What Alex Ferguson Said to Jonjo Shelvey in Tunnel after Infamous Anfield Row

Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once gave a surprising response after being confronted by Jonjo Shelvey during a heated match at Anfield.

Premier League football returns this weekend, with Liverpool set to host Manchester United on Sunday.

Arne Slot's side went into the international break on the back of three consecutive defeats, losing to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.

Despite spending more than £400 million over the summer and breaking the British transfer record twice, their new signings have struggled to adapt.

However, Liverpool will be confident of returning to form against their greatest rivals, who have not won at Anfield since 2016.

The fixture carries a long and gloried history, as they are the two most successful clubs in English football.

The sides drew 2-2 at Anfield last season. Image: Carl Recine / Staff via Getty

One of United's few recent victories at Liverpool came in September 2012, when Ferguson was still in charge.

United, who went on to win the title that season, secured a 2-1 win thanks to a late penalty from Robin van Persie.

But Liverpool's hopes were dealt a major blow after just 39 minutes, when midfielder Shelvey was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Jonny Evans.

As Shelvey made his way down the tunnel, he angrily pointed towards Ferguson, who he accused of getting him sent off and 'grassing' him up.

Three years later, the former England international admitted he had been wrong to confront Ferguson.

Jonjo Shelvey at Burnley. Image: Lewis Storey / Stringer via Getty

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Shelvey said: "I was a bit immature then and a bit silly. I pulled him aside afterwards and apologised to him and he was spot on with me.

"He said, 'no I like it. It shows you’ve got a bit of balls about you'.

"I got a few high fives around town for the next few months, but it was silly from me on the professional stage. You don’t do something like that.

"I was young and I was starting for Liverpool against Manchester United, games don’t come much bigger.

"I was immature, the occasion got the better of me. It was part of growing up and you learn from those sort of things."

Shelvey, 33, is currently playing for the Arabian Falcons in the United Arab Emirates Second Division League.

In a recent interview, he revealed that his main reason for moving to the Middle East was that he did not want his children growing up in England.

Shelvey told the BBC. “If I’m honest, I don’t want my children growing up in England any more.

"We’re very lucky that we lived in a nice part of the UK but where I’m from, originally, you can’t have nice things in my opinion.

"I’d never wear a watch in London any more. You can’t have your phone out in London, in my view.”