Sir Alex Ferguson was absolutely 'terrified' of facing Steve McManaman, according to Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.
Ferguson, United's most successful ever boss and arguably the greatest manager of all time, would often nullify any opponent's main threats by marking them out of the game over the course of his 26 trophy-laden years as the club's head coach.
However, while Ferguson has been there, done it and beat them all, Schmeichel claims Liverpool's iconic midfielder McManaman always left the Scot 'in a sweat'.
Ahead of the 1996 FA Cup final, Schmeichel claims Ferguson was contemplating marking McManaman out of the Wembley showpiece by sticking a 19-year-old Phil Neville on him and instructing the defender to follow him like a hawk.
The theory behind it was that if Liverpool's best player – in Ferguson's eyes – was kept quiet at Wembley, then United would have the best chance of emerging victorious.
'In some ways, this was no surprise because Ferguson was terrified of McManaman,' Schmeichel recalls in his autobiography One.
'McManaman was the only opposing player he ever paid attention to in the Premier League.
'I mean, he would mention Alan Shearer and other major opposing players in team talks but never with any fear. However, McManaman always had him in a sweat.
'And, to be fair, Steve was a fantastic footballer. Fergie's thinking was always that if you took McManaman out of the game, you took Liverpool out.'
However, after a meeting with some of United's most senior players – Schmeichel, Eric Cantona, Gary Pallister, Roy Keane and Steve Bruce – where they discussed the tactic to stick Neville on McManaman, the legendary Scot was convinced not to give the midfielder such special attention.
Schmeichel continued: '"No this is what we're doing," he affirmed. Then Eric spoke. And Eric never spoke. He said: "Gaffer… bad idea."
'Fergie said: "Aye… okay, we're not doing it. Lads, off you go".'
United went on to win that final, remembered for Liverpool's white pre-match suits, with Eric Cantona scoring the winning goal five minutes from time.
AdrianShion
0
Steve Mac is one of the player I admired. skilled and pacy winger and he can use both feet better than giggsy. too bad he was Liverpool player.
yup. he mostly play on both flank and occasionally play centre.
jayford
0
Steve Mac is one of the player I admired. skilled and pacy winger and he can use both feet better than giggsy. too bad he was Liverpool player.
Was he a winger?
AdrianShion
0
Steve Mac is one of the player I admired. skilled and pacy winger and he can use both feet better than giggsy. too bad he was Liverpool player.
Kkrexuke
0
Yeah, those early 90s. The skills of Ryan Giggs and Steve Mcmanaman were often compared.
Diyabcnouy
1
lolol yeap cuz spice girl was really good wtf and who the f prints this rubbish
jezabdnpyz
3
The "Spice Boys" At The 1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣6️⃣ FA Cup Final.., With Their Glamorous Cream Armani Suits Swanning Around Gracefully At The Pitch Of Wembley Ahead Of The Final.., Just Like A Elegant Fashion Show In Display. Alex Ferguson Used The Audacity Of Those Suits To Motivate His Players.., Let Them Have The Spotlight While We Do Our Job The Boss Said. Eric Cantona Scored The Winner And United Players Were On The Grandstand Lifting The Cup Therefore Completing The League And FA Cup Double. Thank You.., "Spice Boys".
arvez
1
messi
SonicSynchro
2
Sir Alex knew the name, Macca as well ✌🏽
darayne
2
Ticablmp
5
But I think he find it hard to stop Messi and even Ronaldo when they played against us. But nonetheless he is still the greatest manager ever