Former Man Utd player was nearly sacked by Sir Alex Ferguson for drinking cocktail named after Wes Brown

Former Manchester United striker Daniel Nardiello has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson threatened to sack him after downing a "Wes Brown special" in a nightclub.

Nardiello came through United's academy ranks, before graduating to the first team where he made just four appearances.

He also had spells at Barnsley, QPR and Rotherham, earning three international caps for Wales.

However, he set off on the wrong foot with Ferguson, following a night out in in Manchester that took a turn after bumping into Red Devils teammate Brown.

Ferguson became notorious for his different approaches to players, from protecting the likes of Eric Cantona to telling Nani that he 'wish he'd broken his leg'.

The 'Wes Brown special'

Despite not making it at Old Trafford, Nardiello recalled the fascinating tale when he was handed a 'Wes Brown Special' on a night out as a youngster.

After netting in a game for United's reserves, Nardiello's teammates urged him to go out and celebrate.

Speaking on the Under The Cosh podcast, he said: "I remember one time, I've played for the reserves at [aged] 16, 17 because they were short on players. A friendly game, come on, [played] 20 minutes and scored a goal.

"Got back to my digs and they [my fellow academy teammates] said, 'Go out and celebrate. You've done really well, go out."

The Welshman took their advice and headed for the city centre, when things took a turn after bumping into ex-United defender Brown and former Leeds United forward David Healy.

Discussing an altercation with the pair, Nardiello said: "[I was] given us what he's called a Wes Brown special.

"It was a triple gin, a triple whiskey and a triple vodka. He made us down all three."

But word of Nardiello's antics soon made it back to the United manager who called the teenager into his office for a stern word.

Nardiello continued: "Anyway, Monday morning comes along and we're in the office with Fergie and Neil Bailey and stuff.

"He [Fergie] said, 'If you ever go out again in Manchester, you'll be sacked from the club, you'll leave the club."

Nardiello claimed Fergie "had spies out in Manchester" so he would know if any of the academy players were out.

"Genuinely, he had his spies out in Manchester. It was known if we ever went out in Manchester. That was my first ever experience of it," added Nardiello.

"In digs, I never went out like that again because you knew it was getting back and you didn't want to get in s*** with the gaffer and Neil Bailey and the youth team guys as well."

Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno