United in Focus exclusively caught up with Manchester United legend Alex Stepney to talk about Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, the excitement of Ruben Amorim’s arrival and more.
As far as great Manchester United goalkeepers go – you won’t get much better than Alex Stepney. The shot-stopper made a whopping 539 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, winning numerous trophies with United in the process.
Not only did he win trophies, but Stepney was an integral factor in doing so. He played almost every game of the First Division title-winning 1966-67 season.
More notably, Stepney also played in goal in United’s first-ever European Cup victory in 1968, where he infamously had none other than Eusebio stand and applaud him for a remarkable save at a crucial moment.
It was a pleasure to catch up with a true Manchester United legend and hear his thoughts on some current affairs, along with some stories of personal Red Devils highlights.
What was your opinion on Manchester United sacking Erik ten Hag, Alex?
“That’s life in football these days, results mean everything. I genuinely wish him all the best. He handled himself well in some very challenging moments, especially when dealing with players, and leading the team to a win over City in the cup final was a fantastic achievement.
“But in the end, the highs weren’t consistent enough to make a lasting impact. To be manager of Manchester United is such a demanding role, and I commend him for the job he did.”
Ruben Amorim is set to be the next Manchester United manager, any thoughts on him?
“I’ll be honest, I don’t really know a lot about him! However, I want a manager with a strong mentality.
“Anyone who turns the team into a nightmare to play against is a manager for me. I’d like to see the team hunt the ball like a pack of animals for starters. So, if he fits this criteria, I’m a fan!”
Where do you think Manchester United will finish this season after a poor start?
“It’s difficult to say, with all the unrest at the moment. However, if I had to give an answer – somewhere between 4th and 8th.
“A lot depends on the next few games, and when Amorim comes in, but it’s going to be tough to claw back from the position we find ourselves in.”
May be difficult at the moment – but who is your current favourite Red Devils player?
“Lisandro Martinez for me. I like his attitude and he moves the ball forward. He’s a proper Manchester United player.”
Enough about the current United… after all, you won a European Cup with them in 1968, just how special was it?
Manchester United emerged victorious over Portuguese giants Benfica and lifted their first-ever European Cup on home soil at Wembley. I asked Stepney just how special this night was and his mind quickly turned to the Munich air disaster.
“We did it for them,” Stepney began. “When the final whistle went after winning 4-1 in extra time, it’s amazing, every one of us sub-consciously went to Bill Faulkes, Bobby Charlton and Matt Busby. The three survivors.
“No one ever spoke about Munich and I wondered when I joined if anyone mentioned it, but no one did. I think in everybody’s mind individually it was there.”
It must have been some feeling, was that the greatest game of your United career?
“We won the league at West Ham and that never really comes up. We won 6-1 to win the league, I mean fantastic. And then of course the European Cup final – yes, it was the highlight of my career.
“To top it all – to win the FA Cup in 77. That was going back to where I started, the boyhood dream. Winning the FA Cup at Wembley and beating Liverpool and stopping them from winning the treble – wasn’t so bad was it.”
What has life been like for you after football?
“I’m enjoying life on the Lancashire coast, but I’m still very much part of the fabric at Old Trafford, representing the club in various ways, including through the Manchester United Foundation charity.
“I’m involved with hospitality on matchdays and media work, which often brings back memories of that incredible night in May ‘68 when we won the European Cup.
“I’m also thrilled to have recently partnered with Legends Whisky, and I even have a single malt named after me – personally selected and tasted by me, no less.”
If you’re interested in this, Alex tells us you can get yours in time for Christmas by contacting [email protected] for more details.
“Other than this,” Alex continued, “I’m still a full-time Manchester United fan – and that’s a job in itself!”
We’d be completely inclined to agree. United in Focus thanks Alex for his time, and hopefully his job as a Red Devils supporter will get easier when Amorim arrives at the helm. But we can’t make any promises.
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