Ex-Player Evra Says Ferguson Would Face Jail Today

Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has stated that Sir Alex Ferguson's harsh management style would be considered criminal and could land him in jail if applied in today's football environment. Evra described Ferguson's approach as 'evil,' recounting numerous instances where players were subjected to intense verbal abuse and intimidation, including the famous 'hairdryer treatment' and incidents where Ferguson threw boots or shouted aggressively at players. One notable episode involved Ferguson kicking a boot that injured David Beckham, while another saw him angrily berate Danny Welbeck for missing a penalty in a friendly match, emphasizing his ruthless demand for discipline regardless of the context. Evra highlighted how this strict and often hostile atmosphere frequently brought players to tears, reflecting the significant pressure imposed by Ferguson. Despite these severe methods, Ferguson's tenure at Manchester United was marked by extraordinary success, including 13 English top-flight titles and multiple Champions League trophies. Evra's remarks underscore a shift in modern attitudes toward player management and mental health, suggesting Ferguson's style would be unacceptable under contemporary standards.