Sir Alex Ferguson once warned a Manchester United player about being expelled from the club after learning of his actions while on international duty.
Ferguson, the legendary Scotsman, is regarded as United’s greatest manager, having transformed the club into a powerhouse in global football.
During his tenure, United secured 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, among numerous other honors.
Ferguson was known for his straightforward approach, a fact highlighted by former player Michael Stewart, who spent eight years at United. Stewart recalled a specific incident when Ferguson threatened to dismiss him from the club.
Speaking on Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, as reported by The Scottish Sun, Stewart shared, “There’s one moment that always makes me cringe.
“I was playing for Scotland U21s against Northern Ireland, and despite dominating the match, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Near the end, after a questionable foul call, I picked up the ball. I tried to slam it down in frustration, but the wet conditions caused it to slip from my hand and hit the referee, resulting in a red card.”
He continued, “The next day, as I drove to Manchester, I thought it wouldn’t be an issue. But as soon as I arrived at training, someone informed me that the gaffer wanted to see me.
“I went to his office, and he was furious, telling me, ‘If you ever pull a stunt like that again, you’ll be out of here before you know it.’ He emphasized the importance of representing the club properly, saying, ‘I know everything that happens during international duty.’”