?’ I h a dn ’t , a n d w a s qu it e look in g for w a r d t o m a k in g h is a cqu a in t a n ce. Ron in t r odu ced m e a n d Br ia n sa id, ‘W h a t did y ou t h in k of t h e g a m e?’ My opin ion w a s t h a t Celt ic h a d deser v ed t o w in . I t h en t old h im For est w ou ld bea t t h em a t Celt ic Pa r k . ‘W ell y ou n g m a n , I’v e h ea r d en ou g h ,’ sa id Br ia n . A n d w a lk ed ou t . A r ch ie Kn ox bu r st ou t la u g h in g . In t h e ev en t , Da r r en st a y ed w it h u s a t Un it ed. T h e

pr oblem w a s k eepin g h im in t h e fir st t ea m . Ca t h y n ev er for g a v e m e for sellin g h im . He st a r t ed t h e fir st 1 5 g a m es in t h e y ea r w e w on t h e Lea g u e for t h e fir st t im e. Bu t , in a Scot la n d U-2 1 s g a m e, h e su st a in ed a r ea lly ba d h a m st r in g t ea r t h a t k ept h im on t h e sidelin es for t h r ee m on t h s. T h a t w a s h im ou t u n t il Febr u a r y , a n d by t h a t t im e Br y a n Robson w a s ba ck fit . Neil W ebb, Mick Ph ela n a n d Pa u l In ce w er e a lso on t h e scen e. T h en Roy Kea n e beca m e a v a ila ble for £3 .7 5 m illion . T h a t k illed Da r r en a s a fir st -t ea m pla y er . He ca m e t o see m e a n d sa id it w a sn ’t w or k in g for h im . He sa id h e w ou ld n eed t o m ov e. He w a s a lso sen sit iv e t o t h e difficu lt ies for m e. So w e sold h im t o W olv es, a clu b in t u r m oil, w it h big ex pect a t ion s a n d a la r g e fa n ba se. I w a t ch ed Da r r en pla y t h er e a lot . He w a s ea sily t h e best foot ba ller , bu t t h ey ch a n g ed m a n a g er so m a n y t im es a ft er Gr a h a m T u r n er w a s sa ck ed. Gr a h a m T a y lor , Ma r k McGh ee, Colin Lee. W h en McGh ee ca m e in , h is a ppea r a n ces st a r t ed t o dw in dle. He t h en m ov ed t o Spa r t a Rot t er da m a n d on ce m or e did w ell. T h ey ch a n g ed t h e coa ch w h ile h e w a s a w a y on h olida y a n d t h e n ew m a n didn ’t w a n t h im . He t h en ca m e ba ck t o W r ex h a m a n d beca m e set t led t h er e. A s h is pla y in g ca r eer w ou n d dow n , Ba r r y Fr y ca lled fr om Pet er bor ou g h a n d a sk ed w h a t Da r r en w a s doin g . He en ded u p a s m a n a g er t h er e a n d g ot t h em pr om ot ed t o t h e Ch a m pion sh ip, w h er e t h ey pu n ch ed w ell a bov e t h eir w eig h t . T en sion s cr ept in w it h t h e ch a ir m a n a n d h e r esig n ed a n d w en t t o Pr est on , w h ich w a s a disa st er , befor e a secon d st in t a t Pet er bor ou g h displa y ed h is

qu a lit ies a g a in . Da r r en ’s a ppr oa ch is t o pla y pen et r a t in g foot ba ll w it h pla y er s w h o pa ss t h e ba ll a n d m ov e. T h a t ’s h a r d w h en y ou ’r e bot t om of t h e Lea g u e beca u se t ea m s dow n t h er e t en d t o be desper a t e. It w a s poig n a n t for m e t o see Da r r en fa ce t h e st r u g g les I en cou n t er ed in m y ea r ly y ea r s, w it h bu dg et s a n d ch a ir m en a n d pla y er s. I r em in ded h im a ll t h e t im e a bou t t h a t m ot t o of ou r s: ‘Sw eet er a ft er difficu lt ies’. My a dv ice t o a n y y ou n g coa ch is t o be pr epa r ed. St a r t ea r ly . Don ’t lea v e it u n t il y ou a r e 4 0 t o a cqu ir e y ou r coa ch in g ba dg es. I w a s t ot a lly opposed t o fa st -t r a ck in g coa ch es. It is a disg r a ce. In Holla n d a n d It a ly it m ig h t t a k e fou r or fiv e y ea r s for y ou t o r eceiv e y ou r ba dg es. T h e r ea son t h ey n eed t o g o t h r ou g h t h a t in t en se, pr olon g ed scr u t in y is t o pr ot ect t h em fr om w h a t ’s t o com e in m a n a g em en t . It cost Da r r en £8 ,0 0 0 t o ea r n h is ba dg es a t t h e W a r w ick Bu sin ess Sch ool. By fa st -t r a ck in g big n a m es, t h e FA r ode r ou g h sh od ov er a ll t h e people w h o scr a ped t og et h er t o g et t h eir qu a lifica t ion s t h e pr oper w a y . I didn ’t t or t u r e m y self a bou t bein g a w a y a lot or con su m ed w it h w or k du r in g t h e boy s’ ch ildh oods. T h e r ea son w a s t h a t w e w er e a ll v er y close, r eg a r dless, a n d t h e boy s t h em selv es w er e v er y t ig h t -k n it . T h ey a r e in con st a n t con t a ct w it h u s. T h ey a r e a ll bu sy la ds. Ev en I cou ldn ’t a lw a y s g et h old of Ma r k , w h o w a s in a bu sin ess w h er e y ou h a v e t o k eep y ou r ey e on t h e ba ll. His is a w or ld of t in y fr a ct ion s, w h er e y ou cou ld m iss a bu y or a sell in secon ds, t h e w a y t h e m a r k et s m ov e. A ll m y son s a r e a cr edit t o Ca t h y , w h o w a s a lw a y s t h er e for t h em , a n d for m e, w h a t ev er t im e I t u r n ed t h e

k ey in t h e door .

twenty-four

IT

w a s A u g u st 2 0 0 4 a n d w e h a d ju st pla y ed Ev er t on . Bill Ken w r ig h t w a s cr y in g . Sit t in g in m y office, cr y in g . Pr esen t w er e Da v id Moy es, Da v id Gill, Bill a n d m e. A s w e st u died t h e Ev er t on ch a ir m a n in h is sor r ow , h e a n n ou n ced t h a t h e w ou ld lik e t o m a k e a ca ll. T h r ou g h h is t ea r s, Bill sa id: ‘I’ll n eed t o ph on e m y m ot h er .’ ‘T h ey ’r e st ea lin g ou r boy , t h ey ’r e st ea lin g ou r boy ,’ h e sa id dow n t h e lin e. T h en h e pa ssed t h e ph on e t o m e. ‘Don ’t y ou da r e t h in k y ou ’r e g et t in g t h a t boy for n ot h in g . T h a t boy ’s w or t h fift y m illion pou n ds,’ sa id a fem a le v oice. W on der fu l. ‘T h is is a t r ick , t h is,’ I la u g h ed. ‘Is t h is a g a m e?’ Bu t it w a s r ea l. Y ou h a d on ly t o m en t ion Ev er t on t o Bill t o t u r n h is t a ps on . He w a s a v er y lik ea ble g u y a n d u n a polog et ica lly em ot ion a l. Da v id Moy es w a s g iv in g m e t h e ey es. For a m in u t e I t h ou g h t it w a s a g et -u p, a per for m a n ce. Bill’s ba ck g r ou n d w a s in t h ea t r e, a ft er a ll. It occu r r ed t o m e w h ile a ll t h is w a s g oin g on t h a t I ou g h t t o ch eck W a y n e’s m edica l r ecor ds. W a s t h er e som et h in g ph y sica lly w r on g w e h a d m issed? W a s t h is a r u se t o

pu sh t h e pr ice u p? My God, it w a s fu n n y . Did t h e boy h a v e on e leg ? W a s I bein g lu r ed in t o a g ig a n t ic st in g ? T h e n eg ot ia t ion s t o bu y En g la n d’s m ost pr om isin g y ou n g t a len t w er e pr ot r a ct ed, t o sa y t h e lea st . Bill k n ew t h e v a lu e of t h e boy . Da v id Moy es w a s t h e m or e com ba t iv e pa r t y – a s I w ou ld h a v e been , in h is posit ion . Da v id w a s r ea list ic. He k n ew t h e clu b w er e a bou t t o r eceiv e a h ea lt h y fee a n d t h a t Ev er t on w er e h a r dly a w a sh w it h m on ey . T h e officia l pr ice w a s ju st ov er £2 5 m illion w it h a dd-on s. Ev er t on n eeded t h a t in ject ion . W h en t h e t ea r s h a d dr ied a n d t h e t a lk in g w a s ov er , W a y n e sig n ed on t h e lin e sev en h ou r s sh or t of t h e dea dlin e on 3 1 A u g u st 2 0 0 4 . By t h e t im e h e join ed u s, h e h a dn ’t pla y ed for 4 0 -odd da y s a n d h a d t r a in ed for on ly a cou ple of session s. W e t h ou g h t t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e t ie a t h om e t o Fen er ba h çe w ou ld be a su it a ble in t r odu ct ion , 2 8 da y s a ft er h e h a d becom e a Ma n ch est er Un it ed pla y er . T h is t en t a t iv e a ppr oa ch y ielded a spect a cu la r r et u r n : a Roon ey h a t -t r ick in a 6 –2 v ict or y . A ft er t h a t dr a m a t ic in t r odu ct ion h is fit n ess lev el dr opped a bit a n d w e h a d som e w or k t o do t o br in g h im t o t h e lev el of t h e ot h er pla y er s. Un der st a n da bly t h er e w a s n o r epea t of t h e Fen er ba h çe per for m a n ce for sev er a l w eek s. Non e of t h is st ifled m y en t h u sia sm for h im . W a y n e possessed a m a r v ellou s n a t u r a l t a len t a n d w a s en t it led t o be g iv en t im e t o m a k e t h e t r a n sit ion fr om boy t o m a n . He w a s a ser iou s, com m it t ed foot ba ller w it h a h u n g er for t h e g a m e. A t t h a t poin t in h is dev elopm en t , W a y n e n eeded t o t r a in a ll t h e t im e, a n d did so

w illin g ly . He w a s n ev er t h e sor t w h o cou ld t a k e da y s off. He n eeded t o t r a in in t en siv ely t o be on t h e sh a r p edg e of h is g a m e. W h en ev er h e w a s ou t for a few w eek s w it h a n in ju r y , W a y n e’s fit n ess w ou ld dr op qu it e qu ick ly . He h a s a big , solid fr a m e, a n d br oa d feet , w h ich m a y pa r t ly ex pla in h is m et a t a r sa l in ju r ies in t h a t per iod. I k n ew st r a ig h t a w a y t h a t h e w a s t h e pla y er ou r in t u it ion sa id h e w ou ld be. Cou r a g eou s, r ea son a bly t w o-foot ed – t h ou g h h e u ses h is left foot less t h a n h e cou ld. W e sig n ed pla y er s a t 2 4 t h in k in g t h ey w ou ld pea k a t 2 6 , a n d W a y n e’s pr og r ess w it h u s fr om a m u ch ea r lier a g e su ppor t ed m y con v ict ion t h a t h e w ou ld be a t h is best a r ou n d t h a t a g e. W it h t h e k in d of ph y siqu e h e h a d it w a s a lw a y s h a r d t o im a g in e h im pla y in g in t o h is m id-t h ir t ies, lik e Sch oles or Gig g s, bu t I dev eloped a n ex pect a t ion w h en h e r e-sig n ed for u s, in Oct ober 2 0 1 0 , t h a t h e m ig h t en d u p a s a m idfielder . A ll ou r in t ellig en ce a bou t W a y n e Roon ey a s a n Ev er t on ia n sch oolboy cou ld be con den sed in t o a sin g le ph r a se. T h is w a s a m a n pla y in g in u n der -a g e foot ba ll. T h e r epor t s a t ou r a ca dem y w er e a lw a y s g low in g a n d t h e clu b t r ied t o a cqu ir e h im a t 1 4 , w h en t h er e is a looph ole in t h e la st w eek of Ma y t h a t a llow s y ou t o sig n a boy fr om a n ot h er a ca dem y . Bu t W a y n e w a n t ed t o st a y a t Ev er t on . W e t r ied a g a in a t 1 6 befor e h e sig n ed h is a ca dem y for m s a n d a g a in h e w a sn ’t in t er est ed. Ev er t on w er e in h is blood. Geoff W a t son a n d Jim Ry a n w er e ou r t w o a ca dem y m en w h o h a d m on it or ed Roon ey ’s pr og r ess a n d been so im pr essed w it h h im in g a m es bet w een t h e clu bs. He

pla y ed in t h e FA Y ou t h Cu p fin a l a t 1 6 a g a in st A st on V illa . W h en W a lt er Sm it h join ed m e a s a ssist a n t h e sa id: ‘Get t h a t Roon ey sig n ed.’ W a lt er w a s u n equ iv oca l. He descr ibed h im a s t h e best h e h a d ev er seen . T h a t con fir m ed ev er y t h in g w e k n ew of h im . T h en ca m e W a y n e’s debu t , a t 1 6 , a n d h is w on der g oa l a g a in st A r sen a l. A t Ev er t on h e a lso beca m e t h e y ou n g est pla y er t o w in a fu ll En g la n d ca p, in a g a m e a g a in st A u st r a lia , a n d w a s t h en pick ed by Sv en -Gör a n Er ik sson for t h e v it a l W or ld Cu p qu a lifier a g a in st T u r k ey . He scor ed h is fir st in t er n a t ion a l g oa l a t 1 7 y ea r s a n d 3 1 7 da y s. So h e w a s a lr ea dy on t h e n a t ion a l m a p by t h e t im e h e ca m e t o u s. My fir st m eet in g w it h h im con t r a dict ed m y ex pect a t ion t h a t h e w ou ld h a v e a n a sser t iv e per son a lit y . He w a s a sh y boy . Bu t I t h in k t h er e w a s a n a w e a bou t h im t h a t r eflect ed t h e la r g e t r a n sfer fee a n d a ll t h e a t t en t ion it w a s br in g in g . He soon st opped bein g sh y . On ou r t r a in in g g r ou n d h e g a v e ev er y body h ell. Ev er y body . T h e r efer ee, t h e ot h er pla y er s. T h e poor r efs – T on y St r u dw ick , or Mick or Ren é – w ou ld a ll sa y t o m e, ‘Y ou ’r e t h e on ly on e w it h t h e a u t h or it y – y ou sh ou ld r ef t h ese g a m es.’ My r eply w a s: ‘T h er e’s n o w a y I’m r efer eein g t h ese m a t ch es.’ I r em em ber Jim blow in g h is w h ist le m ildly for a fou l on a da y w h en Roy Kea n e w a s in on e of h is da r k m oods, g iv in g ev er y on e st ick . His t ea m , ou r t ea m , t h e r ef, a n y liv in g cr ea t u r e h e cou ld fin d. Jim t u r n ed t o m e w it h

h is w h ist le a n d sa id: ‘I h ope Roy ’s t ea m w in s.’ ‘T h a t ’s r idicu lou s, t h a t ,’ I sa id, t r y in g n ot t o la u g h . ‘Y ea h , bu t t h e g r ief I’ll g et in t h a t dr essin g r oom ,’ Jim sa id. A t on e poin t w e ev en discu ssed h ir in g r efer ees. I a dm it I g a v e W a y n e a few r ollick in g s. A n d h e w ou ld r a g e in t h e dr essin g r oom w h en I pick ed h im ou t for cr it icism . His ey es w ou ld bu r n , a s if h e w a n t ed t o k n ock m y lig h t s ou t . T h e n ex t da y h e w ou ld be a polog et ic. W h en t h e a n g er su bsided, h e k n ew I w a s r ig h t – beca u se I w a s a lw a y s r ig h t , a s I lik ed t o t ea se h im . He w ou ld sa y : ‘A m I pla y in g n ex t w eek , boss?’ ‘I don ’t k n ow ,’ I w ou ld sa y . In m y opin ion , h e w a s n ot t h e qu ick est lea r n er bu t w h a t h e h a d w a s a n a t u r a l in st in ct t o pla y t h e g a m e, a n in t u it iv e a w a r en ess of h ow foot ba ll w or k ed. A r em a r k a ble r a w t a len t . Plu s, n a t u r a l cou r a g e a n d en er g y , w h ich is a blessin g for a n y foot ba ller . T h e a bilit y t o r u n a ll da y is n ot t o be u n der v a lu ed. In a t r a in in g g r ou n d ex er cise h e w ou ldn ’t a bsor b n ew idea s or m et h ods qu ick ly . His in st in ct w a s t o r ev er t t o t y pe, t o t r u st w h a t h e a lr ea dy k n ew . He w a s com for t a ble in h im self. In t h ose ea r ly y ea r s I seldom h a d t o be dict a t or ia l w it h h im . He m a de som e da ft t a ck les in g a m es a n d t h er e w er e fla sh poin t s on t h e pit ch . Off t h e field, t h ou g h , h e ca u sed m e n o a n x iet y . My pr oblem w a s t h a t , bein g a cen t r e-for w a r d m y self, I w a s a lw a y s h a r der on t h e st r ik er s t h a n a n y on e in t h e t ea m . T h ey w er e n ev er a s g ood a s m e, of cou r se. I’m sor r y , bu t

