In a surprising revelation, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville disclosed a unique exception to the club’s transfer policy by the iconic manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. While Ferguson typically refrained from consulting his players regarding new signings, he made a notable departure from this practice for one player – Louis Saha.
The pivotal moment transpired after a compelling FA Cup encounter at Fulham in 2001, where Saha’s exceptional performance left a lasting impression on Ferguson. The relentless torment inflicted by Saha prompted the legendary manager to seek the opinion of his defenders, including Neville, on recruiting the French striker.
Reflecting on this unprecedented event during an appearance on Sky Sports, Neville recounted, “But after we played Fulham one time in the FA Cup, he [Ferguson] actually asked us as defenders, would we sign Louis Saha? We all said ‘yes’ straight away.” Neville further reminisced about Saha’s impactful contribution to the team, particularly alongside Wayne Rooney in the 2006 season, emphasizing their exceptional synergy and striking prowess.
With 42 goals and 17 assists in 124 appearances across various competitions for Manchester United, Saha’s impact resounded profoundly, earning commendation from his former rival, Neville. Neville expressed, “Louis was a brilliant, brilliant player… He gave me absolute nightmares when I used to play against him when he played for Fulham.”
The revelation by Neville offers a captivating insight into the human side of managerial decision-making, transcending the conventional norms and showcasing the exceptional talent that justified Ferguson’s atypical consultation. Saha’s legacy at Manchester United resonates as a testament to the enduring impact of this unconventional transfer decision.
