Owner of the infamous hair-dryer, Sir Alex Ferguson has never been shy about coming forward with an opinion, so, with his autobiography due out tomorrow, we look at 10 people or organisations who could be on the end of a Fergie tongue-lashing.
Wayne Rooney
A no-brainer. Obviously there is bad blood between the pair. What the source of the this is remains to be seen - but that mystery should only last a few days longer. It has been speculated that it dates to Rooney’s transfer request, but Ferguson it could be a litany of perceived indiscretions during the forward's United career - some we know about and some we don't.
The Glazers
Ferguson has always been ardent in his support for the Glazers. While still an employee of the club, it is very unlikely that he will break ranks and criticise the owners. However, even the slightest subtle criticism will surely be seized upon by the anti-Glazer brigade - and could soon snowball: it is how the modern media and social media work.
David Moyes
The issue around Moyes is a no-win situation. If he is praised, then it is a PR job to make him seem a better fit for the job than he is but even the slightest critique could see the former Everton manager branded as not good enough. The timing of this book could not be any worse – particularly considering United’s start to the season.
Jose Mourinho
Mourinho was as sure fire a bet as you can get that at the end of last season he was leaving Real Madrid. Iwas deemed he made a play for the United job with some very complementary words after the Champions League quarter-final that United lost last season, stating “the best side (United) lost”. Odds shortened on him getting the job. Apparently it was on Ferguson’s intervention that the job went Moyes. His reasons? Unknown but that may be about to change.
Rio Ferdinand
Never been an issue between the pair but any reference to his 2003 ban for missing a doping test will surely send social media into to overdrive. Unlikely but you do never know with Fergie.
Ravel Morrison
Morrison’s talent has been common knowledge for some time, so United’s decision to let him go for what is now increasingly looking like the paltry sum of £650,000 will surely have been a considered decision. Ferguson sold him to get him out of Manchester to start a new life after he fell in with a "bad crowd". That crowd must have been bad to sacrifice a player of such talent – hopefully Ferguson will reveal how bad in the book. The revelations could derail Morrison's admirable character transformation.
The FA/England/Premier League
Ferguson took great pleasure in firing verbal volleys at each of the above whilst he was in charge of United and subject to censure and/0r fines and retribution from the FA and the Premier League. Now that he is free of such constraints, expect an absolute deluge of information.
Referees
Although Mark Halsey referred to having a "good relationship" with Ferguson, their relationship should be viewed as the exception rather than the rule. Despite being the trademarked owner of ‘Fergie time’, Sir Alex has never been the biggest fans of referees. Take for example in 2009 when he described Alan Wiley as not fit enough to referee top class matches. Expect more of the same.
Real Madrid
He wouldn’t sell them a virus, said Ferguson in 2008. He then sold them Ronaldo in 2009 which makes Ronaldo, well, we are not sure. Anyway, it is clear that socialist Sir Alex has disdain for Madrid. The reasons have been speculated but now he has the opportunity to air his grievances with the Madrid club.
J.P. McManus/John Magnier
Their friendship descended into acrimony when Ferguson fell out with the pair over stud fees he felt he was due from the racehorse ‘the Rock Gibraltar’. Ferguson felt he was owed half of the fees - approximately £5 million a year - while the racing moguls were offering the more modest figure of £125,000. The complicating factor: his now former friends had a 6.7 per cent stake in United at the time. Ferguson feels he was in the right, so McManus and Magnier will likely feel his wrath.
The list could be endless, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.