Ferguson Frown Perhaps Understandable

Giggs and Ferguson together decades

To be fair the reaction of Sir Alex Ferguson to the all the super injunction news in Britain this week is instinctive, albeit not quite sporting, with one journalist at Carrington on Tuesday suffering in particular. Perhaps it is understandable given the history Sir Alex shares with Ryan Giggs, which dates back to 1986. 

Over the years it has been widely recognised that Ferguson has played an anchor role in the life of Ryan Giggs and in the build-up to the Champions League final at Wembley this weekend, the man from Govan probably saw it as a crowning moment for the player who surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 606 games for the club last March. In addition, a place in the final was just reward for the enduring influence of Giggs over the past 20 years at United. 

In reviewing the story around Ryan Giggs discovery, as credited by the website Wikipedia, it is down to a local newsagent in Salford and Old Trafford steward, Harold Wood, who regularly recommended the young man to senior staff at the Manchester club. But it was not until Wood made contact with new hire Alex Ferguson, that a scout finally offered Giggs a trial over the 1986 Christmas holidays. 

As the Welshman scored three goals for Salford Boys against a United Under-15’s Ferguson was seemingly watching from his office window, which led to a visit to Giggs's home on the players 14th birthday to sign a player’s contract. Seemingly, beating footballing rivals Manchester City in doing so. 

Therefore the reactions of Ferguson this week come as no surprise as he has always been protective of his players and over the years has received plaudits from many circles for ensuring that the club learned from the experiences of superstar, George Best’s, time at the club. On reading Giggs playing CV it is clear that the bond with the manager has ensured shared success for both men, with the relationship evolving over the latter years too as Giggs grew into a senior player. 

During his time at Manchester Giggs has become by default a role model in temperance and a good lifestyle, along with his genes, ensured his longevity. On the field his role has seen him travel two decades, moving from the wing to midfield as his electric pace lost some lustre, thanks to his excellent skill. Naturally though, the years have also had their moments and none more so than when a younger Giggs got the hairdryer treatment after attending a party with former teammate, Lee Sharpe. When Ferguson allegedly turned up in search of his protégée, he failed to find Giggs - who was hiding in a cupboard. 

In seeking other reasons for Giggs longevity his quietness off the field must have helped outlast the likes of David Beckham, Eric Cantona, Juan Sebastian Veron, Jaap Stam and Roy Keane. It has not come easy as he has had to accommodate the new Premier League world of Facebook, Twitter and Sky Sports. Something which he still struggles to embrace to this day. 

Not unlike his mentor, Giggs says about Twitter "Yeah, I don't get that ... I really just don't get that." 

But in the interview with The Guardian last February Giggs recalled those early days at Old Trafford when it was all happening for him; "Coming into the first-team, a lot of hype, celebrity girlfriends, it meant photographers following me all over the place." 

At the time the now-defunct Today newspaper "ran a week-long feature delving into my family, my dad's family, the rift between my mum and dad. It was just … I just didn't like it," Giggs explained. 

It was three years or so before he made his debut in the first team, which came on March 2nd 1991 against Everton at a time when United were on a run of seven games without a win. That day still evokes a few thoughts. 

"The thing that sticks out is Dave Watson coming through the back of me," Giggs explained “It was 'welcome to the big boys' league'. I had a big cut on my knee for ages after that." 

Otherwise, he told The Guardian he had few other recollections - apart from Ferguson shouting at everyone in the dressing room. 

In that sense little has changed for anyone.