REDS AIMING TO ENTICE BERG
SIR ALEX FERGUSON did not appear in a new movie charting the life of Sir Matt Busby – because he is making a film of his own life.
Former Manchester United boss Ferguson is understood to have declined an invitation to appear in Busby (below) because of work on his own project.
The team behind Busby contacted Ferguson about being involved, but was told he was working on a cinematic version of his own career, so
MANCHESTER UNITED have been told they must qualify for the Champions League to have any hope of signing PSV Eindhoven’s Steven Bergwijn.
Bergwijn is back on United’s radar despite inking a new contract in the summer to stay with the Dutch giants.
United scouts have watched the 22-year-old winger, who is currently nursing a hamstring would not be able to contribute. 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 (above) in the latter’s difficult first few years at the Red Devils helm, offering advice and guidance on managing the world’s biggest football club, and became a confidante for his fellow Scot.
Ferguson even followed the ‘Busby Babes’ philosophy of his most decorated predecessor, putting his faith in youth players from the United academy, injury, several times since with a view to a summer swoop.
But sources close to the Holland star insist he will only leave PSV for a Champions League club.
United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, nine points adrift of the top four.
Bergwijn (right), who has three goals and nine assists in 19 matches this season, in all competitions, was a target for including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, just as Sir Matt had done four decades earlier, with the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards.
Work on the Fergie film has been under way for two years and it is understood it will be directed by his son, Jason, who will benefit from unrestricted access to his father and inner circle.
Fergie made a 51-minute documentary, entitled Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets Of Success, back in 2015, which focused on his management and leadership principles.
But the new project will be the first cinematic interpretation of his remarkable and illustrious career, charting his rise from humble beginnings in Glasgow to the pinnacle of world sport. the club last summer but ultimately decided to stay in Holland.
He would cost over £40million after extending his contract to 2023, but that will not put off United.
Spanish club Sevilla have also tried to sign Bergwijn, who has spoken warmly of United in the past, but it is understood he now has other clubs chasing him too.