Sir Alex Ferguson still has an incredible influence over sports stars, even those who are not footballers but share the common goal to win.
Having built several great teams at Manchester United that won Premier League titles, Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t need an introduction in these parts. The Scot is the greatest manager in United’s history, along with fellow countryman Sir Matt Busby, who also won multiple league titles and delivered the European Cup in 1968.
Ferguson won the Champions League twice as United manager, in 1999 and 2008. The Treble proved to be the greatest feat achieved by the club, up there with the 1968 European Cup triumph, 10 years on from the devastating Munich Air Disaster, which cost the lives of eight Busby Babes.
Ferguson, however, will be remembered and celebrated for the dynasty of success he created at Old Trafford over 27 trophy-laden years. He moulded a succession of great teams, often based on the backbone of players from United’s academy, who produced thrilling performances and collected the biggest prizes in English football.
Since retiring as United manager in 2013, after winning his last Premier League title, Ferguson has had more time to follow his other interests, such as horse racing. He is still often seen at Old Trafford attending games, but he is no longer paid for an ambassadorial role following cuts implemented by Ineos.
Ferguson also meets with stars from other sports and shares his knowledge as a leader who can get the best out of people.
Lexus British Open Roehampton
Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images for LTA
Andy Lapthorne reveals Sir Alex Ferguson phone call
Ferguson has been pictured with many celebrities and sports stars at Old Trafford down the years. They have included matchday guests at Old Trafford like world-renowned fighters Tyson Fury and Khabib Murmagomedov.
Away from Old Trafford, Ferguson was spotted having breakfast with Fury in Manchester.
More United News
Now, we learn that a phone call from Ferguson in 2016 still gives British wheelchair tennis ace Andy Lapthorne goosebumps after influencing his life.
Ferguson called Lapthorne ahead of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“That phone call is still giving me goosebumps,” Lapthorne told The Times.
The 34-year-old, who has cerebral palsy which affects his ability to stand for extended periods or fully straighten his arms, credits the call for life-changing results after previously being ranked no.1 in the world in quad singles.
Lapthorne is also a 16-time Grand Slam winner in quad doubles, a record he will be attempting to improve at Wimbledon this summer. He continued: “We chatted about Eric Cantona, because he had been told what I was like, a bit of a maverick.
“He was talking about embracing that, but also about listening to people that know me.”
David Beckham spotted at Wimbledon
On the first day of Wimbledon, in the sweltering temperatures in London, Sir David Beckham was spotted in the Royal Box with his mother, Sandra.
They were watching the Men’s Singles first round match between Italy’s Fabio Fognini and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
The Royal Box consists of just 74 seats and they are available on an invite-only basis. This means members of the public cannot buy tickets for this section, which is reserved for an exclusive group of fortunate people.
Beckham couldn’t let the special moment pass without taking a photo with his mum for social media. His Instagram caption notes that it is a “tradition” to visit Wimbledon with his mum.
Only time will tell if Beckham continues making use of his Royal Box tickets throughout Wimbledon this year.