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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Joshua Smith

What Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson said on dressing room return for cup final pep talk

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson visited the dressing room of Rugby Union side Sale Sharks ahead of their Premiership final against Saracens this weekend.

And the Reds' most successful-ever manager even managed a cheeky dig at bitter rivals Liverpool as he delivered a surprise pep talk to the players ahead of their big day at Twickenham on Saturday. Sir Alex warned the players that they "don't want to lose" while also advising them "don't wear a white suit" - a reference to Liverpool's infamous 1996 FA Cup final 'Spice Boys'.

And with so much on the line ahead of the big game, the legendary Scot, who managed United between 1986 and 2013, also reminded the Sale players exactly why they are there.

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Speaking to the players, Sir Alex said: “To lose, you don't want to lose. I wish you all the best on Saturday.

“The thing is, I'm telling you, don't wear a white suit for Christ's sake [laughs]! Concentration - you're not there to enjoy it, you're there to win.”

After addressing the team as a whole, Fergie spoke to Sale's players one-on-one, including England centre Manu Tuilagi.

Sir Alex first became acquainted with the rugby side in October 2007 when he went to see them play Toulouse in the Challenge Cup.

Although he said that was his first time seeing a rugby match, he has continued to follow the sport ever since.

Eddie Jones attributed England's motivation to making the Rugby World Cup final in 2019 to Sir Alex Ferguson's team talks.

And ahead of Europe's triumph over the United States in the 2014 Ryder Cup, he also addressed the team.

With Sale taking part in their first Premiership final in 17 years, they'll no doubt be expecting more of the same.

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