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Class Of '92 Member Tells Story Of When Sir Alex Ferguson Ripped Out His Diamond Earring

Class Of '92 Member Tells Story Of When Sir Alex Ferguson Ripped Out His Diamond Earring

No nonsense.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Sir Alex Ferguson was a ruthless leader who demanded the utmost respect from his players.

If you fell below expectations, the no-nonsense, passionate Ferguson would dish out his famous hairdryer treatment; just ask former Manchester United defender John O'Kane.

Image: PA
Image: PA

O'Kane, who came through the Class Of '92 ranks with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, turned up to the Cliff Training Ground wearing a diamond earring.

It didn't go down well with the former United boss:

"I was 18 and I thought why not go for a diamond ear ring." he told SPORTbible.

"We were on decent money at the time. £200 a week in fact. That was a lot of money for the Class Of '92 back in those days.

"We went into training and as I was walking up the stairs at the Cliff training ground, my ear ring was glistening.

"Sir Alex must have been blinded by the sparkling. He just looked at me at me and said "office now."

"I was sh*tting myself thinking 'what have I done now' as I was quite a free spirit. I think that's what he likes about me,

"He then said 'what the f*cks that in your ear?' I replied: "what do you mean boss?" - his face went red and pulled it out.

"He said there's not a chance that is being worn here. Ferguson saw everything. You couldn't get away with anything."

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

O'Kane went on to speak about Jesse Lingard, who caused controversy this week after he posted a bizarre tour around his apartment in Miami.

The 44-year-old believes manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to stamp his authority on players:

"When I see Jesse Lingard posting this pointless stuff for his Instagram followers, and the timing especially at the moment, I find it embarrassing for the club." he said.

"If he did all these antics and nobody knew, then who cares. We used to get up to all sorts and the first team did as well.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to stamp his authority ASAP. He should build on the youth coming through and add a few diamonds in the transfer markets."

The 44-year-old then suggested that United should be in the transfer market for the likes of Aaron Wan Bissaka and James Maddison, while some players are simply not good enough:

"Fans have to get behind Solskjaer, which they will." he said.

"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have his work cut out though because some players just seem to want to just make money. They don't care what goes on the pitch.

"The fact that older players have also been given extensions is horrendous.

"Manchester City would have sold these players five years ago. Young, Smalling and Jones in particular. As for Pogba's influence off the pitch, he needs to be sold. United need to be building.

"Lukaku and Matic also need to be sold. They are far too slow on the ball."

Ole
Ole

Thoughts on how Manchester United can improve next season? Do you agree with John O'Kane?

Let us know in the comments.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Old Trafford