Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has opened up about the extreme personal control legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson exerted over his players, revealing he was once ordered to sell his dog and send his girlfriend packing.
The Harsh Ultimatum from Fergie
Sharpe, who spent eight years at Old Trafford, explained that his inconsistent form led to a notorious confrontation with the fiery Scottish boss. The incident reached its peak following a difficult match against Liverpool at Anfield in the early 1990s.
Speaking on the Sacked in the Morning podcast, the 54-year-old recalled how Ferguson attempted to change the team's formation, leaving him and Ryan Giggs confused. "The game was passing us by," Sharpe admitted. At half-time, Ferguson bluntly informed him his performance was "absolutely useless."
Personal Life Under Scrutiny
The fallout, however, extended far beyond the pitch and into Sharpe's private life. He had previously sought Ferguson's permission to move in with his long-term girlfriend after turning 18, which was granted on the condition his form didn't suffer.
"He said if my form suffered, I'd be going back into digs [club-provided housing]," Sharpe recounted. When his performances dipped, Ferguson delivered a brutal ultimatum. "[Ferguson said] '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 complied, telling his girlfriend to return home. He revealed Ferguson would then ask him weekly in training, "Are you married yet?" to which Sharpe would retort, "Married? You sent my girlfriend home!"
A Successful Yet Turbulent United Career
Despite this dramatic personal intervention, Sharpe's career at Manchester United was largely successful. During his tenure from 1988 to 1996, he made 261 appearances, scoring 36 goals and providing 30 assists.
His trophy haul at the club was impressive, including:
- Three Premier League titles
- The UEFA Champions League trophy
- Several domestic cups
After leaving Old Trafford, Sharpe had spells at Leeds United and Bradford City before retiring in 2004 with 10 major honours to his name. His story offers a stark insight into the total authority Ferguson wielded during his unparalleled reign, where a player's off-field life was considered fair game if it impacted performances.
