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Sir Alex Ferguson’s intense managerial style at Manchester United has long been the subject of discussion, with many considering it both groundbreaking and controversial. According to former United defender Patrice Evra, Ferguson’s tough approach—famous for his fiery outbursts and strict discipline—would likely land him in trouble if he were managing today.
Evra, who won five Premier League titles and a Champions League under Ferguson, reflected on the harsh environment that existed within the United dressing room. He even joked, “If Ferguson was coaching right now he would probably end up in jail. There’s no way Ferguson would not be in jail with what he would do to… Do you know how many players I saw cry because he gave them the hairdryer, throwing boots—he was evil.”
Ferguson’s famous “hairdryer treatment,” where players were verbally berated, and his occasional outbursts—such as the infamous boot incident with David Beckham—were part of the tough love philosophy that helped Ferguson guide United to numerous victories.
During the 2002-03 season, Ferguson famously kicked a boot at Beckham after a heated argument, causing an eye injury. Evra described how such incidents were frequent, with players often reduced to tears after confrontations with Ferguson.
Beyond his famous outbursts, Ferguson’s disciplinary tactics were known to extend to smaller matters, even in friendly games. Evra recounted how Ferguson sharply criticized Danny Welbeck after he missed a penalty in a friendly match, shouting at him, “Who the f*** do you think you are? Coming in the first team, taking a penalty.” This showed Ferguson’s relentless focus on discipline, even in non-competitive situations.
Evra also revealed the harsh locker room culture under Ferguson, where younger players were often bullied by veterans. One of the most notable examples was after a brutal tackle on Nani by Jamie Carragher during a 2011 Liverpool match.
Despite Nani being visibly injured and crying, some teammates mocked him, and Ferguson was reportedly furious, saying, “I hope your leg is broken, a United player cannot cry at Anfield.” This moment was emblematic of a culture where showing emotion was seen as a weakness.
The tough environment at United led to immense success, with Ferguson winning 38 trophies during his 26 years at the club, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies.
However, Evra now reflects on the darker side of that culture, acknowledging how toxic the atmosphere could be for younger players and apologizing for how they were treated.
While Ferguson’s methods undeniably brought results, the emotional toll of his leadership style on players is something that is being reconsidered today.
This article was updated 1 month ago