Man Utd: Sir Alex once destroyed Paul Ince with brutal Maradona comparison

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By Nick Sutherland

Published Jan 28, 2023

Sir Alex Ferguson once absolutely destroyed Paul Ince with unflattering Diego Maradona comparison at Man Utd

Paul Ince returns to Manchester United on Saturday evening as he takes his Reading side to Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round.

The former England international made 280 appearances for the Red Devils between 1989 and 1995, winning two Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and the League Cup during his time at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

Ince's entire United career took place under the watchful eye of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who the Londoner once admitted had "treated him like a son".

"I've been looking back on all the incredible times I’ve had with him [Ferguson], sometimes good, sometimes bad: from winning trophies, to being on the receiving end of a massive telling off," wrote Ince in his column for Paddy Power back in 2018.

"All of the rants and raves, you start reflecting on it and it dawns on you what an enormous part of your life he was."

The fiery Scot was infamous for reprimanding his players if he felt they were underperforming. Few were ever spared the hairdryer treatment from Ferguson - and Ince shared his own story of receiving a verbal volley from the boss.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 4: Paul Ince manager of Blackpool during the FA CupThird Round match between Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool at the Reebok Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

It led to a confrontation so intense that the pair didn't speak for a number of weeks.

Ferguson once savaged Ince with an unflattering comparison to Diego Maradona

"One memory that always sticks out to me is playing Norwich at Carrow Road, and they were challengers for the title at the time. We won 3-0, in fact we won it with ease. I thought I’d had a blinder of a game," insisted Ince.

"But, we get to the end of the match and we’re all celebrating when Fergie comes in furious. I kept saying, ‘Boss, what’s your problem? We won!’ and he screamed at me, saying: ‘Paul, you are not f****** Maradona! You just get the ball and pass it to the best players.’"

Harsh stuff!

BLACKBURN, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 04: Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson shakes hands with Blackburn Rovers Manager Paul Ince (R) prior to the start of the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United at Ewood Park on October 4, 2008 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Ince went on to explain that he was far from happy with his manager's criticism: "Put it this way. We didn't speak for two weeks. Not even a 'hello' or 'goodbye'".

Ultimately, though, all was forgiven.

"We made up during a game of head tennis, and he was refereeing and intentionally said that I hit the ball out to wind me up.

"Then he goes to me: ‘Incey, don’t mess with the gaffer!’ And of course, I was howling laughing, and all was forgiven. He was trying to teach me a lesson about not letting my ego get too big.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester United at the Britannia Stadium on September 26, 2009 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Ince on how Ferguson's management style shaped his own coaching career

"He wanted us all to be the best we could be. I've taken his advice and guidance into the rest of my personal life. I pass into on to my young players, too.

"When you look at other players he’s managed who have since gone onto management, Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes, I know for a fact they will have all taken Fergie’s advice and given it to their players now.

"He has a legacy like no one else."