12 July 2023 , 06:00
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Sir Alex Ferguson is hands down the most successful manager in the history of Manchester United.
The Scottish icon led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles, two European Cup successes, five FA Cups and a whole host of other trophies. That trophy haul justifiably earns Ferguson his place in the pantheon of all-time best football managers.
However, he also earned another reputation during his 27-year stint at Old Trafford - his furious temper. A number of players found themselves on the rough end of Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment, while a vast array of reporters and pundits have had their own run-ins.
Take a look at some of his most infamous and memorable moments from his time with the Red Devils:
Angriest moments came at Anfield
There’s been a few locations where Sir Alex has blown his top - the dressing room and the touchline at Old Trafford were regular places for a number of rants. However, there was one place in particular that saw the now 81-year-old get angrier more than most - Anfield.
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At the home of Man United’s fierce rivals Liverpool, ex-Red Devils' defender Gary Neville revealed in detail how infuriated losing on Merseyside led him to get. Speaking back in 2017, he said: "He was different going into the big games and to be honest with you, the most consistently angry that I saw him.
"People talk about the hairdryer and it never happened that much to be honest with you during a season, but the most consistent place you would see it was Anfield - at half-time or the end of the game.
"He could not stand losing at Anfield - and if we won there, it didn't matter how we played - it was like the best thing in the world."
Sir Alex Ferguson's temper was as well known for his fury on the touchline (Getty Images)What is your Sir Alex Ferguson highlight at Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Fergie is sworn at
While Ferguson’s temper was infamous, it was rare to see players give it back. Some simply did not dare to feel the wrath of their manager.
However, things got too much for former Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy back in 2006. He was left out of the starting XI for the League Cup final clash with Wigan Athletic and did not take too kindly to the decision.
According to the former United manager’s book, Van Nistelrooy swore at Ferguson before the situation threatened to turn ugly as then-assistant Carlos Queiroz stepped in to confront the striker.
The relationship between Van Nisterlooy and Ferguson remained fractious for years after and eventually led to the former’s move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Things were only patched up years later as the striker reached out to reconcile, which Ferguson accepted.
Sir Alex's favouritism
Players very rarely crossed the line when it came to Ferguson but that does not mean that there wasn't one person in particular that could push their luck. According to ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand, his favourite dinner lady was the only one allowed to mock him.
Speaking to The Sun, he revealed: "Carol was a very funny lady. I loved speaking to her and having a laugh over a cup of tea at the training ground. She would treat everybody the same, academy players, Premier League champions or Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the biggest names in the history of football.
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"I remember once he walked in wearing a smart pair of cream chinos as I was talking to Carol. She stopped our conversation and just said to him 'What are you wearing?!' which made us all laugh."
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