Pranav Nair
Clayton Blackmore reveals Sir Alex Ferguson washed and massaged Manchester United stars’ legs
Speaking to United’s official podcast (h/t Man Utd), former Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore has made a stunning revelation regarding Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary Scot took over a United side that was far from the juggernaut he eventually turned them into. Having come through the club’s academy, Blackmore made his United debut under Ron Atkinson and worked with Ferguson during his first eight years at Old Trafford. (h/t The Daily Star)
Ferguson was keen to change the culture of the club and got to it the moment he walked through the door. He began to root out the drinking culture and also looked to bring in players on a Sunday.
“Straight away, he tried to stamp the drinking culture out.”
United’s lack of staff saw Ferguson double up as a masseur when needed. Claymore revealed that the manager too chipped in to massage and wash the players’ legs.
“With the amount of staff we had, he was massaging our legs, the gaffer was.”
As the manager, Ferguson usually had a lot on his plate. During such occasions, the kitman would step in. The Scot was literally not afraid to get his hands ‘dirty’ when needed.
“On a normal day, if he wasn’t doing it, the kitman would. Normally he had way too much stuff to do.”
Raising the altar of dominance!
Ferguson’s first few years at United lacked the typical success that we have come to associate him with. However, he was busy behind the scenes, inculcating a new culture, one that became synonymous with winning.
Blackmore was around to see the Scot reap the first benefits of what could become an era of dominance. He eventually departed in 1994, having won the Premier League title.
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Ferguson is often seen as a hard taskmaster who expected nothing but the best from his players. However, he never shied away from doing the same himself.
Blackmore’s revelations show a manager who was committed to his job and did not let adversity get to him. Moreover, it also displays the care he gave to his players.
