Former Leeds United manager David O'Leary has confirmed that he was in the running to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager approximately 25 years ago. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, O'Leary revealed that Ferguson had initially planned to retire at the end of the 2001/02 season and had recommended around three individuals for the top job at Old Trafford, with O'Leary among them.
O'Leary's Revelation
O'Leary stated that his solicitor, Michael Kennedy, confirmed the approach, indicating that Ferguson had put O'Leary's name forward as a potential successor. However, Ferguson performed a dramatic U-turn on his retirement plans, remaining as Manchester United manager until 2013. O'Leary was sacked by Leeds in 2002, just months after the approach was made.
Warning for Michael Carrick
O'Leary also offered a warning to Michael Carrick, who was in an interim role at Manchester United at the time of the interview. He highlighted the immense pressure and significant step up involved in officially managing a club of Manchester United's magnitude, urging Carrick to carefully consider the challenges ahead.
The revelation sheds light on what could have been a pivotal moment in Manchester United's history, had Ferguson followed through with his initial retirement plans. O'Leary's tenure at Leeds was marked by success, including a Champions League semi-final appearance, but he never got the chance to test himself at Old Trafford.