n on e w a s a s g ood a s I w a s in m y pla y in g da y s. Ma n a g er s a r e a llow ed su ch con ceit s a n d oft en in flict t h em on pla y er s. Equ a lly , t h e pla y er s t h in k t h ey a r e bet t er m a n a g er s t h a n t h e m en in ch a r g e – u n t il t h ey t r y it , t h a t is. If I sa w a t t a ck er s n ot doin g t h e t h in g s I believ e I u sed t o do, it w ou ld set m e off. T h ey w er e m y h ope. I look ed a t t h em a n d t h ou g h t : y ou a r e m e. Y ou see y ou r self in people. I cou ld see m y self in Roy Kea n e, see m y self in Br y a n Robson , see bit s of m e in Pa u l Sch oles a n d Nick y Bu t t a n d t h e t w o Nev illes, Ga r y a n d Ph il. T ea m s r eflect t h e ch a r a ct er of t h eir m a n a g er . Nev er g iv e in : t h a t ’s a g r ea t r elig ion , a g r ea t ph ilosoph y t o h a v e. I n ev er g a v e in . I a lw a y s t h ou g h t I cou ld r escu e som et h in g fr om a n y sit u a t ion . Som et h in g w a s a lw a y s h a ppen in g a t Ma n Un it ed. T h er e w a s a lw a y s a dr a m a . It w a s r ou t in e t o m e. W h en W a y n e Roon ey ’s per son a l life w a s ex posed in t h e New s of the World, a n d a sen se of cr isis w a s br ew in g in h is w or ld in t h e la t e su m m er of 2 0 1 0 , t h er e w a s n o cou n cil of w a r in m y office, n o pa cin g of t h e r oom . I didn ’t ph on e h im t h e m or n in g a ft er t h e st or y br ok e. I k n ow h e w ou ld h a v e w a n t ed m e t o. T h a t ’s w h er e m y con t r ol w a s st r on g . He w ou ld h a v e been look in g for a ph on e ca ll fr om m e, a n a r m r ou n d h is sh ou lder . T o m e t h a t w a sn ’t t h e w a y t o dea l w it h it . W h en t h ese sor t s of a lleg a t ion s su r fa ced t h e fir st t im e, h e w a s 1 7 y ea r s old, a n d a llow a n ces w er e m a de for h is y ou t h , bu t t h is t im e w e w er e sev en y ea r s on . Coleen , h is w ife, h a d h er h ea d scr ew ed on . Sh e a lw a y s

st r u ck m e a s a st a bilisin g for ce. I cer t a in ly felt u n der pr essu r e in r ela t ion t o h im du r in g t h a t W or ld Cu p in Sou t h A fr ica . I k n ew t h er e w a s som et h in g bu g g in g h im a t t h e 2 0 1 0 W or ld Cu p. I cou ld see it . A lt h ou g h h e h a d been n a m ed PFA Pla y er of t h e Y ea r a n d Foot ba ll W r it er s’ A ssocia t ion Foot ba ller of t h e Y ea r t h a t sea son h e w a s in a st r a n g e m ood in Sou t h A fr ica . ‘Nice t o see y ou r h om e fa n s boo y ou ,’ h e sa id in t o a T V ca m er a a ft er En g la n d’s g oa lless dr a w w it h A lg er ia in Ca pe T ow n . En g la n d w en t ou t in t h e secon d r ou n d a n d t h er e w er e n o g oa ls in fou r m a t ch es for W a y n e. I n eeded t o g et h is a t t en t ion . Y et t h e best w a y t o a ch iev e t h a t w a s by n ot sa y in g a n y t h in g t o h im – n ot offer in g con sola t ion – t o for ce h im t o t h in k . W h en I left h im ou t a w a y t o Ev er t on in Sept em ber , t o pr ot ect h im fr om a bu se by t h e cr ow d, h e w a s r eliev ed, beca u se h e k n ew I w a s doin g t h e r ig h t t h in g by h im . Y ou r job is t o m a k e a n im pa ct on ea ch per son a lit y w it h t h e best possible ou t pu t in t er m s of per for m a n ce. W e ca n a ll m or a lise bu t ev er y on e w ill com m it in discr et ion s. I w a s n ev er g oin g t o m or a lise w it h Roon ey . On 1 4 A u g u st 2 0 1 0 W a y n e in for m ed u s t h a t h e w ou ld n ot be sig n in g a n ew con t r a ct a t Un it ed. T h is w a s a sh ock , a s t h e pla n h a d a lw a y s been t o sit dow n a ft er t h e W or ld Cu p t o discu ss a n ew con t r a ct . A s t h e dr a m a g a t h er ed pa ce, Da v id Gill ca lled m e t o sa y t h a t W a y n e’s a g en t , Pa u l St r et for d, h a d been t o see h im t o sa y t h a t W a y n e w a n t ed a w a y . T h e ph r a se h e h a d u sed w a s t h a t h e didn ’t t h in k t h e clu b w er e a m bit iou s en ou g h . W e h a d w on t h e Lea g u e Cu p a n d

t h e Lea g u e t h e y ea r befor e a n d r ea ch ed t h e fin a l of t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e. Da v id sa id t h a t W a y n e w ou ld be com in g t o see m e. A t t h a t m eet in g , w h ich w a s in Oct ober , h e w a s h u g ely sh eepish . I felt h e’d been pr og r a m m ed in w h a t h e w a s t r y in g t o sa y . T h e ba sis of h is com pla in t w a s t h a t w e w er e n ot su fficien t ly a m bit iou s. My r espon se w a s t o a sk W a y n e: ‘W h en h a v e w e n ot ch a llen g ed for t h e Lea g u e in t h e la st 2 0 y ea r s? How m a n y Eu r opea n fin a ls h a v e w e been t o in t h e la st t h r ee or fou r y ea r s?’ I t old h im t h a t t o sa y w e w er en ’t a m bit iou s w a s n on sen se. W a y n e sa id t h a t w e sh ou ld h a v e pu r su ed Mesu t Özil, w h o h a d join ed Rea l Ma dr id fr om W er der Br em en . My r eply w a s t h a t it w a s n on e of h is bu sin ess w h o w e sh ou ld h a v e g on e for . I t old h im it w a s h is job t o pla y a n d per for m . My job w a s t o pick t h e cor r ect t ea m s. A n d so fa r I h a d been g et t in g it r ig h t . W e h a d a Eu r opea n t ie t h e follow in g da y . T w o h ou r s befor e w e pla y ed Bu r sa spor , on 2 0 Oct ober , W a y n e issu ed t h e follow in g st a t em en t : ‘I m et w it h Da v id Gill la st w eek a n d h e did n ot g iv e m e a n y of t h e a ssu r a n ces I w a s seek in g a bou t t h e fu t u r e squ a d. I t h en t old h im t h a t I w ou ld n ot be sig n in g a n ew con t r a ct . I w a s in t er est ed t o h ea r w h a t Sir A lex h a d t o sa y y est er da y a n d su r pr ised by som e of it . ‘It is a bsolu t ely t r u e, a s h e sa id, t h a t m y a g en t a n d I h a v e h a d a n u m ber of m eet in g s w it h t h e clu b a bou t a n ew con t r a ct . Du r in g t h ose m eet in g s in A u g u st I a sk ed

for a ssu r a n ces a bou t t h e con t in u ed a bilit y of t h e clu b t o a t t r a ct t h e t op pla y er s in t h e w or ld. ‘I h a v e n ev er h a d a n y t h in g bu t com plet e r espect for MUFC. How cou ld I n ot h a v e don e, g iv en it s fa n t a st ic h ist or y a n d especia lly t h e la st six y ea r s in w h ich I h a v e been lu ck y t o pla y a pa r t ? ‘For m e it s a ll a bou t w in n in g t r oph ies – a s t h e clu b h a s a lw a y s don e u n der Sir A lex . Beca u se of t h a t I t h in k t h e qu est ion s I w a s a sk in g w er e ju st ified. ‘Despit e r ecen t difficu lt ies, I k n ow I w ill a lw a y s ow e Sir A lex Fer g u son a h u g e debt . He is a g r ea t m a n a g er a n d m en t or w h o h a s h elped a n d su ppor t ed m e fr om t h e da y h e sig n ed m e fr om Ev er t on w h en I w a s on ly 1 8 . ‘For Ma n ch est er Un it ed’s sa k e I w ish h e cou ld g o on for ev er beca u se h e’s a on e-off a n d a g en iu s.’ I w a sn ’t su r e w h a t h e m ea n t by t h is st a t em en t bu t I a ssu m ed h e w a s t r y in g t o bu ild som e br idg es w it h m e a n d t h e fa n s. I h oped it m ea n t h e’d ch a n g ed h is m in d a n d w a s h a ppy t o st a y w it h u s. T h e pr ess con fer en ce a ft er t h a t g a m e, w h en a ll t h e m edia w er e t h er e, g a v e m e a n oppor t u n it y t o sa y w h a t I w a n t ed t o sa y , w h ich w a s t h a t W a y n e w a s ou t of or der . I t old t h e pr ess: ‘A s I sa id, t h r ee Pr em ier Lea g u e t it les in a r ow is fa n t a st ic a n d w e w er e w it h in on e poin t off a r ecor d fou r t h . It didn ’t h a ppen for u s a n d w e didn ’t lik e t h a t a n d w e w a n t t o do som et h in g a bou t it . W e’ll be OK – I’v e g ot ev er y con fiden ce in t h a t . W e h a v e a st r u ct u r e a t t h e clu b w h ich is g ood, w e h a v e t h e r ig h t st a ff, t h e r ig h t m a n a g er , t h e r ig h t ch ief ex ecu t iv e, h e’s

a br illia n t m a n . T h er e’s n ot h in g w r on g w it h Ma n ch est er Un it ed, n ot a t h in g w r on g w it h it . So w e’ll ca r r y on .’ A n d I sa id on t elev ision : ‘I h a d a m eet in g w it h t h e boy a n d h e r eit er a t ed w h a t h is a g en t h a d sa id. He w a n t ed t o g o. I sa id t o h im , “ Ju st r em em ber on e t h in g : r espect t h is clu b. I don ’t w a n t a n y n on sen se fr om y ou , r espect y ou r clu b.” W h a t w e’r e seein g n ow in t h e m edia is disa ppoin t in g beca u se w e’v e don e ev er y t h in g w e ca n for W a y n e Roon ey , sin ce t h e m in u t e h e’s com e t o t h e clu b. W e’v e a lw a y s been t h er e a s a h a r bou r for h im . A n y t im e h e’s h a d a pr oblem , w e’v e g iv en a dv ice. Bu t y ou do t h a t for a ll y ou r pla y er s, n ot ju st W a y n e Roon ey . T h a t ’s Ma n ch est er Un it ed. T h is is a clu b w h ich ba ses a ll it s h ist or y a n d it s t r a dit ion on t h e loy a lt y a n d t r u st bet w een m a n a g er s a n d pla y er s a n d t h e clu b. T h a t g oes ba ck t o t h e da y s of Sir Ma t t Bu sby . T h a t ’s w h a t it ’s fou n ded on . W a y n e’s been a ben eficia r y of t h is h elp, ju st a s Ry a n Gig g s, Pa u l Sch oles a n d a ll t h e pla y er s h a v e been . T h a t ’s w h a t w e’r e t h er e for .’ In a con fer en ce ca ll w it h t h e Gla zer s, t h e fu t u r e a m bit ion s of t h e clu b w er e discu ssed a n d W a y n e w a s m a de on e of t h e h ig h est -pa id pla y er s in t h e cou n t r y , I w ou ld im a g in e. T h e n ex t da y h e ca m e in t o a polog ise. I t old h im : ‘It ’s t h e fa n s y ou sh ou ld be a polog isin g t o.’ T h er e w a s a m ix ed r ea ct ion fr om t h e pla y er s. Som e w er e pu t ou t ; ot h er s w er e n ot bot h er ed by h im . It w a s a sor r y episode for W a y n e beca u se it por t r a y ed h im a s a m on ey m a n w h o h a d dr opped h is g r iev a n ce t h e m in u t e h is sa la r y w a s r a ised. T h a t ’s t h e w a y it w a s pr esen t ed, bu t I don ’t t h in k it w a s W a y n e’s in t en t ion t o

m a k e it a fin a n cia l issu e. It blew ov er qu ick ly . W it h t h e fa n s, h ow ev er , t h er e w a s a r esidu e of m ist r u st . He w a s fin e so lon g a s h e w a s scor in g , bu t in fa llow t im es t h er e w a s per h a ps a st ir r in g of t h e old r esen t m en t . Pla y er s ca n u n der est im a t e t h e dept h of feelin g for a clu b a m on g fa n s. In t h e m ost ex t r em e ca ses it lea ds su ppor t er s t o t h in k t h ey ow n t h e clu b. Som e of t h em h a v e st ood beh in d t h e clu b for 5 0 y ea r s. T h ey ’r e t h er e for life. So w h en a pla y er is deem ed t o h a v e sh ow n disloy a lt y t o a clu b, t h er e is n o m essin g a bou t w it h t h em . V er y few pla y er s w a n t a w a y fr om Ma n ch est er Un it ed. W e h a d a g en er a t ion of pla y er s w h o h a d pledg ed t h eir w h ole ca r eer s t o ou r clu b – Gig g s, Sch oles, a n d so on – a n d it w a s a lien t o ou r su ppor t er s t o see a pla y er a g it a t in g for a m ov e or t o h ea r h im cr it icisin g t r a n sfer policy . In t h e w in t er of 2 0 1 1 , I did h a v e t o t a k e disciplin a r y a ct ion a ft er W a y n e, Jon n y Ev a n s a n d Da r r on Gibson h a d a n ig h t ou t . T h ey w en t a cr oss t o Sou t h por t t o a h ot el t o celebr a t e ou r 5 –0 Box in g Da y w in a g a in st W ig a n . T h ey ca m e in t o t r a in in g t h e n ex t da y w ea r y . I w en t in t o t h e g y m n a siu m w h er e t h ey w er e doin g t h eir ex er cises a n d t old t h em t h ey w ou ld be fin ed a w eek ’s w a g es a n d n ot con sider ed for select ion a g a in st Bla ck bu r n on t h e Sa t u r da y . W a y n e n eeded t o be ca r efu l. He h a s g r ea t qu a lit ies a bou t h im bu t t h ey cou ld be sw a llow ed u p by a la ck of fit n ess. Look a t t h e w a y Ron a ldo or Gig g s look ed a ft er t h em selv es. W a y n e n eeded t o g r a sp t h e n et t le. It w a s n ot w ise for En g la n d t o g iv e h im a w eek ’s h olida y

befor e Eu r o 2 0 1 2 beca u se h e m ig h t lose h is edg e. If h e m issed a cou ple of w eek s for Un it ed, it cou ld t a k e h im fou r or fiv e g a m es t o g et h is sh a r pn ess ba ck . T h e Uk r a in e g a m e w a s ov er a m on t h a ft er h is la st g a m e for u s. He w ou ld r eceiv e n o len ien cy fr om m e. I w ou ld h a m m er h im for a n y dr op in con dit ion . It w a s qu it e sim ple – h e w ou ldn ’t pla y . T h a t ’s t h e w a y I a lw a y s dea lt w it h fit n ess issu es, r eg a r dless of t h e pla y er in v olv ed, a n d I sa w n o r ea son t o ch a n g e in t h e fin a l y ea r s of m y ca r eer . W a y n e h a d a g ift for pr odu cin g g r ea t m om en t s in g a m es. In m y fin a l y ea r , w h en h e w a s left ou t a few t im es, a n d r epla ced in g a m es, I felt h e w a s st r u g g lin g t o g et by people a n d h a d lost som e of h is old t h r u st . Bu t h e w a s ca pa ble of m a k in g ex t r a or din a r y con t r ibu t ion s. T h a t pa ss t o V a n Per sie in t h e w in ov er A st on V illa t h a t secu r ed t h e t it le for u s w a s m a r v ellou s, a s w a s h is ov er h ea d k ick a g a in st Ma n Cit y . T h ose fla sh es g u a r a n t eed h is pr ofile. Bu t a s t im e w or e on , I felt h e st r u g g led m or e a n d m or e t o do it for 9 0 m in u t es, a n d h e seem ed t o t ir e in g a m es. I t ook h im off in t h a t A st on V illa g a m e beca u se V illa w er e a v er y fa st y ou n g side, fu ll of r u n n in g , a n d t h eir su bst it u t e w a s r u n n in g pa st W a y n e. He ca m e in t o m y office t h e da y a ft er w e w on t h e Lea g u e a n d a sk ed a w a y . He w a sn ’t h a ppy w it h bein g left ou t for som e g a m es a n d su bbed in ot h er s. His a g en t Pa u l St r et for d ph on ed Da v id Gill w it h t h e sa m e m essa g e. A ll pla y er s a r e differ en t . Som e a r e h a ppy t o st a y a t t h e sa m e clu b t h eir w h ole ca r eer s; ot h er s n eed fr esh

ch a llen g es, a s V a n Per sie felt w h en h e join ed u s fr om A r sen a l. T h e u r g e t o fig h t a n d flou r ish w ou ld n ot be ex t in g u ish ed in W a y n e. I left h im t o discu ss h is fu t u r e w it h Da v id Moy es, h opin g t o see m a n y m or e g r ea t per for m a n ces fr om h im a t Old T r a ffor d.

