It’s an important question: Have you had a chance to speak with Sir Alex since taking on this role?
“Yes, I have. I make it a point to consult with Sir Alex before making any decisions, both during my time at the club and since then. Our relationship is strong, so he was actually the first person I reached out to. I wanted to get his thoughts and, to be honest, his blessing. He deserves that respect. I wanted to share my plans with him, and he was very supportive, reinforcing what I’ve always believed: as someone associated with Manchester United, your responsibility is to do your utmost for the club. It’s something I hold dear, and hearing him say that was reassuring for me.”
As a former key player who has seen much success here over four or five years in various roles, how do you believe external pressures from the media and former players affect the current squad? Does it play a significant role?
“I do think it has an impact, as it’s part of the experience of being a Manchester United player. From my own experience, I recall that pressure being present when I was a player. As a young player entering the team during a season where we finished second—people acted like it was a disaster. I’ve been through that. Fortunately, I had Sir Alex, Roy Keane, and other seasoned players around me who provided protection and guidance. Nowadays, that’s not quite the same, largely because there will never be another Sir Alex. It is challenging, but this pressure exists at every club. Being Manchester United, the scrutiny and expectations are magnified. Players must learn to manage this pressure, and while it takes time for some, it’s a natural part of their development. The life of a footballer in today’s world involves learning to cope with these external factors. Some adapt swiftly, while others may struggle; that’s just how it is. My advice is simple: acknowledge that the scrutiny is there, find your own way to handle it, and embrace the challenge of being at Manchester United. It should be exciting, but it’s also vital to recognize the immense pressure and noise that comes with it.”
