Sir Alex Ferguson was a figure of fear for many in English football throughout his 29-year reign as Manchester United manager. The Old Trafford icon led by example and wasn't afraid to get on the wrong side of the opposition or even his own players when necessary.
Famously kicking a football boot at David Beckham, the Scottish tactician wore his heart on his sleeve, and his emotions often got the better of him. The beautiful game brings feelings to the surface that Ferguson would otherwise be able to keep under wraps.
Even the most successful manager in football history was afraid of opposing players. More specifically, Ferguson was scared whenever his Man United side faced Liverpool in the 1990s, and he saw one name in particular on the opposing teamsheet.
Sir Alex Ferguson Made Special Game Plan For Steve McManaman
Alex Ferguson
One of Fergie's best servants at Old Trafford, Peter Schmeichel, once pointed out the Liverpool player who sent shivers down the United manager's spine. That man was tricky wide player Steve McManaman.
The England international was incredible for the Reds through the 90s before securing a controversial move to the biggest club in world football, Real Madrid. In his autobiography 'One', Schmeichel claimed McManaman was the only player 'ever paid attention to'. He recalled (per Mail Sport):
"In some ways, this was no surprise because Ferguson was terrified of McManaman.
"McManaman was the only opposing player he ever paid attention to in the Premier League."
In Ferguson's mind, if he stopped McManaman, he stopped Liverpool. Schmeichel also name-dropped Newcastle United great Alan Shearer as another who got a mention in the manager's team talks.
Schmeichel continued: "I mean, he would mention Alan Shearer and other major opposing players in team talks but never with any fear. However, McManaman always had him in a sweat. And, to be fair, Steve was a fantastic footballer. Fergie's thinking was always that if you took McManaman out of the game, you took Liverpool out."
McManaman's Poor Record vs Man United
Manchester United and Real Madrid Players
Manchester United and Real Madrid Players
During his time in England with Liverpool, on the continent with Real Madrid and even a spell at Manchester City, McManaman went toe-to-toe with Ferguson's Red Devils on 24 occasions. Despite the United manager's reservations about facing the talented forward, McManaman was only on the winning side four times.
Losing 12 of the encounters, he never even found the net against Liverpool's biggest rivals. McManaman's efforts only resulted in three assists across the 24 matches, which is a poor record by his lofty standards.
Steve McManaman's Career Stats vs Man United
Competition
Champions League
Premier League
FA Cup
First Division
While he was undoubtedly a brilliant player who caused all sorts of problems for opposing defenders, the winger-turned-pundit was never at his best against the Manchester-based giants. Despite Ferguson's idea to make a special plan for the Englishman, Eric Cantona put an end to that, as Schmeichel explained:
"No this is what we're doing," he affirmed. Then Eric spoke. And Eric never spoke. He said: "Gaffer… bad idea."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-08-25.