twenty-five

WE

w er e h a r dly st r a n g er s t o m a jest ic in div idu a l t a len t , bu t it t ook u s a w h ile t o u n der st a n d ju st h ow g ood Robin v a n Per sie is. T h e qu a lit y of h is r u n s w a s n ot im m edia t ely a ppa r en t t o ev en ou r clev er est pla y er s. Ev en Pa u l Sch oles a n d Mich a el Ca r r ick , t w o of t h e best pa sser s I ev er h a d, h a d t r ou ble a t fir st pick in g u p t h e speed of h is m ov em en t s. Robin w a s t h e lea din g lig h t of m y fin a l sea son a s Ma n ch est er Un it ed m a n a g er , in w h ich w e w er e t h e fir st t ea m t o w in 2 5 of t h eir fir st 3 0 t op-flig h t fix t u r es. T h e pr ize a t t h e en d of it w a s t h e clu b’s 2 0 t h Lea g u e t it le. W e r eg a in ed t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e t r oph y fr om Ma n ch est er Cit y w it h fou r m a t ch es st ill t o pla y . V a n Per sie w a s m y fin a l m a jor t r a n sfer bu y a n d h is g oa ls, som e of t h em spect a cu la r , br ou g h t a n ex t r a Ca n t on a esqu e qu a lit y t o a n a lr ea dy v er y g ood side. If w e h a d a ba d h a bit g oin g in t o t h e 2 0 1 2 –1 3 sea son , it w a s ov er pa ssin g in t h e m iddle of t h e pit ch : pla y er s cir cu la t in g t h e ba ll t o a cqu ir e a feel of it . W it h V a n Per sie, w e lea r n ed in t im e, y ou n eeded t o look for t h a t

ea r ly pa ss t o split t h e opposit ion defen ce. Un t il w e g r a sped t h ose possibilit ies, w e cou ld n ot m a k e t h e m ost of Robin ’s m a r v ellou s m obilit y a n d k iller in st in ct . Bu t w e lea r n ed t h e lesson in t im e t o m a k e it pa y . If W a y n e Roon ey r eceiv ed possession in a n a t t a ck in g m idfield posit ion , h e cou ld be su r e V a n Per sie w ou ld be on t h e m ov e, h u n t in g , spea r in g in t o g a ps. Robin w a s ex a ct ly w h a t I w a n t ed h im t o be. His pr e-sea son w it h A r sen a l h a d con sist ed of 2 1 m in u t es’ pla y in g t im e a g a in st Colog n e, in Ger m a n y , so h is m a t ch fit n ess w a s slig h t ly la ck in g . T h e r ig h t t y pe of con dit ion in g w a s a lr ea dy t h er e bu t w e n eeded t o g et h im in t o a m a t ch fit st a t e. I w a s deeply im pr essed w it h h im fr om t h e st a r t . I sa id t o Robin qu it e ea r ly : ‘Don ’t be a fr a id t o in st r u ct t h e ot h er pla y er s. Y ou w er e t h e lea der a t A r sen a l a n d if y ou don ’t g et fed, g et in t o t h em .’ He w a s qu iet er t h a n I ex pect ed, bu t w it h a v iciou s left foot t h a t w ou ld fr eeze g oa lk eeper s w it h it s for ce. People a sk ed w h y I a llow ed h im t o t a k e cor n er s a s a cen t r e-for w a r d. He w ou ld t a k e t h em fr om t h e r ig h t -h a n d side, n ot t h e left , w h en h e w ou ld be in t h e pen a lt y box . T h e a n sw er is t h a t h is cor n er -t a k in g fr om t h e r ig h t w a s t er r ific. How a r d W ilk in son r em a r k ed t o m e t h a t sea son t h a t a st u dy h e h a d ov er seen h a d sh ow ed a decr ea se in t h e n u m ber of g oa ls fr om set pieces. Y et w e h a d scor ed t en fr om cor n er s in t h e fir st h a lf of 2 0 1 1 –1 2 . T h e ex ist in g squ a d didn ’t see Robin a s a n y k in d of ou t sider : a n A r sen a l pla y er cr eepin g on t o t h eir t er r it or y . Min e w er e a v er y w elcom in g bu n ch w h o a sk ed on ly t h a t t h e n ew a r r iv a l com m it h im self t o t h e

ca u se a n d r espect t h e t r a dit ion s of ou r dr essin g r oom . I a lw a y s r em em ber V er ón a r r iv in g a t t h e clu b a n d a ll t h e pla y er s lea v in g t h e t r a in in g session t o sh a k e h is h a n d. T h ey w er e a lw a y s g ood lik e t h a t . Per h a ps t h e g r eet in g is a lw a y s w a r m est for t h e pla y er w h o m ig h t w in y ou a t ig h t g a m e, a n in dispen sa ble a sset a t t h e v er y h ig h est lev el. Lik e ev er y on e in t h e bu sin ess, I h a d been r ea din g t h a t V a n Per sie’s con t r a ct w a s a bou t t o ex pir e, bu t I felt su r e A r sen a l w ou ld r ea ch a dea l t o st op h im lea v in g . T ow a r ds t h e en d of t h e 2 0 1 1 –1 2 sea son , h ow ev er , I sen sed in cr ea sin g ly t h a t h e w ou ld n ot be st a y in g in n or t h Lon don . His a g en t con t a ct ed u s. By t h en h e h a d a lr ea dy been t a lk in g t o Ma n Cit y , bu t t h e m essa g e w a s t h a t Robin w ou ld be v er y , v er y in t er est ed in h a v in g a discu ssion w it h u s. Ev en t u a lly Cit y w er e a dv ised t h a t h e w ou ld n ot be join in g t h em , so it a ppea r ed t o be bet w een u s a n d Ju v en t u s; t h e clu b h a d, I g a t h er ed, offer ed h im a n im m en se sa la r y t o m ov e t o T u r in . My t h in k in g w a s: t h er e a r e t w o r ea son s w h y a pla y er w a n t s t o m ov e. 1 . For t h e g lor y , a n d 2 . For t h e m on ey . I cou ld see w h y h e m ig h t h a v e w a n t ed t o join Ju v en t u s – a fin e t ea m – for a n a st r on om ica l r ew a r d. T h e pa ck a g e w e cou ld offer w a s g ood en ou g h t o sh ow h im h ow m u ch w e r espect ed h im . Ou r in v it a t ion w a s ba ck ed u p w it h g r ea t en t h u sia sm . Nex t , w e beg a n t a lk in g t o A r sen a l a bou t a possible t r a n sfer fee. Da v id Gill ph on ed Iv a n Ga zidis, t h e A r sen a l ch ief ex ecu t iv e, a n u m ber of t im es, st a r t in g in A pr il, bu t w a s t old t h a t A r sen a l believ ed t h ey cou ld

per su a de h im t o sig n a n ew dea l. T h is ca r r ied on for a w h ile u n t il Da v id su g g est ed I sh ou ld ca ll A r sèn e dir ect ly a s h e w ou ld clea r ly h a v e t h e fin a l sa y on a n y t r a n sfer . By t h en it h a d becom e a ppa r en t t h e boy w a s lea v in g . A r sèn e’s a t t it u de, u n der st a n da bly , w a s: w h y sh ou ld w e sell t o Ma n ch est er Un it ed w h en w e cou ld g et £3 0 m illion off Ma n Cit y or Ju v en t u s? My r espon se w a s t o poin t ou t t h a t t h e pla y er h a d n o desir e t o g o t o ou r Ma n ch est er r iv a ls. A r sèn e’s cou n t er -a r g u m en t w a s t h a t Robin ’s v iew of it m ig h t ch a n g e if Cit y m a de h im a fu r t h er offer h e cou ld n ot r efu se. It w a s cer t a in ly possible. T h ese discu ssion s, I sh ou ld sa y , w er e a m ica ble. T h er e w a s n o h in t of h ost ilit y . W e w er e t w o ex per ien ced m a n a g er s con fr on t in g r ea lit y . T h e st ick in g poin t w a s t h a t A r sèn e h oped t o r eceiv e £3 0 m illion or m or e for h is best pla y er . It con t in u ed t o dr a g on for sev er a l w eek s, du r in g w h ich t im e I ph on ed A r sèn e t w o or t h r ee m or e t im es. In t im e w e a ll a r r iv ed a t t h e poin t w h er e A r sen a l k n ew Robin w a s n ot g oin g t o r e-sig n a n d a ccept ed t h a t . T h eir opt ion s w er e Ju v en t u s or Un it ed. A r sen a l w er e t r y in g t o sell h im a br oa d, bu t t h e pla y er on ly w a n t ed t o join u s. My u n der st a n din g is t h a t V a n Per sie sa t dow n w it h A r sèn e a n d t old h im Un it ed w a s h is pr efer r ed dest in a t ion . Ou r offer , fr om Da v id Gill t o Ga zidis, w a s £2 0 m illion . I w a r n ed A r sèn e t h a t w e w ou ld n ev er g et t o £2 5 m illion . A r sèn e w a s in cr edu lou s. He cou ld n ot believ e t h a t Ma n ch est er Un it ed w ou ld r efu se t o st r et ch t o £2 5

m illion for su ch a pla y er . I t old h im a g a in : I w ou ldn ’t g o t o £2 5 m illion . A r sèn e a sk ed w h a t m y best offer w ou ld be. A n sw er : £2 2 m illion . T h e r eply w a s t h a t A r sen a l w ou ld t a k e £2 2 .5 m illion a n d a fu r t h er £1 .5 m illion if w e w on t h e Ch a m pion s Lea g u e or Pr em ier Lea g u e du r in g t h e per iod of h is con t r a ct . Dea l don e. My in t u it ion w a s t h a t A r sèn e w a s r eliev ed n ot t o be sellin g V a n Per sie t o Ma n Cit y , w h o h a d a lr ea dy t a k en Kolo T ou r é, Ga ël Clich y , Em m a n u el A deba y or a n d Sa m ir Na sr i fr om h is t ea m . Per h a ps h e is n ot a fa n of Cit y ’s ow n er sh ip m odel. A n d a lt h ou g h w e h a d m a n y ba t t les ov er t h e y ea r s, I t h in k h e r espect ed t h e w a y Ma n ch est er Un it ed w a s r u n . He sa id t h a t t o m e on occa sion s. I a lw a y s r em em ber A r sèn e sa y in g t o m e a bou t V a n Per sie: ‘Y ou don ’t r ea lise w h a t a g ood pla y er y ou ’r e g et t in g .’ I t h ou g h t of Ca n t on a a n d Ron a ldo a n d Gig g s. Bu t A r sèn e w a s r ig h t . Robin ’s m ov em en t a n d t h e t im in g of r u n s w er e m esm er isin g . He w a s a lso blessed w it h a for m ida ble ph y siqu e. V a n Per sie t ook a low er , bu t st ill fa n t a st ic, w a g e fr om u s t o com e t o a pla ce w h er e h e believ ed h e cou ld be m ost su ccessfu l. A t h is u n v eilin g h e sa id h is in n er ch ild h a d been ‘scr ea m in g for Un it ed’. He t old m e la t er t h a t in Holla n d ev er y k id dr ea m s of pla y in g for Ma n Un it ed. He k n ew I h a d been t o see h im w h en h e w a s 1 6 . A r sen a l bea t u s t o h im w h en h e w a s em er g in g a s a st a r a t Fey en oor d bu t h e st r essed w h a t a dr ea m it w a s for

Du t ch k ids t o w ea r t h e Un it ed cr est . He w a s im pr essed w it h t h e y ou t h of ou r t ea m . W e h a d Gig g s a n d Sch oles bu t w e a lso h a d Ch ich a r it o a n d t h e t w o Da Silv a s, Ev a n s, Jon es a n d Sm a llin g , W elbeck . Ca r r ick , a t 3 1 , w a s h a v in g h is best -ev er sea son for u s. It da w n s on som e pla y er s, w h en t h ey per for m a t t h eir best , ju st h ow im por t a n t t h ey a r e t o t h e t ea m , a n d in t u r n it m a k es t h em g r ow , a s it did w it h Ca r r ick . Robin k n ew h e w a s com in g t o a set t led clu b. Cit y h a d been t er r ific t h e pr ev iou s sea son , bu t y ou w ou ld n ot ca ll t h em a set t led or g a n isa t ion . T h er e w a s a lw a y s a n issu e, w it h som eon e set t in g off fir ew or k s or fa llin g ou t w it h t h e m a n a g er ; T év ez w a n t in g t o pla y g olf in A r g en t in a . Cit y h a d w on t h e Lea g u e la r g ely t h r ou g h t h e effor t s of fou r t op per for m er s: Y a y a T ou r é, Ser g io A g ü er o, V in cen t Kom pa n y a n d Joe Ha r t . Plu s Da v id Silv a for t h e fir st h a lf of t h e sea son , t h ou g h h e t r a iled a w a y som ew h a t a ft er Ch r ist m a s. I sa y t h is a ll t h e t im e a bou t st r ik er s. Ca n t on a , A n dy Cole: if t h ey a r e n ot scor in g t h ey t h in k t h ey a r e n ev er g oin g t o scor e a g a in . In h is br ief dr y spell in t h e Ma r ch of t h a t sea son , V a n Per sie w a sn ’t pla y in g a s w ell a n d it a ffect ed h im . Bu t fr om t h e m in u t e h e scor ed a g a in st St ok e on 1 4 A pr il, h e w a s on fir e a g a in . Ov er t h e y ea r s I w it n essed som e im m or t a l Ma n ch est er Un it ed g oa ls. Ca n t on a t r ea t ed t h e cr ow d t o t w o or t h r ee w on der fu l ch ipped fin ish es. Roon ey ’s bicy cle k ick a g a in st Cit y t ook som e bea t in g . T h e ex ecu t ion w a s in cr edible. It ’s n ot a s if t h a t u n for g et t a ble ov er h ea d fin ish w a s deliv er ed fr om t h e six -y a r d lin e. He w a s 1 4 y a r ds fr om g oa l. It a lso t ook a

deflect ion a s h e w a s r u n n in g in . Na n i’s cr oss v eer ed off a Cit y pla y er , so W a y n e w a s for ced t o m a k e a n a m a zin g m id-a ir a dju st m en t . T h a t w a s t h e best on e, for m y m on ey . Bu t V a n Per sie’s a g a in st A st on V illa in t h e 3 –0 w in t h a t secu r ed u s t h e t it le on 2 2 A pr il w a s specia l t oo: a n ov er -t h e-sh ou lder v olley fr om a lon g dr illed ba ll by Roon ey . A n or m a l pla y er w ou ld t r y t h a t t r ick a h u n dr ed t im es in t r a in in g a n d scor e on ce. V a n Per sie cou ld do it r eg u la r ly . Sh ou lder dow n , h ea d dow n , ey es dow n , t h r ou g h t h e ba ll. T h e sa m e m a st er y of t ech n iqu e br ou g h t h im a g oa l of sim ila r qu a lit y for A r sen a l a g a in st Ev er t on . He w a s a w on der fu l sig n in g w h o fin ish ed t h e sea son w it h 2 6 Lea g u e g oa ls: 1 2 a t h om e a n d 1 4 a w a y . He st r u ck 1 7 t im es w it h h is left foot a n d eig h t w it h h is r ig h t , plu s on ce fr om a h ea der . T h ose fig u r es ea r n ed h im t h e Golden Boot , a w a r ded t o t h e Pr em ier Lea g u e’s t op scor er , for t h e secon d con secu t iv e y ea r . A t t h e ot h er en d of t h e a g e sca le, w e con t in u ed t o pla ce ou r fa it h in y ou t h . Nick Pow ell, w h o join ed in Ju ly 2 0 1 2 , h a d been in ou r sig h t s sin ce Nov em ber 2 0 1 1 . Cr ew e br ou g h t h im in t o t h eir t ea m a t ou t sideleft w h en h e w a s 1 7 a n d st ill a bit g a n g ly . Ou r a ca dem y st a ff h a d dr a w n a r in g r ou n d h is n a m e a n d w e scou t ed for h im r eg u la r ly . Jim La w lor w en t t o look a t h im a n d sa id h e w a s in t er est in g , t h ou g h h e w a s n ot su r e w h a t h is best posit ion w ou ld be a n d t h ou g h t h e m ig h t be a w ee bit la idba ck . So I sen t ou t Ma r t in t o w a t ch h im t w ice. Ma r t in ’s v iew w a s t h a t h e defin it ely h a d som et h in g bu t w a s n ot

