Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Sir Alex Ferguson says a Manchester United star 'never spoke' to him again after dropping the player for a cup final during his legendary managerial reign.
Ferguson enjoyed a storied spell as Man United boss, winning an impressive 13 Premier League titles.
He also won two Champions Leagues and several domestic cups, including five FA Cups.
Ferguson managed plenty of big-names players but was unable to keep them all happy.
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Jim Leighton, who was brought to Man United by the iconic Scottish manager, was the first-choice goalkeeper back in 1990 and made 91 appearances for the Red Devils between 1988 and 1992 following his move from Aberdeen.
Leighton started the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace in 1990, with the game ending 3-3.
Back then, extra-time and penalties did not not decided the winner, with the two sides taking part in a replay instead.
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Despite starting in the previous match, Leighton was dropped for the replay and replaced by Lee Sealey.
Man United won the replay 1-0, securing Ferguson's first trophy at Old Trafford.
But the victory came at a price as Leighton refused to speak to the legendary Scot following his selection decision.
"Never spoke to me again," said Ferguson. "But make no mistake, it was the correct decision."
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Recalling his relationship with the Scottish goalkeeper, the 83-year-old explained: "I gave him his debut at Aberdeen. I brought him to United. He didn't seem to have the same confidence about himself."
Leighton said he has never spoken to Ferguson since being dropped for the FA Cup final.
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In 2018, the 67-year-old told the BBC: "We've never spoken since and never will do again."
He even turned down Sealey’s offer of his winners’ medal.
"I had been fortunate enough to win quite a few medals up to that time and, unless I could walk up the stairs and wear the hat and the scarf and lift the cup, then I didn't want anybody's charity,” he added.
He then admitted that his relationship with Ferguson had 'got pretty frosty' before Ferguson made the harsh decision to drop him.
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"He was miles ahead of anybody in terms of knowledge of the game and tactics, but in terms of dealing with people, it wasn't quite the same," he continued.
Ferguson later discussed his selection choice and gave the reason why he dropped Leighton.
“Was he a better keeper than Jim? No, but he thought he was, and that can sometimes be important,” he revealed.
“Les Sealey was cocky and sometimes downright arrogant, so I did not foresee a failure of his nerve at Wembley.”