David O'Leary has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson endorsed him as a potential successor when the legendary manager considered stepping down from Manchester United in 2001. O'Leary, then at Leeds United, was one of three candidates recommended by Ferguson.
Speaking on The Overlap's Stick to Football, O'Leary confirmed that his solicitor, Michael Kennedy, was approached about the possibility. 'Alex had recommended about three people or something like that. It never went any further than that. One of the chosen ones, yeah,' O'Leary said.
Ferguson had announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2001/02 season, prompting a search for his replacement. However, he later reversed his decision, staying on for another 11 years. Ferguson admitted the announcement was a mistake, saying, 'The biggest mistake I made was announcing it at the start of the season. I think a lot of them had put their tools away.'
O'Leary was dismissed by Leeds in 2002, and the club subsequently faced financial turmoil. He noted that Ferguson has not been consulted about the current managerial situation at Old Trafford, though he is believed to support the anticipated appointment of Michael Carrick as interim boss.
