Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson once ordered him to sell his dog, car, and house, and send his girlfriend back to Birmingham after a poor performance. The incident occurred during Sharpe's eight-year stint at Old Trafford, where he won three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
Speaking on the Sacked in the Morning podcast, Sharpe recalled that after a disappointing display at Anfield, Ferguson launched into a tirade. 'Tomorrow, you're going to sell your house, sell your dog, sell your car. You send your girlfriend back to Birmingham, you're back in digs,' Sharpe quoted the legendary manager as saying.
Sharpe, then 18, had previously sought Ferguson's permission to move in with his long-term girlfriend. Ferguson agreed but warned that if his form suffered, he would have to return to club-provided housing. After the Anfield match, Sharpe went home and told his girlfriend she had to leave. 'That was the end of that,' he said.
Despite the harsh treatment, Sharpe eventually won Ferguson's approval, making 261 appearances and scoring 36 goals for United. He later played for Leeds United, Bradford City, and other clubs before retiring in 2004 with 10 major honours.
