Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United, Football
Marcus Chan
Sir Alex Ferguson had a brilliant Christmas tradition during his time as Manchester United boss.
Ferguson, 83, will forever be regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history.
During his time at Old Trafford, the Scotsman led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, among other accolades.
Ferguson built up a reputation for his no-nonsense approach, but one of his former players has revealed a Christmas tradition that the legendary boss installed at the club.
Advert
According to ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov, Ferguson and his staff would serve players their food in the club's canteen at Christmas.
As per Manchester Evening News, Berbatov said: "As a footballer, Christmas means more games and if you're lucky and your team are doing well it means more wins, more goals and more celebration. This is how it is in England, there are many games, it means more football than lunch or dinner with your family, that's for sure.
"When I was at Manchester United, this time of year was always special. We would train then afterwards go to the canteen for Christmas dinner and Sir Alex and the staff would serve us the food."
He continued: "It was a nice tradition, we all felt like a brotherhood as a team and it was a good thing to have. We would crack jokes and have some banter, the manager served us food for the holidays, it was all good fun.
"When we went home, we would also have Christmas dinner, but you had to pay attention and watch what you eat because you had a game. You didn't want Sir Alex in your face if you lost a match or gained some kilos."
While it is important to enjoy the festive period, footballers will have to watch what they eat in order to keep themselves in top shape.
Speaking this week, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola stated that he will be checking his players' weights.
He said: "Yesterday every player made weight. On the 25th, I will be there controlling how many kilos come up. They come fatty... listen, I didn't say one word I've said today to make them feel... no, this is the truth. The moment they arrive after three days, I want to see how they come back.
"They can eat at Christmas, but I want to control them. I have to make a selection for the [December] 27 [match] against Nottingham Forest. Imagine one player who is now perfect arrives with three kilos more, he will be in Manchester, he won’t travel to Nottingham Forest, that's for sure."