Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson refused to let his players call him by one particular nickname during his legendary career at Old Trafford.
That is according to Ashley Young, who revealed only two ex-United players escaped Ferguson’s infamous hairdryer treatment during his time at the Premier League club.
Ferguson’s illustrious 26-year spell at Old Trafford finally came to an end in 2013 after he led the Red Devils to their last Premier League title.
The 82-year-old Scotsman has remained an ever-present figure at United, with Ferguson spotted watching from the stands at Old Trafford during TV broadcasts.
Ferguson was known for his ruthless approach at times, with Rio Ferdinand revealing the two reasons why the former United boss would summon a player to his office.
However, United legend Ferdinand also shared another side to the iconic Scot and how Ferguson would allow one figure to make fun of him at Old Trafford.
Ferguson would ensure that his authority as United manager remained paramount and the Red Devils legend wasn’t afraid to axe players during his legendary career.
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Young on nickname Ferguson disliked
Young first arrived at Old Trafford under Ferguson after United signed him from Aston Villa in 2011 for a fee believed to be around £17m.
The 38-year-old former United winger lifted a Premier League title under Ferguson and continued playing for the club even after the Scotsman’s retirement in 2013.
Young captured an FA Cup, a League Cup and a Europa League during his spell at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer later appointing him as United captain in 2019.
The former England international left Old Trafford in 2020 and went on to play for Inter Milan and Villa for a second time before Young signed for Everton last summer.
Speaking on his time at United, Young revealed that Ferguson did not like players using his widely popular nickname of ‘Fergie’ and was known as ‘The Boss’ to them.
The Everton player and United hero Darren Fletcher also managed to avoid being on the receiving end of an infamous hairdryer treatment from Ferguson.
“You can’t say ‘Fergie’ either,” Young told The Daily Telegraph in 2023.
“That’s not allowed. He’s ‘The Boss.’ Just to let you know!”
He added: “We have a WhatsApp group for the old [Man United] players and we think there were only two out of the era who didn’t get shouted at.
“I was one and the other was Darren Fletcher. I don’t know whether that is because he is Scottish.”
Young on influence of United legend Ferguson
Young was an important signing for Everton manager Sean Dyche in 2023 and has made 15 Premier League starts in 15 appearances this season for the Toffees.
The ex-Three Lions player arrived at Goodison Park as a free agent after his second spell with Villa came to an end, with his former club now renewing his contract.
Despite playing in a different league and under various managers, Young insisted that Ferguson remains the most influential head coach he had in his career.
“I won’t say the best but the one who has given me the most is ‘The Boss.’ Sir Alex,” he said.
“The one I still talk to most is ‘The Boss.’ I had a conversation with him a few months ago and he was talking about the changes in football and how he would be in football nowadays.
“I won’t go into the conversation … I don’t know if he’s impressed by certain changes.
“But the way ‘The Boss’ was for years, the success he had – he had his way of dealing with players, of dealing with the press, whatever else there was.
“How he had his team set up. How he knew his team – weeks, months, in advance. The way he was with players. I am not too sure how that would be seen these days.”
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