Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions he ruled by fear at Manchester United.
The 74-year-old was notoriously tough on his players during his 26 1/2 years at Old Trafford, his fiery brand of management becoming synonymous with the ‘hairdryer treatment’.
However, it seems his 13 Premier League titles weren’t inspired by fear alone.
On the contrary, the Scot insists he only used the ‘hairdryer’ six times throughout his time at the club.
“There was a lot of myth about it. It happened about half a dozen times in 27 years and the players will tell you that,” he told the World Business Forum in Milan, via the Sun.
“I told them exactly the truth and the truth works. All the players understood that and it was never held against me. Then the next day it is pushed aside and I’m prepared to win again.
“I never ruled by fear. Name a Manchester United team that played with fear.”
United’s current crop of players look a far cry from achieving the glory years enjoyed under Fergie, though many were part of his final title-winning side just over three years ago.
Something about the culture of Manchester United has undoubtedly changed, and in such a short space of time since he left the dugout.
Jose Mourinho’s own ‘hairdryer’ has been on full blast this season, but it doesn’t seem to be yielding results – at least not yet – for the Special One.
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