10 months ago
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Robin van Persie revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson tore into two Manchester United stars for partying in the hours following a Manchester derby defeat.
United were beaten 2-1 by Premier League champions City at Old Trafford in 2013 which saw their advantage at the top of the table cut to ten points.
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The Dutch striker did not reveal the identity of the two players who went out partying after the bruising defeat.
Ferguson was later informed of the players in question and responded by putting photos of the pair enjoying their night out, on the dressing room wall.
The legendary manager went one further by describing them as ‘a***holes’ whilst claiming their antics could end up costing United the title.
Ferguson also sent a warning to his squad informing them that anybody else engaging in similar activity would be sold.
Van Persie's revelation comes to light following United's decision to make Marcus Rashford available for Thursday's clash with Wolves, despite being spotted in a Belfast nightclub last week which saw him miss training on Friday and Sunday's FA Cup win at Newport.
“The day after the game Sir Alex had photos put up on the dressing room wall of the two players taken during their night out,” Van Persie told SoFoot.
“He told the entire squad: ‘Boys, if we don't win the league it's because of these two a***holes who opted to go out’.
“I know the names, but can't reveal them,” the Dutchman added. “The manager slaughtered them. It was amazing. He'd put up photos documenting where they were, at 2am, 3am, 4am etc, to underline just how stupid they had been.
“He didn't stop there, but warned us that if he heard of any of us going out before we'd won the league we'd be out of the team.
“He was merciless, saying: ‘I don't care who you are or how many trophies you've won – if you go out before the end of the season I'll sell you’.
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag gives numerous blunt responses to questions about Marcus Rashford's reported 'illness'
“After that speech I had the two hardest training sessions I've ever had in my life. We went on to win the title. A manager has to know when to be tough, and when to take the pressure off.”
Ferguson’s words appeared to have the desired effect on his squad who were able to get over the line and reclaim the Premier League title from City.
Three wins from their last seven games was enough to land Van Persie his first and only title in what proved to be Ferguson’s final season at the helm.
The ex-Arsenal striker was key to United’s success, scoring 26 goals in 38 league games.