t h e fu ll pa ck a g e y et . T h en Mick Ph ela n w en t t o ex a m in e h im in a cou ple of fix t u r es. Fin a lly it w a s m y t u r n . Cr ew e v . A lder sh ot . A ft er fiv e m in u t es in t h e st a n ds, I t old Mick , ‘He’s a pla y er . Mick , h e’s a pla y er .’ It w a s h is t ou ch on t h e ba ll a n d h is v ision . A t on e poin t in t h e g a m e I sa w h e g ot a h a lf-r u n on t h e opposit ion ’s defen ce, h a d a w ee look ov er h is sh ou lder a n d ju st loft ed t h e ba ll t o t h e cen t r e-for w a r d t o h a v e a sh ot on g oa l. T h en h e sh ow ed u s a h ea der , t h en a t u r n of pa ce. Com in g a w a y I sa id t o Mick : ‘I’m g oin g t o ph on e Da r io Gr a di,’ n ow dir ect or of foot ba ll a t Cr ew e. ‘I see y ou w er e a t t h e g a m e y est er da y ,’ sa id Da r io. ‘T h e boy Pow ell,’ I sa id. ‘Now don ’t g et ca r r ied a w a y . W h a t ’s y ou r ba llpa r k fig u r e?’ Da r io sa id: ‘Six m illion .’ La u g h in g , I t old h im w h er e t o g o. Bu t w e con st r u ct ed a pot en t ia l dea l in t h a t dir ect ion w it h a dd-on s for fir st t ea m a n d En g la n d a ppea r a n ces. Pow ell w a s n ot t old u n t il a ft er t h a t sea son ’s pla y -offs. He is a n a bsolu t e cer t a in t y t o be in t h e En g la n d t ea m on e da y . He cou ld pla y a n y w h er e: off t h e fr on t , ev en t h r ou g h . He’s qu ick a s h ell, h a s t w o g ood feet a n d sh oot s fr om ou t side t h e box . In t h e w in t er of 2 0 1 2 h e pick ed u p a v ir u s a n d h is g ir lfr ien d h a d a n a st y ca r a cciden t . He’s qu it e a det a ch ed fig u r e – g ood a t sw it ch in g off – bu t h e’s a pla y er , believ e m e. Sh in ji Ka g a w a w a s a n ot h er g ood ca t ch t h a t su m m er . W e elect ed n ot t o m ov e for h im a ft er h is fir st sea son in Ger m a n foot ba ll, beca u se som et im es a pla y er r ises a

n ot ch a n d y ou w a n t t o be su r e h e ca n su st a in it . He pla y ed in a v er y g ood Dor t m u n d t ea m , w h ich I con sider ed ca pa ble of w in n in g t h e 2 0 1 3 Ch a m pion s Lea g u e. In t h e ev en t t h ey r ea ch ed t h e fin a l bu t lost t o Ba y er n Mu n ich . T h e fir st t h in g I n ot iced w a s Sh in ji’s sh a r p foot ba ll br a in . Mick a n d I flew t o Ber lin for t h e Ger m a n cu p fin a l in t h e su m m er of 2 0 1 2 a n d I fou n d m y self sit t in g n ex t t o t h e Ma y or of Dor t m u n d a n d h is w ife. He w a s w ea r in g t r a in er s. A n g ela Mer k el w a s n ea r by , a lon g w it h Joa ch im Löw , t h e Ger m a n coa ch . In t r odu ced t o Mr s Mer k el, t h e Ger m a n ch a n cellor , I t h ou g h t t o m y self: ‘My w or d, I’v e com e a lon g w a y .’ T h er e w a s n o w a y I cou ld h ide in t h a t sea t – bu t ev er y on e k n ew I w a s g oin g a n y w a y . T h a t su m m er t h e Gla zer s w er e per fect ly h a ppy t o g o for V a n Per sie or Rober t Lew a n dow sk i a n d Ka g a w a . In m a n y of ou r g r ea t est ph a ses w e cou ld ca ll on fou r fa n t a st ic st r ik er s. Ma k in g su r e t h ey a ll felt v a lu ed cou ld be pr oblem a t ic. It r equ ir ed a r a n g e of diplom a t ic sk ills. Dor t m u n d, h ow ev er , r efu sed to sell Lew a n dow sk i, w h o h a s a w on der fu l ph y siqu e a n d h a s g ood lin es of r u n n in g . T h e ot h er sig n in g w a s A lex a n der Bü t t n er , fr om Du t ch clu b V it esse A r n h em . W e h a d a llow ed Fá bio t o g o t o Qu een s Pa r k Ra n g er s on loa n a n d w e h a d a cou ple of y ou n g left -ba ck s w it h pot en t ia l. Bu t w e n eeded ex per ien ce in t h a t a r ea a n d ba ck u p for Ev r a . Bü t t n er w a s fla g g ed u p. He w a s a lw a y s t a k in g t h e ba ll, h a v in g sh ot s, t a k in g on defen der s: a ba r g a in a t 2 .5 m illion eu r os. He w a s a n a g g r essiv e boy , det er m in ed, qu ick ish a n d a g ood cr osser of t h e ba ll.

T h er e w er e t im es in t h e fir st h a lf of t h a t sea son w h en w e cou ldn ’t h a v e defen ded a sa n dca st le. W e con ceded w a y t oo m a n y t im es for m y lik in g befor e t ig h t en in g u p fr om Ja n u a r y on w a r ds. T h e g oa lk eepin g posit ion w a s com plica t ed. De Gea dev eloped a t oot h in fect ion a n d n eeded a n oper a t ion t o r em ov e h is t w o r ea r m ola r s. He m issed a cou ple of g a m es on t h a t a ccou n t a n d A n der s Lin deg a a r d didn ’t do a n y t h in g w r on g in t h e No. 1 spot . He h a d a g ood g a m e a t Ga la t a sa r y a n d a g a in st W est Ha m . My m essa g e t o De Gea w a s t h a t I n eeded t o be fa ir t o A n der s. Bu t a ft er ou r n a r r ow 4 –3 w in a t Rea din g on 1 Decem ber , De Gea ca m e ba ck in a n d did w ell t h r ou g h ou t t h e secon d h a lf of t h e sea son , especia lly in t h e 1 –1 dr a w a t Rea l Ma dr id in Febr u a r y , w h er e h e w a s br illia n t . I st ill h a d h ig h h opes for Ja v ier Her n á n dez. T h e issu e w it h Ch ich a r it o w a s fr esh n ess. For t h r ee sea son s in a r ow h e pla y ed a ll su m m er w it h h is cou n t r y . Despit e t h a t w e cooper a t ed w ell w it h Mex ico. T h e pr esiden t s of t h eir FA a n d Oly m pic a ssocia t ion ca m e ov er , w it h t h eir coa ch es, for a m eet in g w it h m e. I sh ow ed t h em t h e m edica l file. Un der discu ssion w a s w h et h er h e cou ld pla y in t w o W or ld Cu p qu a lifier s a s w ell a s t h e Oly m pics. Ch ich a r it o sa id, ‘I’d r a t h er m iss t h e ot h er t w o g a m es a n d pla y in t h e Oly m pics beca u se I t h in k w e’ll w in it .’ I t h ou g h t h e w a s jok in g . He w en t on , ‘If w e don ’t g et Br a zil in t h e qu a r t er fin a ls, w e’ll w in it .’ Mea n w h ile w e h a d in v est ed h ea v ily in a m a r v ellou s n ew m edica l cen t r e for Ca r r in g t on . W e ca n n ow do

ev er y t h in g on sit e, a pa r t fr om oper a t ion s. W e h a d a ch ir opodist , den t ist , sca n n er s, ev er y t h in g . T h e ben efit w a s t h a t , a pa r t fr om h a v in g it a ll on sit e, in ju r ies w ou ld n ot becom e in st a n t pu blic k n ow ledg e. In t h e pa st w e m ig h t sen d a pla y er t o h ospit a l a n d r u m ou r s w ou ld fla sh r ou n d t h e cit y . T h is t old y ou w e w er en ’t st a n din g st ill. It m ig h t h a v e been on e of ou r best bu y s. A m a jor in ciden t fr om t h a t sea son r equ ir es a m en t ion : t h e a lleg a t ion , la t er dism issed by t h e a u t h or it ies, t h a t r efer ee Ma r k Cla t t en bu r g h a d u sed r a cist la n g u a g e a g a in st Ch elsea pla y er s in ou r 3 –2 v ict or y a t St a m for d Br idg e on 2 8 Oct ober . A w or d a bou t t h e g a m e, fir st : a g a in st Di Ma t t eo’s Ch elsea w e n eeded t o w or k ou t h ow w e w ou ld oper a t e a g a in st Ju a n Ma t a , Osca r a n d Eden Ha za r d. T h ose t h r ee w er e h a m m er in g t ea m s a n d t u r n in g on t h e st y le. T h e t w o sit t in g m idfielder s, Ra m ir es a n d Mik el, w er e bom bin g on . W e elect ed t o loa d t h e r ig h t side t o a t t a ck t h e a r ea s t h ey h a d v a ca t ed by a t t a ck in g u s, a n d squ eeze Ma t a ’s spa ce. It w a s a t h r illin g g a m e u n t il t h e sh en a n ig a n s a t t h e en d of t h e m a t ch . W h en Fer n a n do T or r es w a s sen t off, St ev e Holla n d, on e of Di Ma t t eo’s a ssist a n t s, bla m ed m e. I look ed a t h im , bem u sed. Mik e Dea n , t h e fou r t h officia l, cou ld m a k e n o sen se of Holla n d’s a ccu sa t ion . T or r es sh ou ld a lr ea dy h a v e been sen t off in t h e fir st h a lf for a t a ck le on Clev er ley . W h en Her n á n dez scor ed t h e w in n in g g oa l, h a lf a sea t ca m e on a n d h it Ca r r ick on t h e foot , a lon g w it h lig h t er s a n d coin s. I st ill w on der w h et h er t h e Cla t t en bu r g a lleg a t ion

w a s a sm ok escr een t o obscu r e t h e cr ow d t r ou ble. T w en t y m in u t es a ft er t h e g a m e, I w en t in w it h m y st a ff for a dr in k , a n d in t h a t w ee r oom w er e Br u ce Bu ck , t h e Ch elsea ch a ir m a n , Ron Gou r la y , t h e ch ief ex ecu t iv e, Di Ma t t eo a n d h is w ife. Y ou cou ld sen se a n a t m osph er e. Som et h in g w a sn ’t r ig h t . W e st ood in t h e door w a y a n d t h ou g h t it w ise t o lea v e t h em t o it . T h e food w a s cov er ed a n d t h e w in e w a s u n cor k ed. T h ey sa id, ‘Help y ou r selv es,’ a n d left t h e r oom . My ow n st a ff h a d seen Mik el fly in t o t h e r efer ee’s r oom w it h Joh n T er r y a n d Di Ma t t eo. W h oev er t old Mik el th at Cla t t en bu r g had sa id som et h in g in fla m m a t or y w a s m a k in g a big ca ll. It w a s a lso a big m ov e by Ch elsea t o in for m t h e pr ess pr et t y m u ch st r a ig h t a w a y t h a t a n a lleg ed in ciden t h a d been r epor t ed. A la w y er m ig h t h a v e sa t ba ck a n d sa id, ‘Let ’s w a it u n t il t om or r ow .’ T h e Br a n isla v Iv a n ov ić sen din g -off in t h a t g a m e w a s per fect ly st r a ig h t for w a r d. T or r es w en t dow n ea sily bu t Ev a n s did ca t ch h im . W h en y ou see w h er e Cla t t en bu r g w a s, y ou ca n w h y h e sen t h im off for sim u la t ion . He t ook on e st ep, t h en w en t dow n . A t oe is en ou g h t o fell a pla y er m ov in g a t speed, bu t T or r es did g o ov er soft ly . I’v e n o idea w h y Holla n d t h ou g h t I h a d for ced Cla t t en bu r g t o sen d h im off. A few da y s la t er , Di Ma t t eo a n n ou n ced t h a t I h a d t oo m u ch pow er w it h r efer ees. I h a d r u n -in s w it h m a t ch officia ls a ll m y life. I w a s sen t off eig h t t im es a s a pla y er . I w a s sen t t o t h e st a n ds t h r ee or fou r t im es a s a m a n a g er in Scot la n d. I w a s fin ed so m a n y t im es in En g la n d. I a lw a y s h a d dispu t es of on e sor t or a n ot h er . Bu t I ca lled it a s I sa w it . I n ev er

w en t ou t of m y w a y t o dr op a r efer ee in t h e sou p. T h er e is n o w a y , in m y m in d, t h a t a t op r efer ee w ou ld be r a cist t o a pla y er . I ca lled Ma r k Cla t t en bu r g a n d sa id, ‘I’m ju st sor r y w e a r e t h e ot h er t ea m in v olv ed in t h is.’ I w a s poised for som eon e in a u t h or it y t o br in g u s in t o t h e in qu ir y , w h ich for t u n a t ely n ev er h a ppen ed. I h a d n o k n ow ledg e of it u n t il w e boa r ded t h e pla n e ba ck t o Ma n ch est er . T h e FA t ook a h ell of a lon g t im e t o r ea ch t h e decision t h a t Ma r k w a s in n ocen t . It cou ld h a v e been con clu ded in t w o da y s. Fr om Ja n u a r y 2 0 1 3 w e r ea lly m ot or ed on in t h e Lea g u e, pilin g pr essu r e on Ma n Cit y a ll t h e w a y . For m e, k n ow in g I w a s st a n din g dow n , t h e sen se of r elea se a n d r elief w a s dela y ed u n t il t h e n ig h t w e bea t A st on V illa t o w in t h e t it le. W e w er e g oin g t o w in it a n y w a y , bu t t o fin ish t h e job in A pr il, on ou r ow n g r ou n d, w a s im m en sely com for t in g . I w ou ld g o ou t w it h a ba n g . I con t in u ed t o m a k e m y t ea m t a lk s a n d pr epa r e for g a m es pr oper ly . T h e pr ofession a lism of Ma n ch est er Un it ed r em a in ed in t a ct . T h e on ly disa ppoin t m en t , of cou r se, w a s losin g ou r Ch a m pion s Lea g u e r ou n d of 1 6 t ie t o Rea l Ma dr id, in a g a m e t h a t fea t u r ed a lu dicr ou s sen din g -off for Na n i by Cü n ey t Ça k ir , t h e T u r k ish r efer ee, for a n in n ocu ou s ch a llen g e. In Spa in in t h e fir st leg w e h a d been t er r ific, w ea t h er in g a 2 0 -m in u t e st or m a t t h e st a r t of t h e m a t ch . W e cou ld h a v e w on by six . I h eld n o fea r of fa cin g José Mou r in h o’s t ea m a g a in a t h om e. Ou r pr epa r a t ion w a s per fect . W e dev ised a g ood pla n for t h e g a m e, ou r en er g y w a s t er r ific a n d w e for ced t h r ee or fou r g r ea t sa v es fr om t h eir g oa lk eeper . Da v id de Gea

ba r ely m a de a st op. Na n i w a s sen t off in t h e 5 6 t h m in u t e for lea pin g t o m eet t h e ba ll a n d m a k in g slig h t con t a ct w it h Á lv a r o A r beloa , a n d for t en m in u t es w e w er e u p a g a in st it . W e w er e in sh ock . On ca m e Modr ić for Rea l t o equ a lise Ser g io Ra m os’s ow n g oa l a n d t h en Ron a ldo fin ish ed u s in t h e 6 9 t h m in u t e. Bu t w e m ig h t h a v e scor ed fiv e in t h e la st t en m in u t es. It w a s a n a bsolu t e disa st er . I w a s pa r t icu la r ly u pset t h a t n ig h t a n d g a v e t h e post -m a t ch pr ess con fer en ce a m iss. If w e h a d bea t en Rea l Ma dr id, t h er e w ou ld h a v e been ev er y r ea son t o im a g in e w e cou ld w in t h e com pet it ion . I left W a y n e ou t of t h a t secon d leg beca u se w e n eeded som eon e t o g et on t op of A lon so a n d pla y off h im . T h e Ji-Su n g Pa r k of ea r lier y ea r s w ou ld h a v e been per fect for t h a t job. A n dr ea Pir lo’s pa ssin g r a t e for Mila n h a d been 7 5 per cen t . W h en w e pla y ed t h em w it h Ji-Su n g Pa r k in t h e h ou n din g r ole w e r edu ced Pir lo’s st r ik e r a t e t o 2 5 per cen t . T h er e w a s n o bet t er pla y er in ou r squ a d t o k eep on t op of A lon so t h a n Da n n y W elbeck . Y es, w e sa cr ificed W a y n e’s possible g oa l-scor in g , bu t w e k n ew w e h a d t o ch ok e A lon so a n d ex ploit t h a t g a in . Ron a ldo w a s w on der fu l in t h ose t w o g a m es. In t h e Ma dr id leg h e m a de h is w a y in t o ou r dr essin g r oom t o sit w it h ou r pla y er s. Y ou cou ld t ell h e m issed t h em . A ft er t h e Old T r a ffor d g a m e, a s I w a s w a t ch in g t h e v ideo of t h e sen din g -off, h e ca m e in t o sy m pa t h ise. T h e Rea l pla y er s k n ew t h e sen din g -off h a d been a bsu r d. Mesu t Özil con fessed t o on e of ou r pla y er s t h a t José’s t ea m felt t h ey h a d g ot ou t of ja il. Cr ist ia n o declin ed t o celebr a t e h is g oa l, w h ich is ju st a s w ell, beca u se I w ou ld

h a v e st r a n g led h im . T h er e w er e n o issu es w it h h im a t a ll. He’s a v er y n ice boy . My fin a l t h ou g h t on Ma n Cit y losin g t h e t it le t o u s w a s t h a t t h ey cou ldn ’t ca ll on en ou g h pla y er s w h o u n der st ood t h e sig n ifica n ce of w h a t t h ey h a d a ch iev ed by w in n in g t h e Lea g u e for t h e fir st t im e for 4 4 y ea r s. Ev iden t ly it w a s en ou g h for som e of t h em t o h a v e bea t en Ma n ch est er Un it ed in a t it le r a ce. T h ey set t led dow n in t o a sen se of r elief. Ret a in in g a t it le is t h e n ex t h a r d st ep a n d Cit y w er e n ot in t h e r ig h t st a t e of m in d t o defen d w h a t t h ey h a d w on on t h e m ost dr a m a t ic closin g da y in Pr em ier Lea g u e h ist or y . W h en I w on t h e Lea g u e for t h e fir st t im e in 1 9 9 3 , I didn ’t w a n t m y t ea m t o sla ck en off. T h e t h ou g h t a ppa lled m e. I w a s det er m in ed t o k eep a dv a n cin g , t o st r en g t h en ou r h old on pow er . I t old t h a t 1 9 9 3 side: ‘Som e people, w h en t h ey h a v e a h olida y , ju st w a n t t o g o t o Sa lt coa t s, t w en t y -fiv e m iles a lon g t h e coa st fr om Gla sg ow . Som e people don ’t ev en w a n t t o do t h a t . T h ey ’r e h a ppy t o st a y a t h om e or w a t ch t h e bir ds a n d t h e du ck s floa t by in t h e pa r k . A n d som e w a n t t o g o t o t h e m oon . ‘It ’s a bou t people’s a m bit ion s.’

