I've never met Sir Alex but I do know plenty of people who have, both in a professional and non-professional capacity. Some have been negative about the man, most have been positive. I watched United beat Everton 2-0 at Old Trafford as a guest of Sir Alex's. Back in the day when we were tax dodgers, my mate had been in charge of looking after the hospitality (serving drinks) in a box Sir Alex was in at some gig/show at the Nynex. They talked and when Sir Alex found out my mate was a United fan he arranged for us to go to the next game which was Everton at home. We turned up at OT expecting to be laughed at but fair play the tickets were waiting for us. I once used a hotel in Brussels for a work function. Got talking to one of the events staff there and they said United used it on occasion when they were training (before they felt the need to go to China and Australia for pre-season!). He said Sir Alex couldn't have been more charming and accommodating with the staff and also confirmed what we already know about his love of very expensive red wine. I used to have a business with a former PL manager who always said Sir Alex made as much time as possible for his peers. OK, he probably wasn't up for giving advice to Benitez and Wenger but the vast majority of PL managers, past and present, have good things to say about him because he was prepared to give them advice and time. To balance things out, I have also met Matthew Syed and heard his opinions on Sir Alex. Nothing worse than a failed sportsman becoming a journalist.
This is true, but then you could level fair criticisms at just about anyone in the world if you wanted. I'm sure if the tabs had been as brazen in the 60s, 70s, and 80s you'd have had similar opportunist hatchet jobs levelled at Busby, Shankly and Paisley. And remember what paper the article appears in. Hell, the S*n could probably write an article claiming Mother Teresa was the precursor to Harold Shipman and Jimmy Saville if they thought it would sell some rags. Actually, on that note, I'm surprised Liverpool fans aren't happier with SAF for consistently ignoring interview requests from a S*n reporter. Not sure it's motivated by Hillsborough, but anything that harms that ****rag should be treated as a good thing. Same here. It seems to me that SAF is pleasant and polite with anyone when he doesn't have an agenda to pursue. It's only when he felt he could gain an advantage for Utd with the refs, media etc that he could be a ****. Makes a nice change from people who brown nose like **** when they want something, then don't give a **** about anyone else when they don't.
Well as I think you are aware, i have a mate who is the Liverpool and Everton reporter for a daily rag. He's also a massive united supporter. He ****ing loathes Ferguson.
As the Liverpool and Everton reporter for a rag, he is highly likely to. I doubt SAF really wants to be chummy with someone whose job essentially revolves around making Liverpool and Everton look good, and hence Utd look bad.
The next time you're down, I'll see if he can come out to play. I guarantee you'll change your opinion
