Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Manchester United, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Manchester United, Football
Sir Alex Ferguson once rewarded a Manchester United player with 10 contracts in a single season.
Ferguson, who has been relieved of his role as Man United ambassador, enjoyed a legendary managerial career at Old Trafford before retiring in 2013.
He won an impressive 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues during his time at the club.
Ferguson not only inspired Man United to silverware but also developed players from the club's famed youth academy.
The likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville graduated from the youth academy and went onto enjoy stellar careers.
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Not to mention Ryan Giggs, who spent his entire playing days at Man United, winning 13 league titles.
And he shared a special relationship with Ferguson, who once revealed that he gave the Welsh winger a staggering 10 contracts in a single season.
In a previous interview where he was asked how he'd manage young players in the current economy, the Scot replied: "The money thing got a bit bigger for young players, because of agents and things like that.
"But I think the important thing is, if you're giving them an opportunity young enough, they'll have a great career."
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Ferguson continued by referencing Giggs as an example, adding: "The perfect example is Ryan Giggs. When Ryan signed his first contract at 17, he was on [a] little, not a great deal. The next year, I gave him I think 10 contracts.
"So when he did well, we honoured it. We improved it. And when he did well again, we honoured it, and we improved it. And right through the very end of his career, we did that."
Ferguson also lamented clubs handing out massive contracts to youngsters, claiming it drains them of motivation.
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"Giving them the money too soon doesn't work," he continued. "The carrot of being successful is the best thing for any young player, because what they achieve then is worth it.
"Getting in the first team, becoming a top player, they play for their country. At that point, they deserve to be recognised, money-wise."