Manchester United midfielder Fred reveals that Sir Alex Ferguson still watches training

Manchester United midfielder Fred has opened up on the influence former boss Sir Alex Ferguson still exerts at the club, and says he is the ‘greatest coach in the history of football.’

Brazilian playmaker Fred signed for United in the summer of 2018, five years after Ferguson retired following nearly 27 years at the helm at Old Trafford, winning 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns. 

But despite calling it a day, Ferguson often watches training and sometimes comes into the dressing room, revealed Fred, who is now managed by Ferguson’s former player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

Ferguson retired in 2013 but, according to Fred, still sometimes watches training at United 

‘It was an honour to meet this Sir. One of the guys who revolutionised football,’ Fred told Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo.

‘And each story of Alex Ferguson here is gigantic and it’s a guy that Solskjaer played for, so he’s always there in the training centre watching some training, at the stadium, sometimes he goes to the dressing room to greet us.’

The 27-year-old, who after a difficult first season at United has improved drastically in this campaign, also spoke of his deep admiration for Ferguson in football. 

‘Man, it’s an incredible feeling to meet him, to touch his hand,’ Fred exclaimed. 

Ferguson retired in 2013 after nearly 27 years at United, signing off with a 13th Premier League

‘He’s a guy who, in Manchester United’s history, I think he is, I don’t think so, I’m sure he’s the greatest coach in football history. 

‘So he’s an idol, not only mine but of all football, and I’m very happy to have had the pleasure of meeting him and other idols here at the club. So I have enormous gratitude for that.’

This season, after missing the first four Premier League games, Fred has appeared in every league match since, recording a total of 39 appearances in all competitions, and two goals.