SENIOR PLAYING CAREER 1958–60 Qu een ’s Pa r k Ga m es 3 1 Goa ls: 1 5 1960–64 St Joh n st on e Ga m es: 4 7 Goa ls: 2 1 1964–67 Du n fer m l i n e A t h l et i c Ga m es: 1 3 1 Goa ls: 8 8 Pla y ed for Scot t ish Lea g u e (0 ) v . Foot ba ll Lea g u e (3 ) a t Ha m pden Pa r k , 1 5 Ma r ch 1 9 6 7 . Scot t ish FA X I su m m er t ou r 1 3 Ma y –1 5 Ju n e 1 9 6 7 : scor ed 1 0 g oa ls in sev en a ppea r a n ces a g a in st Isr a el, Hon g Kon g Select , A u st r a lia (t h r ee m a t ch es), A u ck la n d X I, V a n cou v er A ll St a r s. 1967–69 Ra n ger s Ga m es: 6 6 Goa ls: 3 5

Pla y ed for Scot t ish Lea g u e (2 ) v . Ir ish Lea g u e (0 ) in Belfa st , 6 Sept em ber 1 9 6 7 . Scor ed on e g oa l. 1969–73 Fa l ki r k Ga m es: 1 2 2 Goa ls: 4 9 1973–74 A y r Un i t ed Ga m es: 2 2 Goa ls: 1 0 T ot a l Ga m es: 4 1 5 Goa ls: 2 1 8 (Scot t ish Lea g u e, Scot t ish Cu p, Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p a n d Eu r opea n com pet it ion s on ly )

MANAGERIAL CAREER JUNE–OCTOBER 1974 Ea st St i r l i n gsh i r e OCTOBER 1974–MAY 1978 St Mi r r en Fin ish ed fou r t h in Div ision On e in 1 9 7 5 –7 6 ; Div ision On e ch a m pion s 1 9 7 6 –7 7 ; fin ish ed eig h t h in Pr em ier Div ision 1 9 7 7 –7 8 . 1978–86 A ber deen Sea son 1 9 7 8 –7 9 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : fou r t h Scot t ish Cu p: sem i-fin a l Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: fin a list s Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: secon d r ou n d Sea son 1 9 7 9 –8 0 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s Scot t ish Cu p: sem i-fin a l Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: fin a list s UEFA Cu p: fir st r ou n d Sea son 1 9 8 0 –8 1 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p Scot t ish Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Eu r opea n Ch a m pion Clu bs’ Cu p: secon d r ou n d Dr y br ou g h Cu p: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 8 1 –8 2 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p Scot t ish Cu p: w in n er s Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: sem i-fin a l UEFA Cu p: qu a r t er -fin a l Sea son 1 9 8 2 –8 3 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : t h ir d Scot t ish Cu p: w in n er s Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: qu a r t er -fin a l

Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 8 3 –8 4 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s Scot t ish Cu p: w in n er s Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: sem i-fin a l Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: sem i-fin a l Eu r opea n Su per Cu p: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 8 4 –8 5 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s Scot t ish Cu p: sem i-fin a l Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: secon d r ou n d Eu r opea n Ch a m pion Clu bs’ Cu p: fir st r ou n d Sea son 1 9 8 5 –8 6 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Fin a l posit ion : fou r t h Scot t ish Cu p: w in n er s Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: w in n er s Eu r opea n Ch a m pion Clu bs’ Cu p: qu a r t er -fin a l Sea son 1 9 8 6 –8 7 (A u g u st –1 Nov em ber 1 9 8 6 ) SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Scot t ish Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: fir st r ou n d SUMMARY

ABERDEEN’S EUROPEAN CAMPAIGNS DURING ALEX FERGUSON’S MANAGERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 7 8 –7 9 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Rou n d 1 Ma r ek Du pn it sa (Bu lg a r ia ) (a ) 2 –3 , (h ) 3 –0 , A g g : 5 –3 Rou n d 2 For t u n a Dü sseldor f (W est Ger m a n y ) (a ) 0 –3 , (h ) 2 –0 , A g g : 2 –3 Sea son 1 9 7 9 –8 0 UEFA Cu p Rou n d 1 Ein t r a ch t Fr a n k fu r t (W est Ger m a n y ) (h ) 1 –1 , (a ) 0 –1 , A g g : 1 –2 Sea son 1 9 8 0 –8 1 Eu r opea n Cu p Rou n d 1 A u st r ia Mem ph is (A u st r ia ) (h ) 1 –0 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g : 1 –0 Rou n d 2 Liv er pool (h ) 0 –1 , (a ) 0 –4 , A g g : 0 –5 Sea son 1 9 8 1 –8 2 UEFA Cu p Rou n d 1 Ipsw ich T ow n (a ) 1 –1 , (h ) 3 –1 , A g g : 4 –2 Rou n d 2 A r g eş Pit eşt i (Rom a n ia ) (h ) 3 –0 , (a ) 2 –2 , A g g : 5 –2

Rou n d 3 SV Ha m bu r g (W est Ger m a n y ) (h ) 3 –2 , (a ) 1 – 3 , A g g : 4 –5 Sea son 1 9 8 2 –8 3 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Pr elim in a r y r ou n d Sion (Sw it zer la n d) (h ) 7 –0 , (a ) 4 – 1 , A g g : 1 1 –1 Rou n d 1 Din a m o T ir a n a (A lba n ia ) (h ) 1 –0 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g : 1 –0 Rou n d 2 Lech Pozn a ń (Pola n d) (h ) 2 –0 , (a ) 1 –0 , A g g : 3 –0 Qu a r t er -fin a l Ba y er n Mu n ich (W est Ger m a n y ) (a ) 0 – 0 , (h ) 3 –2 , A g g : 3 –2 Sem i-fin a l W a t er sch ei (Belg iu m ) (h ) 5 –1 , (a ) 0 –1 , A g g : 5 –2 Fin a l (Got h en bu r g , Sw eden ) Rea l Ma dr id (Spa in ) 2 –1 (a et ) Sea son 1 9 8 3 –8 4 Su per Cu p SV Ha m bu r g (W est Ger m a n y ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –0 , A g g : 2 –0 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Rou n d 1 A k r a n es (Icela n d) (a ) 2 –1 , (h ) 1 –1 , A g g : 3 –2 Rou n d 2 SK Bev er en (Belg iu m ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 4 –1 , A g g : 4 –1 Qu a r t er -fin a l Újpest Dózsa (Hu n g a r y ) (a ) 0 –2 , (h ) 3 –0 (a et ), A g g : 3 –2 Sem i-fin a l Por t o (Por t u g a l) (a ) 0 –1 , (h ) 0 –1 , A g g : 0 –2 Sea son 1 9 8 4 –8 5 Eu r opea n Cu p

Rou n d 1 Din a m o Ber lin (Ea st Ger m a n y ) (h ) 2 –1 , (a ) 1 – 2 , A g g : 3 –3 (Lost 5 –4 on pen a lt ies) Sea son 1 9 8 5 –8 6 Eu r opea n Cu p Rou n d 1 A k r a n es (Icela n d) (a ) 3 –1 , (h ) 4 –1 , A g g : 7 –2 Rou n d 2 Ser v et t e (Sw it zer la n d) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 1 –0 , A g g : 1 –0 Qu a r t er -fin a l IFK Got h en bu r g (Sw eden ) (h ) 2 –2 , (a ) 0 – 0 , A g g : 2 –2 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 1 9 8 6 –8 7 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Rou n d 1 Sion (Sw it zer la n d) (h ) 2 –1 , (a ) 0 –3 , A g g : 2 –4

HONOURS EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 8 3 SCOTTISH PREMIER DIVISION

Ch a m pion s: 1 9 8 0 , 1 9 8 4 , 1 9 8 5 SCOTTISH CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 8 2 , 1 9 8 3 , 1 9 8 4 , 1 9 8 6 SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 8 5 –8 6 EUROPEAN SUPER CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 8 3 DRYBROUGH CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 8 0 OCTOBER 1985–JUNE 1986 Scot l a n d FULL INTERNATIONALS

RESULTS

Oct ober 1 9 8 5 Ea st Ger m a n y (fr ien dly , h om e) 0 –0 Nov em ber 1 9 8 5 A u st r a lia (W or ld Cu p pla y -off, h om e) 2 –0 Decem ber 1 9 8 5 A u st r a lia (W or ld Cu p pla y -off, a w a y ) 0 –0 Ja n u a r y 1 9 8 6 Isr a el (fr ien dly , a w a y ) 1 –0 Ma r ch 1 9 8 6 Rom a n ia (fr ien dly , h om e) 3 –0 A pr il 1 9 8 6 En g la n d (Rou s Cu p, a w a y ) 1 –2 A pr il 1 9 8 6 Net h er la n ds (fr ien dly , a w a y ) 0 –0 Ju n e 1 9 8 6 Den m a r k (W or ld Cu p, Mex ico Cit y ) 0 –1 Ju n e 1 9 8 6 W est Ger m a n y (W or ld Cu p, Qu er ét a r o) 1 –2 Ju n e 1 9 8 6 Ur u g u a y (W or ld Cu p, Mex ico Cit y ) 0 –0 1986–2013 Ma n ch est er Un i t ed Sea son 1 9 8 6 –8 7 THE TODAY LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Un it ed’s r ecor d u p t o A lex Fer g u son ’s a r r iv a l

Un it ed’s r ecor d u n der A lex Fer g u son

Fin a l posit ion : 1 1 t h FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Sea son 1 9 8 7 –8 8 BARCLAYS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fift h r ou n d

Sea son 1 9 8 8 –8 9 BARCLAYS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Fin a l posit ion : 1 1 t h FA Cu p: six t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d Sea son 1 9 8 9 –9 0 BARCLAYS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Fin a l posit ion : 1 3 t h FA Cu p: w in n er s Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d Sea son 1 9 9 0 –9 1 BARCLAYS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Fin a l posit ion : six t h FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fin a list s Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: w in n er s FA Ch a r it y Sh ield: join t w in n er s Sea son 1 9 9 1 –9 2 BARCLAYS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: w in n er s Eu r opea n Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p: secon d r ou n d Eu r opea n Su per Cu p: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 9 2 –9 3 FA PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d UEFA Cu p: fir st r ou n d 1992–93 FA PREMIER LEAGUE

Sea son 1 9 9 3 –9 4 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: w in n er s

Lea g u e Cu p: fin a list s Eu r opea n Ch a m pion Clu bs’ Cu p: secon d r ou n d FA Ch a r it y Sh ield: w in n er s 1993–94 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 4 –9 5 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fin a list s

Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st g r ou p ph a se FA Ch a r it y Sh ield: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 9 5 –9 6 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: w in n er s Lea g u e Cu p: secon d r ou n d UEFA Cu p: fir st r ou n d 1995–96 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 6 –9 7 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d

UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: sem i-fin a l FA Ch a r it y Sh ield: w in n er s 1996–97 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 7 –9 8 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: qu a r t er -fin a l FA Ch a r it y Sh ield: w in n er s Sea son 1 9 9 8 –9 9 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: w in n er s Lea g u e Cu p: fift h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: w in n er s 1998–99 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 9 –2 0 0 0 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: did n ot en t er Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d

UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: qu a r t er -fin a l In t er con t in en t a l Cu p: w in n er s FIFA Clu b W or ld Cu p: t h ir d in fir st -r ou n d g r ou p 1999–2000 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 2 0 0 0 –0 1 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: qu a r t er -fin a l 2000–01 FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 2 0 0 1 –0 2 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : t h ir d FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: sem i-fin a l Sea son 2 0 0 2 –0 3 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fin a list s UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: qu a r t er -fin a l 2002–03 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 2 0 0 3 –0 4 BARCLAYCARD PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : t h ir d FA Cu p: w in n er s

Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st k n ock -ou t ph a se FA Com m u n it y Sh ield: w in n er s Sea son 2 0 0 4 –0 5 BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : t h ir d FA Cu p: fin a list s Lea g u e Cu p: sem i-fin a l UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st k n ock -ou t ph a se Sea son 2 0 0 5 –0 6 BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fift h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: w in n er s UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st g r ou p ph a se

Sea son 2 0 0 6 –0 7 BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: fin a list s Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: sem i-fin a l 2006–07 BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP

Sea son 2 0 0 7 –0 8 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: six t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d

UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: w in n er s FA Com m u n it y Sh ield: w in n er s 2007–08 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Sea son 2 0 0 8 –0 9 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: sem i-fin a l Lea g u e Cu p: w in n er s UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fin a list s FIFA Clu b W or ld Cu p: w in n er s FA Com m u n it y Sh ield: w in n er s 2008–09 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Sea son 2 0 0 9 –1 0 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: t h ir d r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: w in n er s UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: qu a r t er -fin a l Sea son 2 0 1 0 –1 1 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: sem i-fin a l Lea g u e Cu p: fift h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fin a list s FA Com m u n it y Sh ield: w in n er s 2010–11 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Sea son 2 0 1 1 –1 2 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : r u n n er s-u p FA Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fift h r ou n d

UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st g r ou p ph a se UEFA Eu r opa Lea g u e: secon d k n ock -ou t ph a se FA Com m u n it y Sh ield: w in n er s Sea son 2 0 1 2 –1 3 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

Fin a l posit ion : ch a m pion s FA Cu p: six t h r ou n d Lea g u e Cu p: fou r t h r ou n d UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e: fir st k n ock -ou t ph a se 2012–13 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE

SUMMARY

FIFA CW C – FIFA Clu b W or ld Cu p IC – In t er con t in en t a l Cu p Su per Cu p – UEFA Su per Cu p

Ma t ch es a t n eu t r a l v en u es a r e in clu ded a s a w a y g a m es MANCHESTER UNITED IN GLOBAL TOURNAMENTS DURING ALEX FERGUSON’S MANAGERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 9 –2 0 0 0 In t er con t in en t a l Cu p (T ok y o, Ja pa n ) SE Pa lm eir a s (Br a zil) 1 –0 FIFA Clu b W or ld Ch a m pion sh ip Gr ou p st a g e (Rio de Ja n eir o, Br a zil) Clu b Neca x a (Mex ico) 1 –1 , CR V a sco da Ga m a (Br a zil) 1 –3 , Sou t h Melbou r n e (A u st r a lia ) 2 –0 (Fin ish ed t h ir d in g r ou p) Sea son 2 0 0 8 –0 9 FIFA Clu b W or ld Cu p Sem i-fin a l (Y ok oh a m a , Ja pa n ) Ga m ba Osa k a (Ja pa n ) 5 –3 Fin a l (Y ok oh a m a ) LDU Qu it o (Ecu a dor ) 1 –0 MANCHESTER UNITED’S EUROPEAN CAMPAIGNS DURING ALEX FERGUSON’S MANAGERSHIP

