FERGIE’S FILM CLASH
Southgate wipes slate clean after dropping Sterling over Gomez bust-up
SIR ALEX FERGUSON does not appear in a new film about Sir Matt Busby – because he is making one about his own life.
The former Manchester United boss (left) is understood to have declined an invitation to (right) appear in ‘Busby’ because of his ongoing involvement in his own project.
The team behind the film about another iconic Old Trafford boss contacted him about being involved, but
GARETH SOUTHGATE has assured Raheem Sterling there will be no long-term fallout in the wake of ‘Canteengate’.
The England boss banished Sterling from the squad for tomorrow night’s Euro qualifier against Montenegro after his bust-up with Joe Gomez left the Liverpool star with a visible scratch.
But the Three Lions coach then offered an olive branch to the Manchester City star, saying he would remain a key member of his leadership group. “We draw a line under it and move forward as a
were told he was working on a cinematic version of his own career so would not be able to contribute.
Former United boss Ferguson, who stepped down in 2013 after 26 and a half years in charge, is a surprising omission from the film given the close bond he formed with Busby when he took over at Old Trafford in 1986.
Busby helped Ferguson in the latter’s difficult first few years in charge of United, offering advice and guidance on managing the world’s biggest football club.
Ferguson followed the Busby Babes philosophy of putting his faith in youth players from the United academy, including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, just as Sir Matt had done four decades earlier with Sir Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards.
Work on the biopic of Ferguson has been going on for two years and it is understood the film will be directed by his son, Jason.
It will chart his rise from humble beginnings in Glasgow to the pinnacle of world sport with United.