Sir Alex Ferguson may have stepped down as Manchester United manager over a decade ago, but his passion for the club remains undimmed, with the legendary Scot often offering sharp critiques of the current team's performances from his seat in the stands.
The View from the Director's Box
This unique insight comes from Sir Michael Moritz, the Welsh billionaire and close friend of Ferguson, who regularly attends matches at Old Trafford alongside the iconic former boss. In a rare interview with The Times, Moritz painted a vivid picture of Ferguson's matchday demeanour, describing him as akin to a 'backseat driver' who is frequently critical of the players and tactics on display.
The duo's friendship was forged in 2015 when they co-authored the book 'Leading'. Moritz, famed for early investments in giants like Google and Apple, is a hugely successful businessman who rarely speaks to the media, making his comments on Ferguson particularly noteworthy.
A Legacy of Leadership and Lingering Influence
Moritz has long been an admirer of Ferguson's unparalleled leadership, which he has previously compared to the singular success of companies like Apple and Microsoft. "There's only one Apple, one Google, one Microsoft, only one Alex Ferguson," he told The Standard eleven years ago. "Leaders are very rare... particularly a leader who doesn't just excel for a brief period of time but can impress over decades."
Ferguson's enduring presence at the club has been a talking point recently, especially following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim after just 14 months. Club icon Roy Keane sparked controversy this week by accusing Ferguson and former chief executive David Gill of 'hanging around like a bad smell', questioning who is truly making decisions at the club under the new INEOS regime led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
A Tense Time at Old Trafford
The revelations arrive during a period of significant tension for the Red Devils. Despite being only three points off the Premier League's top four as the season pauses for the FA Cup third round, the atmosphere remains fraught. Interim manager Darren Fletcher, who played under Ferguson, disclosed he sought the Scot's approval before taking the role, underscoring his lasting influence.
For fans and observers, Moritz's account confirms that Ferguson's fierce competitive spirit and high standards, which defined his 26-year reign, are still very much alive whenever he watches his beloved Manchester United take to the pitch.