Sea son 1 9 9 0 –9 1 Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Rou n d 1 Pécsi Mu n k á s (Hu n g a r y ) (h ) 2 –0 , (a ) 1 –0 , A g g : 3 –0 Rou n d 2 W r ex h a m (h ) 3 –0 , (a ) 2 –0 , A g g : 5 –0 Qu a r t er -fin a l Mon t pellier (Fr a n ce) (h ) 1 –1 , (a ) 2 –0 , A g g : 3 –1 Sem i-fin a l Leg ia W a r sa w (Pola n d) (a ) 3 –1 , (h ) 1 –1 , A g g : 4 –2 Fin a l (Rot t er da m , Net h er la n ds) Ba r celon a (Spa in ) 2 –1 Sea son 1 9 9 1 –9 2 UEFA Su per Cu p Red St a r Belg r a de (Y u g osla v ia ) (h ) 1 –0

Cu p W in n er s’ Cu p Rou n d 1 A t h in a ik os (Gr eece) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –0 (a et ), A g g : 2 –0 Rou n d 2 A t lét ico Ma dr id (Spa in ) (a ) 0 –3 , (h ) 1 –1 , A g g : 1 –4 Sea son 1 9 9 2 –9 3 UEFA Cu p Rou n d 1 T or pedo Moscow (Ru ssia ) (h ) 0 –0 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g : 0 –0 (Lost 4 –3 on pen a lt ies) Sea son 1 9 9 3 –9 4 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Rou n d 1 Kispest Hon v éd (Hu n g a r y ) (a ) 3 –2 , (h ) 2 –1 , A g g : 5 –3 Rou n d 2 Ga la t a sa r a y (T u r k ey ) (h ) 3 –3 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g : 3 –3 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 1 9 9 4 –9 5 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se IFK Got h en bu r g (Sw eden ) (h ) 4 –2 , Ga la t a sa r a y (T u r k ey ) (a ) 0 –0 , Ba r celon a (Spa in ) (h ) 2 –2 , Ba r celon a (a ) 0 –4 , IFK Got h en bu r g (a ) 1 –3 , Ga la t a sa r a y (h ) 4 –0 (Fin ish ed t h ir d in g r ou p) Sea son 1 9 9 5 –9 6 UEFA Cu p Rou n d 2 Rot or V olg og r a d (Ru ssia ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –2 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 1 9 9 6 –9 7 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Ju v en t u s (It a ly ) (a ) 0 –1 , Ra pid V ien n a (A u st r ia ) (h ) 2 –0 , Fen er ba h çe (T u r k ey ) (a ) 2 –0 , Fen er ba h çe (h ) 0 –1 , Ju v en t u s (h ) 0 –1 , Ra pid V ien n a (a ) 2 –0 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Por t o (Por t u g a l) (h ) 4 –0 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g :

4 –0 Sem i-fin a l Bor u ssia Dor t m u n d (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 0 –1 , (h ) 0 –1 , A g g : 0 –2 Sea son 1 9 9 7 –9 8 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Košice (Slov a k ia ) (a ) 3 –0 , Ju v en t u s (It a ly ) (h ) 3 –2 , Fey en oor d (Net h er la n ds) (h ) 2 –1 , Fey en oor d (a ) 3 –1 , Košice (h ) 3 –0 , Ju v en t u s (a ) 0 –1 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Mon a co (Fr a n ce) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 1 –1 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 1 9 9 8 –9 9 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Qu a lify in g r ou n d 2 ŁKS Łódź (Pola n d) (h ) 2 –0 , (a ) 0 –0 , A g g : 2 –0 Gr ou p ph a se Ba r celon a (Spa in ) (h ) 3 –3 , Ba y er n Mu n ich (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 2 –2 , Br øn dby (Den m a r k ) (a ) 6 –2 , Br øn dby (h ) 5 –0 , Ba r celon a (a ) 3 –3 , Ba y er n Mu n ich (h ) 1 –1 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l In t er n a zion a le (It a ly ) (h ) 2 –0 , (a ) 1 –1 , A g g : 3 –1 Sem i-fin a l Ju v en t u s (It a ly ) (h ) 1 –1 , (a ) 3 –2 , A g g : 4 –3 Fin a l (Ba r celon a , Spa in ) Ba y er n Mu n ich 2 –1 Sea son 1 9 9 9 –2 0 0 0 UEFA Su per Cu p (Mon a co, Fr a n ce) La zio (It a ly ) 0 –1 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Fir st g r ou p ph a se Cr oa t ia Za g r eb (Cr oa t ia ) (h ) 0 –0 , St u r m Gr a z (A u st r ia ) (a ) 3 –0 , Ma r seille (Fr a n ce) (h ) 2 –1 , Ma r seille (a ) 0 –1 , Cr oa t ia Za g r eb (a ) 2 –1 ,

St u r m Gr a z (h ) 2 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Secon d g r ou p ph a se Fior en t in a (It a ly ) (a ) 0 –2 , V a len cia (Spa in ) (h ) 3 –0 , Bor dea u x (Fr a n ce) (h ) 2 – 0 , Bor dea u x (a ) 2 –1 , Fior en t in a (h ) 3 –1 , V a len cia (a ) 0 –0 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Rea l Ma dr id (Spa in ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –3 , A g g : 2 –3 Sea son 2 0 0 0 –0 1 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Fir st g r ou p ph a se A n der lech t (Belg iu m ) (h ) 5 –1 , Dy n a m o Kiev (Uk r a in e) (a ) 0 –0 , PSV Ein dh ov en (Net h er la n ds) (a ) 1 –3 , PSV Ein dh ov en (h ) 3 –1 , A n der lech t (a ) 1 –2 , Dy n a m o Kiev (h ) 1 –0 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Secon d g r ou p ph a se Pa n a t h in a ik os (Gr eece) (h ) 3 –1 , St u r m Gr a z (A u st r ia ) (a ) 2 –0 , V a len cia (Spa in ) (a ) 0 –0 , V a len cia (h ) 1 –1 , Pa n a t h in a ik os (a ) 1 –1 , St u r m Gr a z (h ) 3 –0 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Ba y er n Mu n ich (Ger m a n y ) (h ) 0 –1 , (a ) 1 –2 , A g g : 1 –3 Sea son 2 0 0 1 –0 2 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Fir st g r ou p ph a se Lille (Fr a n ce) (h ) 1 –0 , Depor t iv o La Cor u ñ a (Spa in ) (a ) 1 –2 , Oly m pia cos (Gr eece) (a ) 2 – 0 , Depor t iv o La Cor u ñ a (h ) 2 –3 , Oly m pia cos (h ) 3 –0 , Lille (a ) 1 –1 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Secon d g r ou p ph a se Ba y er n Mu n ich (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 1 – 1 , Boa v ist a (Por t u g a l) (h ) 3 –0 , Na n t es (Fr a n ce) (a ) 1 –1 , Na n t es (h ) 5 –1 , Ba y er n Mu n ich (h ) 0 –0 , Boa v ist a (a ) 3 –0 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Depor t iv o La Cor u ñ a (a ) 2 –0 , (h ) 3 –2 ,

A g g : 5 –2 Sem i-fin a l Ba y er Lev er k u sen (Ger m a n y ) (h ) 2 –2 , (a ) 1 –1 , A g g : 3 –3 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 2 0 0 2 –0 3 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Qu a lify in g r ou n d 3 Za la eg er szeg i T E (Hu n g a r y ) (a ) 0 – 1 , (h ) 5 –0 , A g g : 5 –1 Fir st g r ou p ph a se Ma cca bi Ha ifa (Isr a el) (h ) 5 –2 , Ba y er Lev er k u sen (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 2 –1 , Oly m pia cos (Gr eece) (h ) 4 –0 , Oly m pia cos (a ) 3 –2 , Ma cca bi Ha ifa (a ) 0 –3 , Ba y er Lev er k u sen (h ) 2 –0 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Secon d g r ou p ph a se Ba sel (Sw it zer la n d) (a ) 3 –1 , Depor t iv o La Cor u ñ a (Spa in ) (h ) 2 –0 , Ju v en t u s (It a ly ) (h ) 2 –1 , Ju v en t u s (a ) 3 –0 , Ba sel (h ) 1 –1 , Depor t iv o La Cor u ñ a (a ) 0 –2 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Rea l Ma dr id (Spa in ) (a ) 1 –3 , (h ) 4 –3 , A g g : 5 –6 Sea son 2 0 0 3 –0 4 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Pa n a t h in a ik os (Gr eece) (h ) 5 –0 , V fB St u t t g a r t (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 1 –2 , Ra n g er s (a ) 1 –0 , Ra n g er s (h ) 3 –0 , Pa n a t h in a ik os (a ) 1 –0 , V fB St u t t g a r t (h ) 2 –0 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Qu a r t er -fin a l Por t o (Por t u g a l) (a ) 1 –2 , (h ) 1 –1 , A g g : 2 –3 Sea son 2 0 0 4 –0 5 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Qu a lify in g r ou n d 3 Din a m o Bu ch a r est (Rom a n ia ) (a ) 2 –1 , (h ) 3 –0 , A g g : 5 –1 Gr ou p ph a se Ly on (Fr a n ce) (a ) 2 –2 , Fen er ba h çe (T u r k ey ) (h ) 6 –2 , Spa r t a Pr a g u e (Czech Repu blic)

(a ) 0 –0 , Spa r t a Pr a g u e (h ) 4 –1 , Ly on (h ) 2 –1 , Fen er ba h çe (a ) 0 –3 (Fin ish ed secon d in g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d A C Mila n (It a ly ) (h ) 0 –1 , (a ) 0 – 1 , A g g : 0 –2 Sea son 2 0 0 5 –0 6 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Qu a lify in g r ou n d 3 Debr ecen (Hu n g a r y ) (h ) 3 –0 , (a ) 3 –0 , A g g : 6 –0 Gr ou p ph a se V illa r r ea l (Spa in ) (a ) 0 –0 , Ben fica (Por t u g a l) (h ) 2 –1 , Lille (Fr a n ce) (h ) 0 –0 , Lille (a ) 0 –1 , V illa r r ea l (h ) 0 –0 , Ben fica (a ) 1 –2 (Fin ish ed fou r t h in g r ou p) Sea son 2 0 0 6 –0 7 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Celt ic (h ) 3 –2 , Ben fica (Por t u g a l) (a ) 1 –0 , FC Copen h a g en (Den m a r k ) (h ) 3 –0 , FC Copen h a g en (a ) 0 –1 , Celt ic (a ) 0 –1 , Ben fica (h ) 3 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d Lille (Fr a n ce) (a ) 1 –0 , Lille (h ) 1 –0 , A g g : 2 –0 Qu a r t er -fin a l Rom a (It a ly ) (a ) 1 –2 , (h ) 7 –1 , A g g : 8 –3 Sem i-fin a l A C Mila n (It a ly ) (h ) 3 –2 , (a ) 0 –3 , A g g : 3 –5 Sea son 2 0 0 7 –0 8 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Spor t in g Lisbon (Por t u g a l) (a ) 1 –0 , Rom a (It a ly ) (h ) 1 –0 , Dy n a m o Kiev (Uk r a in e) (a ) 4 –2 , Dy n a m o Kiev (h ) 4 –0 , Spor t in g Lisbon (h ) 2 –1 , Rom a (It a ly ) (a ) 1 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d Ly on (Fr a n ce) (a ) 1 –1 , (h ) 1 –0 , A g g : 2 –1 Qu a r t er -fin a l Rom a (It a ly ) (a ) 2 –0 , (h ) 1 –0 , A g g : 3 –0

Sem i-fin a l Ba r celon a (Spa in ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 1 –0 , A g g : 1 – 0 Fin a l (Moscow , Ru ssia ) Ch elsea 1 –1 pen a lt ies)

(W on 6 –5

on

Sea son 2 0 0 8 –0 9 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se V illa r r ea l (Spa in ) (h ) 0 –0 , A a lbor g BK (Den m a r k ) (a ) 3 –0 , Celt ic (h ) 3 –0 , Celt ic (a ) 1 –1 , V illa r r ea l (a ) 0 –0 , A a lbor g BK (h ) 2 –2 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d In t er n a zion a le (It a ly ) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –0 , A g g : 2 –0 Qu a r t er -fin a l Por t o (Por t u g a l) (h ) 2 –2 , (a ) 1 –0 , A g g : 3 –2 Sem i-fin a l A r sen a l (h ) 1 –0 , (a ) 3 –1 , A g g : 4 –1 Fin a l (Rom e, It a ly ) Ba r celon a (Spa in ) 0 –2 Sea son 2 0 0 9 –1 0 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Beşik t a ş (T u r k ey ) (a ) 1 –0 , V fL W olfsbu r g (Ger m a n y ) (h ) 2 –1 , CSKA Moscow (Ru ssia ) (a ) 1 –0 , CSKA Moscow (h ) 3 –3 , Beşik t a ş (h ) 0 –1 , V fL W olfsbu r g (a ) 3 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d A C Mila n (It a ly ) (a ) 3 –2 , (h ) 4 – 0 , A g g : 7 –2 Qu a r t er -fin a l Ba y er n Mu n ich (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 1 –2 , (h ) 3 –2 , A g g : 4 –4 (Lost on a w a y -g oa ls r u le) Sea son 2 0 1 0 –1 1 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Ra n g er s (h ) 0 –0 , V a len cia (Spa in ) (a ) 1 – 0 , Bu r sa spor (T u r k ey ) (h ) 1 –0 , Bu r sa spor (a ) 3 –0 , Ra n g er s (a ) 1 –0 , V a len cia (h ) 1 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in

g r ou p) Fir st k n ock -ou t r ou n d Ma r seille (Fr a n ce) (a ) 0 –0 , (h ) 2 –1 , A g g : 2 –1 Qu a r t er -fin a l Ch elsea (a ) 1 –0 , (h ) 2 –1 , A g g : 3 –1 Sem i-fin a l Sch a lk e 0 4 (Ger m a n y ) (a ) 2 –0 , (h ) 4 –1 , A g g : 6 –1 Fin a l (W em bley ) Ba r celon a (Spa in ) 1 –3 Sea son 2 0 1 1 –1 2 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Ben fica (Por t u g a l) (Sw it zer la n d) (h ) 3 –3 ,

(a )

1 –1 ,

Ba sel

Oţ elu l Ga la ţ i (Rom a n ia ) (a ) 2 –0 , Oţ elu l Ga la ţ i (h ) 2 –0 , Ben fica (h ) 2 –2 , Ba sel (a ) 1 –2 (Fin ish ed t h ir d in g r ou p) UEFA Eu r opa Lea g u e Rou n d of 3 2 A ja x (Net h er la n ds) (a ) 2 –0 , (h ) 1 –2 , A g g : 3 –2 Rou n d of 1 6 A t h let ic Bilba o (Spa in ) (h ) 2 –3 , (a ) 1 –2 , A g g : 3 –5 Sea son 2 0 1 2 –1 3 UEFA Ch a m pion s Lea g u e Gr ou p ph a se Ga la t a sa r a y (T u r k ey ) (h ) 1 –0 , CFR Clu j (Rom a n ia ) (a ) 2 –1 , Br a g a (Por t u g a l) (h ) 3 –2 , Br a g a (a ) 3 –1 , Ga la t a sa r a y (a ) 0 –1 , CFR Clu j (h ) 0 –1 (Fin ish ed fir st in g r ou p) Rou n d of 1 6 Rea l Ma dr id (Spa in ) (a ) 1 –1 , (h ) 1 –2 , A g g : 2 –3

HONOURS EUROPEAN CHAMPION CLUBS’ CUP/UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

W in n er s: 1 9 9 9 , 2 0 0 8 Fin a list s: 2 0 0 9 , 2 0 1 1 EUROPEAN CUP WINNERS’ CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 9 1 FA PREMIER LEAGUE

Ch a m pion s: 1 9 9 3 , 1 9 9 4 , 1 9 9 6 , 1 9 9 7 , 1 9 9 9 , 2 0 0 0 , 2 001 , 2 003 , 2 007 , 2 008, 2 009 , 2 01 1 , 2 01 3 Ru n n er s-u p: 1 9 9 5 , 1 9 9 8 , 2 0 0 6 , 2 0 1 0 , 2 0 1 2 FA CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 9 0 , 1 9 9 4 , 1 9 9 6 , 1 9 9 9 , 2 0 0 4 Fin a list s: 1 9 9 5 , 2 0 0 5 , 2 0 0 7 FOOTBALL LEAGUE CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 9 2 , 2 0 0 6 , 2 0 0 9 , 2 0 1 0 Fin a list s: 1 9 9 1 , 1 9 9 4 , 2 0 0 3 INTERCONTINENTAL CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 9 9 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

W in n er s: 2 0 0 8 EUROPEAN SUPER CUP

W in n er s: 1 9 9 1 FA CHARITY/COMMUNITY SHIELD

W in n er s: 1 9 9 3 , 1 9 9 4 , 1 9 9 6 , 1 9 9 7 , 2 0 0 3 , 2 0 0 7 , 2 008, 2 01 0, 2 01 1 Join t w in n er s (w it h Liv er pool): 1 9 9 0 . MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYERS UNDER ALEX FERGUSON

