21 January 2024 , 08:45
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Sir Alex Ferguson famously ruled with an iron fist during his illustrious 26-year reign as Manchester United boss and was adamant standards remained high 24/7.
That meant that not only did the Red Devils have to operate perfectly on the pitch, but also off it given they were representing one of the biggest clubs on the planet. It is that outlook that allowed Ferguson to enjoy such a trophy-laden career, with an honours haul that includes 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Someone who played for the club during the legendary Scotsman's rule is Ben Foster, who has since shed light on some of the demands Ferguson had of his players. The former United goalkeeper has explained how his old boss would control what players wore while travelling to away matches.
While speaking on the Cycling GK podcast, Foster revealed that Ferguson would ask players to don suits every time they travelled. That same rule applied when travelling by plane and only when the plane had left the runway could players slip into something more comfortable - though they'd have to suit back up before landing.
Nowadays, Erik ten Hag has adopted a more relaxed policy and players are permitted to wear club tracksuits when making their way to away games. However, during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's stint in charge, the rule was re-applied, perhaps due to the Norwegian's time as a player under Ferguson.
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"When I was at United, with Sir Alex Ferguson, that was the bare minimum," Foster revealed. "Hitting the standard was the bare minimum. I remember, if we would play away and we would fly, then we would get on the plane and you would get changed almost instantly.
"You arrive, you're in your suit, you've got your tie on. Everything's done. You don't even dare not have your top button done up, tie to the top, perfect. You look immaculate. You've got your shoes on shined. The second you get on the plane, you would take your suit off, put it into its hanger and hang it up all nicely.
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Anderson (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo both pictured at the airport in their club suits back in 2008"Everybody is labelled up nicely. You would get into leisurewear – shorts, T-shirt and everything like that. It might be a three-hour flight, it might be a six-hour flight. Within half an hour of landing, it would be ‘Right lads, everybody back in your seats – get dressed again.'"
It is unclear why Ten Hag opted to drop the rule, but if there's any chance that a suit and tie could help United's form on the pitch, the Dutchman best go back to enforcing it - and fast.