SIR Alex Ferguson’s “hairdryer treatment” is infamous.
The legendary Scotsman has managed some of the biggest names – and egos – in football history but always maintained that no player was bigger than the club.
The likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Jaap Stam were all sold after disagreements with the boss.
At one point or another Fergie has rollocked every Man United player to step foot in his changing room.
Except one.
Wayne Rooney, who has felt the full force of Fergie’s wrath himself many times, has revealed that Nani was the only player spared from the hairdryer treatment.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, United’s all-time leading scorer said: “Sir Alex was really clever like that.
“He knew who he could have a go at, who it was best to leave alone. He always knew it brought the best out of me. It wouldn’t work with Nani.”
The Portuguese midfielder has always been very much a confidence player – one who needs complete self-belief to play at full capacity.
He would often go missing in games if he was clattered or made a mistake in the opening exchanges.
Ferguson, being the superb man-manager that he is, recognised the need to put away the hairdryer to get the best out of Nani.
Whereas a character like Rooney would often perform better after a thorough dressing down.
“I think you should keep on top of players, keep going at them,” Rooney said.
“I know how I feel. My first thought is, ‘Right, I’ll show you’. I’ve told players with England and Manchester United that just because I’m captain it doesn’t mean they can’t have a go at me.
“I’ve been told I’m not making the right runs. I don’t mind that. Every player has a voice.”
Further proof that Ferguson really was one of the greatest managers to ever grace the dugout.
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