Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he urged Scott McTominay to commit his national future to Scotland. The United midfielder was involved in a reported tug of war between Scotland and England this season as both national team bosses wanted him in their squads. Victory went to Alex McLeish who persuaded McTominay to play for Scotland and the 21-year-old made his debut against Costa Rica last week. Ferguson has explained why the United academy graduate made the decision, telling the Daily Record: “It was his father’s heritage. "It would be difficult for him to go back to Scotland and say to his own father, ‘I'm playing for England’. The sensible thing is to play for Scotland and Scott will get plenty of games for Scotland. “When Scott came in to Manchester United as an eight-year-old I knew he was from Lancaster and thought he was English. When I found out his family was Scottish I told him he had to play for Scotland. … [Read more...] about Manchester United great Sir Alex Ferguson reveals what he told Scott McTominay
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Jesse Lingard proving Sir Alex Ferguson’s prediction correct
Jesse Lingard has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson tipped him to make the grade at Old Trafford while making his way through Manchester United's youth ranks. The attacking midfielder has established himself in Jose Mourinho's first team this season, reports the Manchester Evening News. Fergie told Lingard he would realise his potential by the age of 25 and that prediction has proved correct, with the Warrington-born star smashing 13 goals so far this campaign, more than in his last two seasons combined. And the United ace is thankful for the support he was shown all those years ago. "Me and my dad put that trust in him [Ferguson] to say that," Lingard told Sky Sports. "It's obviously worked. He guessed right. "I think it's my time now. I knew we had to step up and kind of take charge. That's what I've done. "The goals have come, which has given me confidence. Each game I just want to score now, that's my main objective." While Ferguson will no doubt be delighted by his prediction, … [Read more...] about Jesse Lingard proving Sir Alex Ferguson’s prediction correct
Man United forward Jesse Lingard reacts to Sir Alex Ferguson’s prediction
Jesse Lingard is grateful for the faith Sir Alex Ferguson showed in him while he was coming through at Manchester United . The legendary manager met with Lingard and his father years ago to discuss his long-term future at the club, and tipped the player to prove himself by his current age of 25. Ferguson told the academy product to persevere at Old Trafford insisting he would eventually blossom into a star for United. Lingard has proven the prediction right netting 13-goals so far this campaign, more than in his last two seasons combined. And the United star is thankful for the support he was shown all those years ago. "Me and my dad put that trust in him [Ferguson] to say that," Lingard told Sky Sports. "It's obviously worked. He guessed right. "I think it's my time now. I knew we had to step up and kind of take charge. That's what I've done. "The goals have come, which has given me confidence. Each game I just want to score now, that's my main objective." While Ferguson will no doubt … [Read more...] about Man United forward Jesse Lingard reacts to Sir Alex Ferguson’s prediction
Sir Alex Ferguson on why Alex McLeish has a point to prove as Scotland boss
Sir Alex Ferguson helped Alex McLeish soar as a player and stood by him when his popularity waned in the wilderness years of management. Big Eck spent almost two years out of football before he was appointed Scotland boss for the second time last month. His mentor reckons his time on the sidelines following his departure from Egyptian outfit Zamalek will be the making of him as Scotland boss. McLeish had a lowkey re-introduction to the national team, although there were still positive signs within the 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica last Friday night. The 59-year-old’s new look squad took further strides in the right direction in midweek when they defeated Hungary 1-0 ahead of their summer tour to Peru and Mexico. McLeish had a short lived stint at Belgian club Genk, leading them to the Europa League play-offs, and also walked out of Nottingham Forest after 40 days in 2013 when the club’s Kuwaiti owners reneged on transfer funding pledges. Ferguson said: “I spoke to Alex … [Read more...] about Sir Alex Ferguson on why Alex McLeish has a point to prove as Scotland boss
Sir Alex Ferguson warns SFA they’ll lose history by quitting Hampden
Sir Alex Ferguson walked into Hampden as a teenager and set about forging the most successful career of any Scot in football history. The former Manchester United boss refuses to contemplate the day a Queen’s Park official closes the door of the national stadium and is told to turn the master key clockwise for good. Ferguson’s office in Manchester displays treasured mementos of a career at the sharpest level, including 50 major footballing honours, the highlights of which were his Champions League successes with United in 1999 and 2008. Behind his desk is a framed picture of himself with Jock Stein in the build-up to the 1982 World Cup finals, along the wall Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke stares down from the cover of a West Brom programme, set alongside a team sheet from a match in May 2013. Clarke was in charge of the Baggies when they drew 5-5 in Ferguson’s last game in charge after 39 years as a manager, which all kicked off at East Stirling in the summer of … [Read more...] about Sir Alex Ferguson warns SFA they’ll lose history by quitting Hampden