Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that a “nervous” Manchester United legend caught him by complete surprise over his surprising behaviour, despite admitting that he was a “very nice bloke.”
The legendary former Manchester United manager has been out of management since 2013 after he called it time on his illustrious run at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson led the Red Devils to all 13 of their Premier League titles, with United’s last league triumph coming in the 2012-13 season.
The 82-year-old Scotsman is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time after his impact in Scotland with Aberdeen and in England with United.
Ferguson’s legendary exploits at United included his two Champions League wins, including becoming the first manager to lead an English team to a continental treble.
The Aberdeen and United legend has remained an ever-present figure at the Red Devils, despite calling it time on his career in the Old Trafford dugout.
Ferguson, who is a director on the United board, has often been spotted in the stands watching the current Red Devils first team in action since his retirement.
Ferguson’s encounter with Man Utd legend
Sir Alex Ferguson’s incredible reign at Old Trafford saw several players climb to the status of club legend, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, the iconic Scot also crossed paths with Manchester United legends from Old Trafford’s past, including the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.
Ferguson was an admirer of beloved ‘Holy Trinity’ member George Best, who had a sensational impact at Old Trafford alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.
One of United’s famed No 7s, Red Devils legend Best passed away in 2005 at the age of 59 after suffering multiple organ failure.
Best, who is widely regarded as one of the best British players of all time, had suffered with alcohol-related issues and bankruptcy during his chequered life.
Ferguson once recalled the time that he sat with Best in a bar in Japan and how he was surprised with the former United star’s “shyness.”
“In November 2005, we lost George Best. He was a very nice bloke, George, a very gentle lad, a bit nervous somehow,” he said in his 2013 autobiography, as per The Belfast Telegraph.
“Nervous to talk to you. He had an insecurity about him that worried you.
“I remember sitting in a bar in Japan with him once – he was with his girlfriend – and he could hardly talk. He seemed gripped by shyness.”
Ferguson admired ‘intelligent’ Best
Ferguson has previously made his feelings clear on the change in life that he could have offered to former players had he managed them at United.
The former Aberdeen boss famously admitted that he wanted to sign England legend Paul Gascoigne, who snubbed the chance to play for Ferguson at United.
Paul Gascoigne enjoyed a legendary playing career for both club and country, but the England cult hero battled his inner demons both on the pitch and off it.
Ferguson opened up about Gascoigne alongside his praise for Best and how the latter’s life could have been different if more had recognised his ‘intelligence.’
“The football public is basically working class, and for some reason they like people who are flawed,” he said.
“Best. Gascoigne, Jimmy Johnstone. They see reflections of themselves in these imperfect heroes. They understand the frailty.
“George could have had a good life after football. He could have coached young players, but perhaps lacked the personality to be a tutor. A fact about George that few recognised is how intelligent he was.”