Throwback To Sir Alex Ferguson Being Very Unimpressed With A Journalist After 2011 Champions League Defeat

Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't exactly well known for his love of the press during his time managing Manchester United, and one journalist fell foul of the Scotsman following the 2011 Champions League final.

In 2009, United nearly became the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles when they reached the final in Rome, only to lose to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Two years later the teams met again, this time at Wembley, for European club football's showpiece event and the result was the same again.

Guardiola's side were magical on the night and there was nothing United, playing in their third final in four years, and having dominated the Premier League with four titles in five years, could do about it.

So good were the Spanish side on the night, Ferguson described them as the best team his side had ever faced. It led to a question in the post match press conference where the Scotsman was asked which of Barca's players he'd sign, and the United boss wasn't impressed.

After calling it 'one of the most stupid questions' he'd ever had, and he's sure to have had many, the losing manager joked he'd have had Javier Mascherano, much to the amusement of everyone in the room.

The former Liverpool midfielder played centre back on that night, as he did for much of his time with Barca, but Fergie could have done with his ability in defensive midfield at Wembley.

However it was the attacking delights of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Pedro, David Villa and Lionel Messi that mesmerised everyone watching, including the United players.

Sir Alex no doubt would have taken any of them, but considering the talent in his own team, it wasn't like he was short of quality.

After the match, the former Scotland manager was full of praise for Guardiola's side, saying, "They're the best in Europe, no question about that.

"In my time as a manager, I would say they're the best team we've faced.

"Everyone acknowledges that and I accept that. It's not easy when you've been well beaten like that to think another way. No one has given us a hiding like that.

"It's a great moment for them. They deserve it because they play the right way and enjoy their football."

Featured Image Credit: PA/Twitter

Topics: Premier League, La Liga, Barcelona, Manchester United, Champions League, Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

@Sidler28