David O’Leary: Leeds legend makes stunning revelation about Man United job

TL;DR

David O’Leary reveals that Sir Alex Ferguson recommended a surprising replacement for himself at Manchester United in 2002. This revelation sheds light on Ferguson's unexpected decision-making during his tenure.

Key points

David O’Leary reveals a recommendation made by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson struggled initially after joining Manchester United in 1986.
Ferguson went on to achieve incredible success at the club.

Mentioned in this story

David O’LearySir Alex Ferguson

Manchester UnitedLeeds United

David O’Leary: Leeds legend makes stunning revelation about Man United job

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson made a shock recommendation to the club’s board to replace him in 2002.

Sir Alex’s U-turn

After joining the club in 1986 and initially struggling, Sir Alex Ferguson went on to enjoy incredible success.

Between 1986 and 2002, he won seven league titles and ended the club’s Champions League drought.

The Scotsman stunned football when he announced in 2001 that he would be stepping down at the end of the season at the age of 60.

Thankfully for United, Ferguson had a change of heart and in February 2002 announced he was remaining at the club, stating that he was not ready to walk away.

Ferguson would go on to build arguably his greatest team in the period that followed, and United would win another Champions League and a further six Premier League titles before he finally retired in 2013.

One manager who was frequently linked with taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson in 2002 was Sven-Göran Eriksson.

He was reportedly so close to being named as Ferguson’s replacement that he had signed a contract with the club, but it never came to pass once Ferguson announced his U-turn and the Swede remained England boss.