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The Letter Sir Alex Ferguson Sent To Steven Defour In 2009 Is Doing The Rounds

The Letter Sir Alex Ferguson Sent To Steven Defour In 2009 Is Doing The Rounds

Eight years later, he's scoring screamers at Old Trafford...

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Eight years before scoring a wonderful free-kick past David de Gea at Old Trafford, the highly rated Steven Defour was touted for great things during his time at Standard Liège - just check out his stats on Football Manager 2007.

During his five year spell with the club, he became an influential member of the Belgian First Division side, captaining his side on a regular basis, but serious injuries scuppered his chances of a big move.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were reportedly interested in his services, and Manchester United may have been interested looking at the letter Sir Alex Ferguson sent him back in 2009 - just days after he broke a bone in his foot.

The letter from Sir Alex read: "Dear Steven, I have just heard about your injury and, in the name of Manchester United, I would like to wish you a full and speedy recovery. I am sure at the moment you must be feeling awful and that you'll have all kinds of questions."

"Steven, these are natural worries but I have to tell you that modern medicine and treatments are incredible, you have to have confidence in them.

"I'm going to follow your progress closely and I will remain in contact with your club to have news of your recovery."



Now playing for Premier League high flyers Burnley, the midfielder is discovering his form this season, including a Boxing Day screamer against David de Gea.

In fact, Steven Defour's goal for Burnley is the first that De Gea has conceded from outside the penalty area in Premier League this season. He had saved all the previous 32 attempts.

Brilliant.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Burnley

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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