Sir Alex Ferguson went above and beyond for Henrik Larsson after he brought the legendary Swede to Old Trafford – and a recently-told story about a private jet sums up their relationship.
Six months after joining hometown club Helsingborgs in 2006, the experienced Larsson surprised many when he penned a three-month loan deal at Manchester United.
Ferguson was keen on providing back-up to Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney, and with Larsson available due to a break in the Swedish season, he was seen as a perfect option.
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After arriving in January, the former Celtic striker brought so much to the table. As well as showcasing elite professionalism and character in the dressing room, he netted goals in 13 appearances.
Larsson was a revelation, both on and off the pitch. In fact, Ferguson was desperate to keep him at Old Trafford but the former Sweden international made a promise he couldn't break to Helsingborgs.
When asked about his departure in 2007, Fergie said: "We would love him to stay but, obviously, he has made his promise to his family and Helsingborgs and I think we should respect that – but I would have done anything to keep him."
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Larsson later revealed that not extending his stay at United was the biggest regret of his playing career.
“I should’ve stayed [at Man Utd], as it would have meant I got a Premier League winner’s medal, and I would have stayed for one more season," he told FourFourTwo.
“But I still had a contract with Helsingborgs and I feel that when you sign a contract, you have to see it out."
Larsson often speaks about his memorable spell at Old Trafford and, in a recent interview with The Guardian, he revealed an incredible gesture from his former boss.
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“When I joined Manchester United, my brother Kim had a christening for one of his boys,” he recalled. “I asked Sir Alex if it was possible. He arranged a private jet for me to get home after a game.
"I was only there for 10 weeks but he made me feel so welcome."
Larsson added: "I was living at the Lowry [hotel]. Louis Saha and Patrice Evra would take me to lunch, Wayne Rooney too. I thought: ‘Oh, they really care.’ So you want to do good by them. It was an honour to represent Manchester United.”
Larsson has previously spoken about his short time working under Ferguson.
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"I learned a lot from Sir Alex and the way he was with players," Larsson said.
"It didn't matter if you were younger or older, if you weren't doing your job, you were told. There was a huge respect from the players, obviously. He was absolutely fantastic towards me and my family.
"Afterwards I can appreciate that as well because it's a world-class player talking with me, probably one of the best ever managers in the game, having a chat about things with me.
"But we understood each other quite quickly."
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha, Celtic