LSU softball begins NCAA Tournament. How to watch Friday
LSU Softball begins NCAA Tournament on Friday: How to watch!
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.
Mentioned in this story
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.
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.
Sir Alex Ferguson made a shock recommendation to the Manchester United board for his replacement in 2002, though the specific name is not mentioned.
Sir Alex Ferguson struggled initially after joining Manchester United in 1986 but later achieved incredible success with the club.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a profound impact on Manchester United, transforming the club into one of the most successful teams in football history.
LSU Softball begins NCAA Tournament on Friday: How to watch!

UConn softball takes on Texas A&M in NCAA Tournament this Friday!
Six Liverpool stars will miss the clash against Aston Villa, raising fitness concerns.
IBF confirms Usyk's title plans as he faces Verhoeven at Giza
EPL GW-37: Latest Team News and Predictions Ahead of Key Matches
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Former Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has revealed that he was backed by Ferguson to take over the hot seat at the turn of the Millennium.
Speaking on The Overlap’s ‘Stick to Football’, the Irishman revealed how close he was to being in the running.
O’Leary confirmed that he was approached by United in that era. He claimed, “Michael Kennedy [my solicitor] did, yeah, about it. Alex had recommended about three people or something like that. It never went any further than that. One of the chosen ones, yeah.”
The former Arsenal centre-back managed Leeds between 1998 and 2002 and guided them to a Champions League semi-final.
He would then manage Aston Villa between 2003 and 2006 before a final managerial position in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli for the 2010-2011 season.
The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social