In a candid interview with Football Focus, Sir Alex
Ferguson talks about Manchester United's £25m
capture of Robin van Persie, the threat posed by
Manchester City, and Wednesday's Champions
League clash against a Real Madrid side inspired by
former Old Trafford favourite Cristiano Ronaldo.
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The Scot, who turned 71 on 31 December, also
discusses retirement, mind games with managerial
rival Jose Mourinho and some of the many myths that
have grown around him over the years.
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On Manchester City:
"They are a danger, there is no doubt about that.
Whether it's the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the
Charity Shield or challenging for the league, we are
going to meet each other in big games now. For
many years, we had Arsenal. For quite a few years,
we had Chelsea. Now we've got City."
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On signing Robin van Persie:
"I never thought we had a chance of getting Robin
van Persie because I didn't think Arsenal would sell
to us.
"My discussions with Arsene were good but long,
probably a couple of months. They realised that the
lad wanted to leave. It was a matter of negotiating a
price with Arsene."
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On Van Persie the player:
"His first season with us has been phenomenal and
he has given everybody a lift, in terms of his
knowledge of the game and his ability."
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On the importance of attending training:
"I never miss a training session. My observation is
the most important part now."
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On loyalty in football:
"There are members of my staff who have been with
me for 20 years or more. That creates a loyalty for
both sides - from me to them and from them to