Emmanuel Petit recently shared how Sir Alex Ferguson made an effort to sign him for Manchester United before he eventually joined Chelsea in 2001. Petit, who had already built an impressive career at Monaco, Arsenal, and Barcelona, revealed that Ferguson personally contacted him twice while he was unsettled at Barcelona, hoping to bring him to Old Trafford.

Petit first made his name at Monaco, where he amassed 291 appearances before joining Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in 1997.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has retired after a stellar career, has managed to win his final Manager of Year award. The 71-year-old recently guided Manchester United to the 20th league title in the history and the 13th Premier league title. He has been awarded this crowning prize by the League Managers' Association.

After receiving the award, Ferguson has said that he is glad that it has all come to an end because it has been hard work for him over the last four decades. Ferguson has managed Scottish clubs like Aberdeen, but he is hugely popular around the world due to his 26 years at Manchester United.

The Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he feels that Newcastle United have not been up to the best this season because they have lost their surprise factor. Under the management of Alan Pardew, Newcastle managed to stun everyone and finish in the fifth position last season.

There was even a time when Newcastle were on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League only for their performances to dip during the end of last season. They were expected to build on the success this time around as well, but they have struggled a lot in the Premier league.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said that his team will certainly lose the chance to retain the title if they lose against Manchester City in the Manchester derby on Monday night.

Many have been predicting that this is the biggest Manchester derby of all time, as both teams will be coming into the match with an opportunity to win the title. It is more difficult for Manchester City because they have to win in order to have any chance of winning the title. However, even a draw is sufficient for Manchester United, as they will be heading into the remaining two matches with a three-point advantage.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is praying for the return of Rio Ferdinand in the Champions League match against Chelsea. Prior the 1-0 first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge, Ferdinand, cursed by back, knee and calf injuries for the past two years, had made 20 appearances for United this season and emerged unbeaten in each one.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has questioned Rio Ferdinand's form amid reports that the defender could be dropped by club and country.

The England centre-back has come under scrutiny after a series of blunders over the past month, which have led to suggestions that he could be past his best.

Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster completely understands the position of Sir Alex Ferguson over his desire to hold onto Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I am well aware that if I were in his situation I would do the same," said Schuster. "For a player of this kind, not I nor anyone would like to lose him, even if we had won the league and the Champions League.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits this season could be make-or-break for several of his home-grown youngsters.

Fraizer Campbell, Lee Martin, Jonny Evans and Darron Gibson, who were all out on loan last season, plus Chris Eagles all featured in yesterday's friendly victory over Orlando Pirates in South Africa.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Carrick may have to accept a bit-part role with Fabio Capello's England setup.

Fergie said: "If you look at the England set-up over the last few years it is correct that for all three of England's coaches, for Sven Goran Eriksson, for Steve McClaren and for Fabio Capello, they have more choice in central midfield than anywhere else.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with fit-again Gary Neville's showing in yesterday's 1-1 draw with South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs.

He showed plenty of tenacity and in fact conceded the penalty that Jonathan Quartey converted to give the South Africans the lead.