If there is one thing that SAF is famous for (apart from winning, naturally) then it is his capability of making tough decisions at the right time. In a podcast with the LMA, SAF opened the lid on previous decisions that he has found particularly tough and gives a great insight into how he became the man he is today.
“In the case of Nicky Butt and Phil Neville I had to release them because I was getting to the stage where I was terrified of talking to them. Telling them they were not playing a game. It wasn’t fair to them. They were good players. Players that played a big part in the resurrection of Manchester United, no doubt about that. So when the time came for me to let them go, I knew it was cutting strings, loyal strings and I didn’t enjoy it.”
He also delves into his own past to look at how his own experiences and personal affairs shaped his managerial style and career.
“I was a good decision-maker as a young kid and that has always helped me. I think my trade union background also helped me. I was a shop steward at 19 years of age. I think that helped. My mother and father were shop steward for a while so I had that sort of leaning towards being in control of situations and a will to make sure that you were going to win.”
Take a listen to the whole podcast as it is free on Itunes and gives a great professional insight into the managerial mindframe. The podcast is available here.