List ed h er e is t h e n a m e of ev er y pla y er t o a ppea r in a sen ior com pet it iv e fix t u r e for Ma n ch est er Un it ed du r in g A lex Fer g u son ’s t im e a s m a n a g er , u p t o t h e en d of sea son 2 0 1 2 –1 3 A lbist on , A r t h u r A m os, Ben A n der son A n der son , V iv A pplet on , Mich a el Ba iley , Ga r y Ba r dsley , Ph il Ba r n es, Mich a el Ba r n es, Pet er Ba r t h ez, Fa bien Bea r dsm or e, Ru ssell Bébé Beck h a m , Da v id Bellion , Da v id Ber ba t ov , Dim it a r Ber g , Hen n in g Bla ck m or e, Cla y t on Bla n c, La u r en t Blom qv ist , Jesper Bosn ich , Ma r k

Br a dy , Robbie Br a zil, Der ek Br ow n , W es Br u ce, St ev e Bu t t , Nick y Bü t t n er , A lex a n der Ca m pbell, Fr a izer Ca n t on a , Er ic Ca r r ick , Mich a el Ca r r oll, Roy Ca sper , Ch r is Ch a dw ick , Lu k e Ch est er , Ja m es Cleg g , Mich a el Clev er ley , T om Cole, A n dy Cole, La r n ell Cook e, T er r y Cr u y ff, Jor di Cu lk in , Nick Cu r t is, Joh n Da v en por t , Pet er Da v ies, Sim on Da v is, Jim m y

Diou f, Ma m e Bir a m Djem ba -Djem ba , Er ic Djor djic, Boja n Don a g h y , Ma l Don g , Fa n g zh u o Du blin , Dion Du x bu r y , Mik e Ea g les, Ch r is Eba n k s-Bla k e, Sy lv a n Eck er sley , A da m Eck er sley , Rich a r d Ev a n s, Jon n y Ev r a , Pa t r ice Fer din a n d, Rio Fer g u son , Da r r en Flet ch er , Da r r en For lá n , Dieg o For t u n e, Qu in t on Fost er , Ben Fr y er s, Zek i Ga r t on , Billy Gea , Da v id de Gibson , Colin Gibson , Da r r on

Gibson , T er r y Gig g s, Ry a n Gill, T on y Gillespie, Keit h Gor a m , A n dy Gou w , Ra im on d v a n der Gr a h a m , Dein iol Gr a y , Da v id Gr een in g , Jon a t h a n Ha r g r ea v es, Ow en Hea ly , Da v id Hein ze, Ga br iel Her n á n dez, Ja v ier Hig g in bot h a m , Da n n y Hog g , Gr a em e How a r d, T im Hu g h es, Ma r k In ce, Pa u l Ir w in , Den is Joh n sen , Ron n y Joh n son , Eddie Jon es, Da v id Jon es, Ph il Jon es, Rit ch ie

Ka g a w a , Sh in ji Ka n ch elsk is, A n dr ei Kea n e, Mich a el Kea n e, Roy Kea n e, W ill Kin g , Josh u a Kléber son Ku szcza k , T om a sz La et , Rit ch ie de La r sson , Hen r ik Lee, Kier a n Leig h t on , Jim Lin deg a a r d, A n der s Ly n ch , Ma r k McCla ir , Br ia n McGibbon , Pa t r ick McGr a t h , Pa u l Ma ch eda , Feder ico McKee, Colin Ma ior a n a , Giu lia n o Ma n u ch o Ma r sh , Ph il Ma r t in , Lee A . Ma r t in , Lee R.

Ma y , Da v id Miller , Lia m Miln e, Ra lph Mor a n , Kev in Mor r ison , Ra v el Moses, Rem i Mu lr y n e, Ph ilip Na n i Na r diello, Da n iel Nev ille, Ga r y Nev ille, Ph il Nev la n d, Er ik Nist elr ooy , Ru u d v a n Not m a n , A lex Ober t a n , Ga br iel O’Br ien , Lia m O’Ka n e, Joh n Olsen , Jesper O’Sh ea , Joh n Ow en , Mich a el Pa llist er , Ga r y Pa r k , Ji-Su n g Pa r k er , Pa u l Per sie, Robin v a n

Ph ela n , Mick Pilk in g t on , Kev in Piqu é, Gér a r d Pobor sk ý , Ka r el Pog ba , Pa u l Possebon , Rodr ig o Pow ell, Nick Pr u n ier , W illia m Pu g h , Da n n y Ra ch u bk a , Pa u l Rica r do Rich a r dson , Kier a n Robin s, Ma r k Robson , Br y a n Roch e, Lee Ron a ldo, Cr ist ia n o Roon ey , W a y n e Rossi, Giu seppe Sa h a , Lou is Sa r , Edw in v a n der Sch m eich el, Pet er Sch oles, Pa u l Sea ley , Les Sh a r pe, Lee

Sh a w cr oss, Ry a n Sh er in g h a m , T eddy Silv a , Fá bio da Silv a , Ra fa el da Silv est r e, Mik a ël Sim pson , Da n n y Siv eba ek , Joh n Sm a llin g , Ch r is Sm it h , A la n Solsk ja er , Ole Gu n n a r Spect or , Jon a t h a n St a m , Ja a p St a plet on , Fr a n k St ew a r t , Mich a el St r a ch a n , Gor don T a ibi, Ma ssim o T év ez, Ca r los T h or n ley , Ben T ier n ey , Pa u l T im m , Ma ds T om lin son , Gr a em e T osic, Zor a n T u n n icliffe, Ry a n T u r n er , Ch r is

T w iss, Mich a el V a len cia , A n t on io V er m ijl, Ma r n ick V er ón , Ju a n Seba st iá n V idić, Nem a n ja W a lla ce, Da n n y W a llw or k , Ron n ie W a lsh , Ga r y W ebb, Neil W ebber , Da n n y W elbeck , Da n n y W ellen s, Rich ie W h it eside, Nor m a n W h it w or t h , Neil W ilk in son , Ia n W ilson , Da v id W ilson , Ma r k W ood, Nick y W oot t on , Scot t W r a t t en , Pa u l Y or k e, Dw ig h t Y ou n g , A sh ley

Aberdeen FC AF at referees Abramovich, Roman AC Milan Adams, Tony Agüero, Sergio Ajax Aldridge, John Allardyce, Sam Alonso, Xabi Anastasi, Pietro Ancelotti, Carlo Anderson: language problems signs to Manchester Utd FC 2008 Champions League 2009 Champions League Anelka, Nicolas Anfield Arsenal FC Arsène Wenger players Robin van Persie 2003 FA Cup 2003–04 UEFA Champions League 2005 FA Cup final

2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Arshavin, Andrey Aston Villa FC Athletic Bilbao Atkinson, Martin Atkinson, Ron Atlético Madrid Babel, Ryan Balotelli, Mario Barcelona 2008–09 Champions League 2010–11 Champions League Barthez, Fabien Basel Bayer Leverkusen Bayern Munich BBC Bean, John Bébé Beckenbauer, Franz Beckham, David and AF and bad games as a celebrity FA Youth Cup injuries LA Galaxy Manchester Utd FC 1998 World Cup Real Madrid talent Bellamy, Craig

Bellion, David Benfica, SL Benítez, Rafael ‘Rafa’ at Chelsea FC at Liverpool FC 2011–12 Champions League Berbatov, Dimitar Bergkamp, Dennis Best, George Birmingham City FC Birtles, Garry Blackburn Rovers FC Kenny Dalglish Phil Jones Ruud van Nistelrooy Blackmore, Clayton Blair, Tony Blanc, Laurent Blatter, Sepp Borussia Dortmund Bosnich, Mark Bould, Steve Brown, Gordon Brown, Terry Brown, Wes Bruce, Steve injuries and Peter Schmeichel at Sunderland FC BSkyB Buchan, Martin Buffon, Gianluigi Busby, Sir Matt

Bushell, Dave Busquets, Sergio Butt, Nicky Büttner, Alexander Cahill, Tim Çakir, Cüneyt Calderón, Ramón Cambiasso, Esteban Campbell, Alastair Campbell, Davie Campbell, Gordon Cantona, Eric marks AF’s 25 years as Manchester Utd FC manager popularity receives nine-month ban signs to Manchester Utd FC talent view of Arsène Wenger and Vinnie Jones Capello, Fabio resigns from England 2010–11 UEFA Champions League Carling Cup Carlos, Roberto Carragher, Jamie Carrick, Michael injuries positions Robin van Persie signs to Manchester Utd FC 2007–08 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season

Carrington Carroll, Andy Carter, Jimmy Cartmel, Brian Case, Jimmy Ĉech, Petr Celtic FC Jock Stein at signs Roy Keane Chamakh, Marouane Champions League see UEFA Champions League Charlton, Bobby after retirement appearance record Hillsborough commemoration talent view of AF Chelsea FC and José Mourinho players rumours of racism against signs Torres 2004–05 UEFA Champions League 2007–08 UEFA Champions League Cheyrou, Bruno Clattenburg, Mark Clegg, Mike Cleverley, Tom injuries returns to Manchester Utd FC 2009–10 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Clough, Brian

Cluj, CFR Cohen, Frank Cole, Andy and Dwight Yorke goal-scoring Cole, Ashley Collymore, Stan Community Shield (2011) Connor, Frank Coquelin, Francis Corrigan, Martin Coventry City FC Crewe FC Crozier, Adam Cruyff, Johan Cruyff, Jordi Crystal Palace FC Cunningham, Willie Dalgarno, Les Dalglish, Kenny: at Blackburn at Liverpool FC Suárez/Evra incident Dallek, Robert Davies, Norman Davis, Jimmy Dein, David Derry, Shaun Desmond, Dermot Di Canio, Paolo Di Matteo, Roberto Diouf, El Hadji Djemba-Djemba, Eric Doherty, Paul

Donachie, John dope testing Downing, Stewart Drogba, Didier Drumchapel Amateur FC D’Urso, Andy Dyke, Greg Džeko, Edin East Stirlingshire FC Eckersley, Richard Edwards, Martin as CEO signs Mark Bosnich view of AF view of Jim Lawlor Anderson Eintracht Frankfurt Elite Sports Agency England AF offered manager’s job Euro 2012 2002 World Cup 2010 World Cup Eriksson, Sven-Göran Essien, Michael Eto’o, Samuel Euro 2012 Europa League (2012) European Cup: 1991 1999 2004 2005 2008

2009 2011 Evans, Jonny: AF suspends at Manchester Utd FC 2011 Community Shield 2011–12 Champions League 2012–13 season Everton FC Evra, Patrice: disciplined by FA first goal in Europe signs to Manchester Utd FC Suárez saga William Prunier 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League FA (Football Association) coaching Mark Clattenburg incident Suárez/Evra incident suspends Rio Ferdinand FA Cup: 1990 1995 2003 2004 2005 2011 FA Youth Cup Fàbregas, Cesc Fallon, Sean Fashanu, John Fayed, Mohammed FC United of Manchester Fenton, Ron

Fenway Park Ferdinand, Anton Ferdinand, Les Ferdinand, Rio AF’s retirement celebrity status eight-month suspension injuries and John Terry incident joins Manchester Utd FC 2011 Community Shield 2011–12 UEFA Champions League and UNICEF views of Fergie and Son (BBC) Ferguson, Alex: Aberdeen FC and Arsène Wenger BBC bust-up and Cathy Ferguson charged with improper conduct and David Beckham Drumchapel Amateurs FC East Stirlingshire FC family life final season with Manchester Utd FC friendship with Bill McKechnie game plans Harmony Row Youth Club health problems horse racing interest in America interest in JFK interest in wine

and John Magnier joins Manchester Utd FC and the Labour Party management style manager–player relationships Managing My Life Manchester Utd FC takeover and the media offered England manager job outside interests Queens Park Rangers FC receives fines retirement u-turn (2001) retires from Manchester Utd FC rivalry with Mourinho Roy Keane runs pubs is sent off during matches St Mirren FC 25 years as Manchester Utd FC’s manager Wayne Rooney Ferguson, Alexander (AF’s father) Ferguson, Cathy (AF’s wife): AF lets Phil Neville go AF’s retirement (2013) AF’s retirement u-turn (2001) family life horse racing Manchester City FC win (2012) marries AF runs pubs and son Darren’s football career Ferguson, Darren (AF’s son) career

childhood football career Ferguson, Jason (AF’s son) career childhood Fergie and Son interest in football Ferguson, Mark (AF’s son) career childhood interest in football Ferguson, Martin (AF’s brother) AF’s retirement 2002 World Cup Ruud van Nistelrooy works in pubs FIFA Presidential award (2011) FIFA World Cup: 1998 2002 2006 2010 Figo, Luis Fitzpatrick, Tony Fletcher, Darren: illness positions and Roy Keane 2011–12 Champions League Football Association (FA) coaching Mark Clattenburg incident Suárez/Evra incident suspends Rio Ferdinand football boots

Forlán, Diego Fortune, Quinton Frizzell, Jimmy Fry, Barry Fulham FC Gaal, Louis van Gallagher, Gary Gascoigne, Paul Manchester Utd FC tries to sign talent Gattuso, Gennaro ‘Rino’ Gazidis, Ivan Gea, David de illness signs to Manchester Utd FC 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Gerrard, Steven Gibson, Darron Gibson, Steve Giggs, Ryan AF’s retirement and celebrity world character Class of ’92 FA Youth Cup injuries 2002 season 2003 season 2007–08 UEFA Champions League 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League

2012–13 season Gill, David Carlos Tévez Gabriel Heinze marks AF’s 25 years as Manchester Utd FC’s manager Michael Carrick Nani Owen Hargreaves resigns as CEO Robin van Persie Ronaldo Roy Keane Ruud van Nistelrooy Suárez/Evra incident Tom Cleverley Ruud van Nistelrooy Wayne Rooney Gillespie, Keith Giroud, Olivier Gladwell, Malcolm Glazer, Avi Glazer, Joel: AF retires Manchester Utd FC takeover Glazer, Malcolm goalkeeping Golden Boot (2013) Gouw, Raimond van der Gradi, Dario Graham, George Grant, Avram Grant, John Gregg, Harry Greig, John

Guardiola, Pep Halberstam, David Halsey, Mark Hamann, Dietmar Hannover ’96 Hansen, Alan Hargreaves, Owen and England team 2007–08 UEFA Champions League Harmony Row Youth Club Harper, Joe Harrison, Eric Hazard, Eden Hazard, Oscar Heinze, Gabriel Helsingborgs IF Henderson, Jordan Hendry, Tommy Henry, John Henry, Thierry Herbert, Harry Hernández, Javier ‘Chicharito’ 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Highclere Syndicate Hillsborough tragedy Hodgkinson, Alan Hodgson, Roy Hogg, Graeme Holland, Steve Houllier, Gérard Howard, Tim Hyypiä, Sami

Iceland Ince, Paul Iniesta, Andrés Inter Milan Irwin, Denis Ivanović, Branislav Jarvie, Drew Johnsen, Ronny Johnson, Seth Johnstone, Jimmy Jol, Martin Jones, Mike Jones, Phil signs to Manchester Utd FC 2011 Community Shield 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Jones, Vinnie Jong, Nigel de Joorabchian, Kia Juventus Kagawa, Shinji Keane, Roy at Manchester Utd FC fall-out with Verón injuries joins Celtic FC leaves Manchester Utd FC as manager and Mick McCarthy MUTV interview relationship with AF relationship with team-mates suspensions

as TV critic 2003–04 UEFA Champions League Keegan, Kevin Kennedy, John F Kennedy, Michael Kenwright, Bill Kenyon, Peter leaves Manchester Utd FC signs Ronaldo Kershaw, Les Kick It Out Kidd, Brian Kinnock, Neil Kléberson joins Manchester Utd FC Knox, Archie Kompany, Vincent Kuyt, Dirk LA Galaxy Labour Party Laffin, Lyn Lambert, Paul Lampard, Frank Larsson, Henrik Law, Denis Law, Di Lawlor, Jim Lawrence, Lennie Lawrenson, Mark Lee, Paddy Leeds United FC Levy, Daniel Lewandowski, Robert

Lindegaard, Anders Lineker, Gary Linse, Rodger Little, Brian Liverpool FC English League title record and Manchester Utd FC Suárez/Evra incident 2001 season Lombardi, Vince Loughborough Town FC Lumsden, Jimmy Lyall, John McCarthy, Mick McClair, Brian McClaren, Steve McFaul, Willie McGarvey, Frank McGhee, Mark McGowan, Mick McGrath, Paul McGuinness, Paul Macheda, Federico Machin, Mel McIlvanney, Hugh Mackay, Dave McKechnie, Bill McMillan, Jim McNamara, Robert McPherson, James M Magnier, John Makélélé, Claude Maldini, Paolo

Mame Diouf, Biram Manchester City FC player transfers 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 UEFA Champions League Manchester United FC: AF joins AF’s final season with AF’s retirement u-turn (2001) becomes Plc Class of ’92 Cristiano Ronaldo David Moyes succeeds AF during the mid-70s to mid-80s Glazer takeover and Liverpool FC Rio Ferdinand rivalry with Leeds Utd FC Robin van Persie Roy Keane Ruud van Nistelrooy signs Juan Sebastián Verón staff at Wayne Rooney wins 19th title wins over Arsenal see also individual tournaments Manchester United TV Mancini, Roberto Marriner, Andre Martínez, Roberto Mascherano, Javier Mata, Juan Matthews, Stanley

