While Sir Alex Ferguson’s temper inside the Manchester United dressing room will forever be legendary, it is rare that fans have been able to see the ‘Hair Dryer’ treatment performed on the pitch.
However, that is exactly what happened to former Feyenoord boss Geert Meijer in a Champions League game in November 1997.
Sir Alex Ferguson lost him completely on the sidelines in Manchester United’s game against Feyernoord
A game in the Netherlands during the group stage of the competition threatened to pose one of the toughest tests on United’s European dreams.
De Kuip, Feyenoord’s electric stadium, was practically at its peak when the Premier League champions arrived in town.
However, a hat-trick from Andy Cole quickly silenced home fans, but did little to assuage the emotions of local players on the pitch.
Future Manchester City player Paul Bosvelt left one on Denis Irwin to leave the Red Devils full-back writhing in pain and his anxious team-mates desperate for revenge.
Referee Sandor Puhl didn’t even hand out a yellow card for the cynical tackle as United fans feared one of their most trusted players could join captain Roy Keane on the sidelines after his infamous first encounter with Alf. -Inge Haaland of Leeds United.
Ferguson’s reaction on the sidelines was just pure vitriol as he sought revenge for the tackle and tried to scold the poor fourth official.
“A fucking shame,” the Scotsman offered to his counterpart Meijer in the canoe next to him.
As Bosvelt walked towards the tunnel, Ferguson managed to corner him and allegedly said, “You bastard, you ratbag, dirty bitch.”
Bosvelt’s tackle on Irwin left Red Devils defender on a stretcher
Despite his manager’s frustrations, Irwin had no hard feelings even though he was lying down and he even admitted to forgiving in the midfield on the night.
“The tackle was so unnecessary back then as we were leading 3-0 and heading for a comfortable win, but at least the boy was big enough to raise his hand and apologize,” said the native defender. from Cork.
David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo weren’t spared from Fergie’s infamous ‘hair dryer’ treatment during their time at Old Trafford and fans finally got to see what it was about that night. in Rotterdam.
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