Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has recalled the time he thought he was going to be sold by Sir Alex Ferguson!
The winger made his debut for United in 1991 and went on to win pretty much everything at club level; the Welshman won the Premier League title 13 times, the FA Cup four times, the Champions League twice along with triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, he has now confirmed that he felt he would be leaving in the 2002/03 season, following the sale of David Beckham to Real Madrid.
Speaking to Manchester United’s official podcast, via their website, he said: In 2002/03, I didn't get off to a good start.
“It was when Becks [David Beckham] left, at the end of the season. I felt that was the time when I felt: yeah, maybe the manager could get rid of me.”
At the end of the 2002/03 season, Giggs had a total of 15 goals and 12 assists to his name from a total of 59 appearances in all competitions.
United won the title by five points that season, losing just five times in the league, and one has to wonder exactly why Giggs was so worried.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
This is a telling insight into Giggs’ mindset.
The winger retired as United’s most decorated player ever – no easy feat – and that he felt he could have been sold after a string of underwhelming performances says a lot about the type of man that he is.
Indeed, it is fair to say that he did end the season stronger than he started it; a string of seven games towards the end of the campaign saw him provide five assists and score three goals.
Ferguson, though, clearly knew how good his most loyal servant was and one has to doubt whether or not he actually would’ve sanctioned his sale.
If he had, one thing is for sure; he’d have regretted it.