Meakin, Jim media Mendes, Jorge Merkel, Angela Mertesacker, Per Messi, Lionel 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League Meulensteen, René Mignolet, Simon Mikel, John Obi Millar, Steve Milne, Ralph MLS Cup Modrić, Luka Moorhouse, Barry Moorhouse, Lyn Moran, Kevin Morgan, Albert Morrison, James Mortensen, Stan Moses, Remi Mourinho, José at Chelsea FC at Porto at Inter Milan marks AF’s 25 years as Manchester Utd FC manager at Real Madrid relationship with players 2012–13 season Moyes, David Wayne Rooney Moyes, David Snr

Mulhern, John Müller-Wohlfahrt, Hans Murdoch, Rupert Nani 2007–08 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 Champions League 2012–13 UEFA Champions League Nasri, Samir Neuer, Manuel Neville, Gary as a celebrity Class of ’92 and Diego Forlán first XI injuries and Roy Keane shaping the future of Manchester Utd FC 2004 season and Ruud van Nistelrooy Neville, Phil Newcastle United FC News of the World Nielsen, Kim Milton Nistelrooy, Ruud van and Arsène Wenger injuries and Manchester Utd FC and Real Madrid relationship with team-mates and Roy Keane 2002 season 2003 season

2004 FA Cup final Nottingham Forest FC Obertan, Gabriel Oldham Athletic FC O’Neill, Martin O’Shea, John leaves Manchester Utd FC and Roy Keane 2004 season 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Owen, Michael Özil, Mesut Pallister, Gary Paris St-Germain Park, Ji-Sung 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Paton, Bertie Pérez, Florentino Persie, Robin van Petersen, Duncan Phelan, Mick as AF’s assistant coaching loses job Rooney and Ronaldo view of Jim Lawlor Pinner, Keith Piqué, Gérard Pirlo, Andrea Poborský, Karel

Poll, Graham Porto Powell, Nick Premier League, work permits Professional Game Match Officials Board Provan, Davie Prunier, William Queen’s Park FC Queens Park Rangers FC Queiroz, Carlos and Cristiano Ronaldo joins Manchester Utd FC and José Mourinho and Louis Saha and Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy and Anderson racism Raith Rovers FC Ramsey, Aaron Rangers FC 3 Real Madrid and Bébé and Carlos Queiroz at and José Mourinho at signs Cristiano Ronaldo signs David Beckham 2001–02 UEFA Champions League 2003 season 2009 season 2012–13 UEFA Champions League and Ruud van Nistelrooy Redknapp, Harry

referees The Referees’ Association Reina, Pepe Renton, Billy Respect initiative Rice, Pat Richards, Micah Richardson, Kieran Ridsdale, Peter Riley, Mike Robertson, John Robinho Robins, Mark Robinson, Peter Robson, Bobby Robson, Bryan at Manchester Utd FC leaves Manchester Utd FC Middlesbrough FC and Ryan Giggs Rock of Gibraltar Rockefeller Rodger, Jim Rodgers, Brendan Roma Ronaldinho Ronaldo, Cristiano fans father dies at Manchester Utd FC marks AF’s 25 years as Manchester Utd FC manager and Ruud van Nistelrooy scores hat-trick

signs to Real Madrid at Sporting Lisbon talent 2004 European Cup 2004 FA Cup final 2006 World Cup 2007–08 UEFA Champions League 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Rooney, Coleen Rooney, Wayne: AF suspends best goal celebrity endorsement fitness injuries and referees and Ronaldo and Roy Keane signs to Manchester Utd FC swearing incident talent 2006–07 UEFA Champions League 2008–09 UEFA Champions League World Cup 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Rosetti, Roberto Rowlands, Derek Roxburgh, Andy Rudge, John Rummenigge, Karl-Heinz

Rush, Ian Ryan, Jim Cristiano Ronaldo Roy Keane Wayne Rooney Saha, Louis St Mirren FC Frank McGarvey incident loses to Raith Rovers players at Salmon, Peter Sar, Edwin van der and Manchester Utd FC and Roy Keane 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League Savage, Robbie Schmeichel, Peter relationship with team-mates retires talent view of Ronaldo Scholes, Paul and Arsène Wenger Class of ’92 fined by AF first XI going to ground interest in horses position retirement Robin van Persie shapes future of Manchester Utd FC

talent 2004 European Cup 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Scotland Scotland Boys Club Scottish Football Association (SFA) Second Board Shankly, Bill Sharpe, Lee Shaw, Angus Shaw, Bob Shearer, Alan Sheffield United FC Sheringham, Teddy: at Manchester Utd FC at Tottenham Hotspur FC Shilton, Peter Shotbolt, Karen Sillett, John Silva, David Silva, Fábio and Rafael da Sivebaek, John Sky Smalling, Chris signs to Manchester Utd FC 2010–11 season 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Šmicer, Vladimír Smith, Alan Smith, Jim

Smith, John Smith, Sir Roland Smith, Walter Solskjaer, Ole Gunnar Souness, Graeme Spearing, Jay Spector, Jonathan Speedie, David Sporting Lisbon Stam, Jaap Staunton, Steve Steele, Eric Stein, Jock Stiles, Nobby Stone, Mike Stretford, Paul Styles, Rob Suárez, Luis Sunderland FC Sutton, Alan Swales, Harry Swansea City FC Switzer, George Taibi, Massimo Taylor, Gordon Taylor, Graham Terry, John Tévez, Carlos: at Man City FC at Manchester Utd FC 2008–09 UEFA Champions League Thomas, Michael Thornley, Ben Thornton, Bill

Torres, Fernando Tottenham Hotspur FC Touré, Kolo Townsend, Phil Turner, Graham Tyldesley, Clive UEFA Champions League: 1991 1992 1993 1999 5 2001–02 2003 2003–04 2005 2006 2008 2009 2011 2011–12 2012–13 2013 United States of America: AF’s interest in American Civil War (1861–1865) Unsworth, David Valdés, Victor Valencia, Antonio 2010–11 UEFA Champions League 2011–12 season Verón, Juan Sebastián at Manchester Utd FC and the press signs to Chelsea Vidić, Nemanja

as a centre-back injuries signs to Manchester Utd FC 2008–09 UEFA Champions League 2011 Community Shield 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Viduka, Mark Vieira, Patrick Villarreal CF Vitesse Arnhem Walker, Dan Walker, David 1 Walker, Jack Wallace, Jock Wallwork, Ronnie Walsh, Andy Walsh, David Warnock, Neil Watford FC Watkins, Maurice Watson, Geoff Webb, Neil Welbeck, Danny 2011–12 UEFA Champions League 2012–13 season Wenger, Arsène and AF at Arsenal FC and Robin van Persie 2011–12 Champions League West Bromwich Albion FC West Ham FC Westwater, Jimmy

Whelan, Ronnie Whelan, Tony Whitehouse, Brian Whiteside, Norman Wigan Athletic FC Wiley, Alan Wilkinson, Howard Wilshere, Jack Wiltord, Sylvain Wimbledon FC Winter, Jeff Winterburn, Nigel Wise, Dennis Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) FC World Cup see FIFA World Cup Wrexham FC Wright, Ian Xavi Yeats, Ron Yorke, Dwight Young, Ashley Zabaleta, Pablo Zola, Gianfranco

I had no idea an Old Trafford stand would be named after me. It was a conspiracy, but one that left me very proud.

Bobby Robson had great charisma. We take turns with the media after a 1981 UEFA Cup tie between my Aberdeen and his Ipswich Town.

My big European breakthrough – Aberdeen beat Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

In Gothenburg, Willie Miller lifts our European trophy. Aberdeen beat one of the biggest names in football.

I was assistant Scotland manager alongside Jock Stein. He was touched by genius and I would bombard him with questions about management.

Martin Edwards, the United Chairman, stood by me in the dark days before my first trophy.

Did the 1990 FA Cup final replay win over Crystal Palace save my job as United manager? I reckon I would have survived. On the left is Norman Davies, kit man and close friend, who is sadly no longer with us.

Ryan Giggs was revered by the other United players. Here he floats past Wimbledon’s Warren Barton in his boyish early days.

Paul Scholes was better than Paul Gascoigne. ‘Too small,’ I thought when I first saw him as a lad. Wrong.

The 1992 vintage: coach Eric Harrison with the golden boys who became the heart of a great United Team, (left to right) Giggs, Butt, Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Scholes and Terry Cooke.

Eric Cantona could shape games in his own artistic image. His late goal won us the 1996 FA Cup final.

The banter always flowed between Steve Bruce (left) and Gary Pallister. But they were one of the greatest centre-half partnerships.

Peter Schmeichel was a mighty goalkeeper. A battering from Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang soon after his arrival failed to break him.

Never give in. Three–nil down at Spurs in 2001, we fought back to win 5–3. Here Verón has just scored our fourth goal.

David Beckham’s self-confidence never wavered. He was a fit boy and a marvellous striker of the ball.

Champions again, in May 2003. Beckham’s last match for us. David deserves great credit for reviving his career.

The Brazilian Ronaldo was given a standing ovation after his Old Trafford hat-trick for Real Madrid in 2003. United fans know what talent is.

The heart was in for a test on big European nights. Tension gnawed away at us in that 2003 Champions League tie against Real Madrid.

Rio Ferdinand was due to face a hearing for missing a drugs test when Roy Keane offered his support as they left the Old Trafford pitch.

A draconian sentence. Rio is banned for eight months. The club would not abandon him.

Roy Keane took parts of my own character on to the pitch. In his later years injuries made it harder for him to gallop from box to box.

Cristiano Ronaldo worked on every aspect of his game, even heading. Look at him leap in the 2004 FA Cup final win.

Reaching out to our fans. We’ve just beaten Millwall 3–0 in the 2004 FA Cup final and Mikaël Silvestre is with me.

Work hard, play hard. The dressing room after our victory over Millwall. Ronaldo looks so young.

Rivals to the end. Arsène Wenger and I had our fall-outs but there was more to unite than divide us.

Arsène was livid after we stopped Arsenal’s unbeaten 49-match run in October 2004.

Ruud van Nistelrooy opened the scoring as we prevented Arsenal from going 50 games unbeaten. A volcanic day.

Rafa Benítez turned our rivalry personal. I could handle that.

When José Mourinho joined Chelsea I thought: ‘New kid on the block. Confident.’ A new challenge had arrived.

My hero Denis Law and close friend Bobby Robson at a lunch to celebrate my 20th anniversary as United manager. As a player I wanted to be Denis.

Ronaldo was a model student. Carlos Queiroz played an important role in his development.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a natural finisher. I always saw myself in our strikers.

Fergie Time. I pointed to my watch to strike fear into opponents, who knew we often scored in the last minute.

Michael Carrick strikes in our thrilling 7–1 win over Roma at Old Trafford in 2007. A near perfect display.

The wonder boys, Ronaldo and Rooney, in that 7–1 victory over Roma. Ronaldo scored twice and Rooney once.

Moscow, Roman Abramovich’s home town, was the stage for our 2008 Champions League win over Chelsea. Here, Ryan Giggs tucks away his penalty in sudden-death.

My record in penalty shoot-outs wasn’t good. At first I couldn’t believe we had won when Edwin van der Sar saved from Nicolas Anelka.

The retreat from Moscow. A happy one. Giggs and Ferdinand hold the 2008 Premier League and Champions League trophies on the tarmac in Manchester.

Labour can always count on my support and Tony Blair and Gordon Brown became friends.

The Glazers were supportive from day one. They let me get on with the job. Avram (left), Joel and Bryan joined us at Vale do Lobo in Portugal.

Racing helped me escape the pressures of management. Fellow owner Ged Mason and I celebrate What A Friend’s big win at Aintree.

Ruby Walsh tells me how he guided What A Friend to victory. I always enjoy the company of jockeys.

Out in front. What A Friend leads them home in The Betfred Bowl Chase.

Vidić and Ferdinand were a rock to build a team on. Nemanja has just scored against Inter Milan in the Champions League and Rio is hitching a ride.

Left-backs are like rare birds. But we had one of the best in Patrice Evra, a born winner.

The greatest goal in my time at United was this bicycle kick by Wayne Rooney against Man City in February 2011.

We prepared meticulously for the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley. Plans don’t always work.

The best team I ever faced. The great Barcelona side of 2011.

What better man could you have beside you than Bobby Charlton? He was a loyal and wise friend to me.

It’s not an old bus stop, it’s The Cliff, our training ground until 1999. Scholes and Giggs travel back in time with me.

Lyn Laffin, my indispensable P.A., helps me with the daily mountain of admin.

Daid Gill was the best chief executive I worked with. Straight-talker; knew the game; always loyal.

Read all about it. Phil Townsend, our communications director, talks me through the day’s papers.

Staff numbers increased enormously in my 26½ years at the club. I valued them all. Here I am with the laundry team.

Albert Morgan, kit man, friend and wisecracker, in the Old Trafford changing room, August 2011.

Edwin van der Sar was one of the great goalkeepers of the last 30 years. I should have signed him earlier.

David de Gea, a magnificently athletic young goalkeeper, who grew in stature after joining us from Spain.

The tunnel of love. Making my way to the pitch, Old Trafford, August 2011.

The one-time King of Old Trafford, Eric Cantona, returns for Paul Scholes’s testimonial in the summer of 2011.

Mick Phelan and René Meulensteen were my trusted assistants at the end. I owe all my coaches a great debt.

The indestructibles: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.

My 25th anniversary dinner, in November 2011. Some of our foreign players might have been a bit confused by the kilt.

I felt Roberto Mancini was hassling the fourth official too much in this Manchester derby and told him so. A brief skirmish, soon forgotten.

I respected Mancini’s work at City. I saw a few City managers off in my time.

The Hillsborough commemoration at Anfield in September 2012 was brilliantly handled by both clubs. Sir Bobby Charlton and Ian Rush clasp hands.

The press gave me a cake with a hairdryer on as parting gift. I was fierce in news conferences, but there were laughs too.

My successor, though I didn’t know it then. David Moyes brought Everton to our ground in February 2013.

The final ingredient. Robin van Persie’s hat-trick against Aston Villa secured our 2012–13 title win. A great buy.

I still don’t know how David Gill persuaded Cathy to unveil a statue of me. She refused to bow at its feet.

Success gave me control. With each trophy won my thoughts turned to the next one.

When the statue was unveiled I joked: ‘I’ve out-lived death.’ What an honour.

The 2012–13 Premier League trophy is waiting for us out on the pitch at Old Trafford. My work is nearly done.

Special fans, and a special day at Old Trafford in May 2013, as my time as manager draws to an end.

Cathy rarely came to games but she was always there for me. We pose with the Premier League trophy one last time.

Drama to the end. At West Brom, for my final game, waving to my family before a match that finished 5–5.

The next wave of Fergusons. My wonderful grandchildren were part of the farewell party.

Still going strong, friends from my Harmony Row days reunite in Manchester, March 2013.

Would you take us on? Harmony Row, at our annual reunion. Football teams go on forever.

PHOTOGRAPHIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T h e a u t h or a n d pu blish er w ou ld lik e t o t h a n k t h e follow in g for per m ission t o r epr odu ce ph ot og r a ph s: A ct ion Im a g es, Roy Bea r dsw or t h /Offside, Sim on Bellis/Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Ja son Ca ir n du ff/Liv epic/A ct ion Im a g es, Ch r is Colem a n /Ma n ch est er Un it ed/Get t y Im a g es, Da v e Hodg es/Spor t in g Pict u r es/A ct ion Im a g es, Ia n Hodg son /Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Eddie Keog h /Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Ma r k Leech /Offside, A lex Liv esey /Get t y Im a g es, Cliv e Ma son /Get t y Im a g es, Mir r or pix , Ger r y Pen n y /A FP/Get t y Im a g es, Joh n Pet er s/Ma n ch est er Un it ed/Get t y Im a g es, Ma t t h ew Pet er s/Ma n ch est er Un it ed/Get t y Im a g es, Ka i Pfa ffen ba ch /Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Popper fot o/Get t y Im a g es, Nick Pot t s/Pr ess A ssocia t ion , Joh n Pow ell/Liv er pool FC/Get t y Im a g es, T om Pu r slow /Ma n ch est er Un it ed/Get t y Im a g es, Ben Ra dfor d/Get t y Im a g es, Ca r l Recin e/Liv epic/A ct ion Im a g es, Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Rex Fea t u r es, Ma r t in Rick et t /Pr ess A ssocia t ion , Ma t t Rober t s/Offside, Nea l Sim pson /Em pics Spor t /Pr ess A ssocia t ion , SMG/Pr ess A ssocia t ion , SNS Gr ou p, Sim on St a cpoole/Offside, Da r r en St a ples/Reu t er s/A ct ion Im a g es, Bob T h om a s/Get t y Im a g es, Gly n T h om a s/Offside, Joh n W a lt on /Em pics Spor t /Pr ess A ssocia t ion , Kir st y W r ig g lesw or t h /Pr ess A ssocia t ion . A ll ot h er ph ot og r a ph s a r e cou r t esy of Sea n Pollock .