Sir Alex Ferguson kept one Manchester United legend ‘close at hand’ and would ask nothing more than the “truth” from him on important matters at Old Trafford.
The 82-year-old legendary former Manchester United manager bowed out of the Premier League club after the Red Devils’ last league title triumph in 2013.
Sir Alex Ferguson experienced both the highs and lows at Old Trafford, including weathering a tough start to life at United after his arrival at the club in 1986.
Despite overcoming the early obstacles during his time at United, the iconic Scotsman went on to cement his legacy in the history books of the sport.
Ferguson’s legendary career at United included leading the Red Devils to their iconic treble win in 1999 after a famous Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.
The Scot’s trophy cabinet at Old Trafford included 13 Premier League title wins, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups and four League Cups.
Ferguson, who is considered one of the best managers of all time, was well known for the legendary players he would have in his incredible United teams of the past.
From Roy Keane to Eric Cantona, United fans would be left in complete awe at the star-studded talent that Ferguson would boast in his first-team squads.
However, Ferguson valued one United legend’s opinion a lot and would even ask him for his clear-cut thoughts during his illustrious reign at the Red Devils.
READ MORE: Sir Alex Ferguson once claimed he only managed four ‘world-class’ players in his Man United career
Ferguson’s relationship with Man Utd legend
Sir Alex Ferguson was well known for ensuring his authority remained paramount at Old Trafford and wasn’t afraid to put Manchester United players on blast at the club.
Rio Ferdinand has spoken about his relationship with Ferguson in the past and the reasons for why the Scot would request an audience with a player in his office.
Gary Neville, much like United legend Rio Ferdinand, has opened up on his time under Ferguson and how the Scotsman broke his transfer rules over one signing.
Red Devils legend Bryan Robson was United captain before Ferguson left Aberdeen and arrived as Ron Atkinson’s replacement at Old Trafford.
Bryan Robson retained the armband under Ferguson and was an instrumental figure for the former Aberdeen and United boss at the Premier League club.
The 67-year-old former England and United midfielder admitted that Ferguson sought out his advice on youth players and wanted the complete truth from him.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Robson said: “If I was standing watching training or at a match, he would say to me, ‘Go on, what are you thinking? The truth!’
“So, we would have a word. And now and again, he would say, ‘If you feel that way about him, have a word with him.’”
Ferguson’s big praise for Robson
Robson remains United’s longest-serving skipper and is widely regarded as one of, if not, the Premier League club’s best captains of all time.
The United legend left Old Trafford in 1994 after lifting two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup and a European Cup Winners’ Cup at Old Trafford.
Ferguson insisted that Robson, AKA ‘Captain Marvel,’ was the best captain he had at United ahead of club legend Roy Keane.
“Well, he was easily the best captain I had,” he said in 2021, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“I think over the period he was at United, he was the best player.”
Ferguson added: “The players loved him.
“They responded to him and he was the longest-serving captain in my time anyway.”