A forthcoming documentary on Sir Alex Ferguson, set to premiere on BBC iPlayer this Boxing Day, delves into the iconic manager’s extraordinary career and does not shy away from revealing some of his more controversial moments—including an incident where he reduced Cristiano Ronaldo to tears.

The Infamous Hairdryer Treatment

The documentary, titled “Sir Alex,” chronicles the life and achievements of the legendary Manchester United manager, who led the club to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League triumphs. Among the many stories shared, one stands out: Ferguson’s infamous “hairdryer treatment” aimed at a young Cristiano Ronaldo.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand recalls the fiery moment: “Cristiano hadn’t played well, and the manager tore into him. He said, ‘Who do you think you are? You’re here trying to prove you’re a superstar.’ I remember Ronaldo in tears, and I thought, ‘This manager doesn’t care who you are.’”

A Father Figure

Despite the harsh criticism, Ronaldo flourished under Ferguson’s guidance, eventually leaving United as one of the best players in the world. He has since referred to Ferguson as a father figure, highlighting the manager’s ability to inspire greatness even in moments of tough love.

A Life Beyond Football

The documentary explores Ferguson’s life beyond the pitch, offering a glimpse into his upbringing, family life, and the influences that shaped him. It also addresses controversies like the Glazer family’s takeover of Manchester United and the fallout from the Rock of Gibraltar racehorse dispute.

Triumphs and Turning Points

While much of the film focuses on Ferguson’s historic tenure at Old Trafford, it also examines pivotal moments in his career. It reflects on the impact of Jock Stein on Ferguson’s managerial philosophy and his brief stint as Scotland’s manager following Stein’s sudden death.

Ferguson’s remarkable success at Aberdeen is also given its due, particularly the club’s stunning victory over Real Madrid in the 1983 Cup Winners’ Cup final. Former right-back Stuart Kennedy describes Ferguson’s intense motivational style as a “blast furnace,” while Mark McGhee compares it to the destructive force of a “volcano.”

The Legacy of a Legend

The documentary doesn’t shy away from Ferguson’s challenging early years at Manchester United, including the period leading up to the crucial 1990 FA Cup victory that saved his job. That win marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented success, culminating in his retirement as a Premier League champion in 2013 with a total of 38 trophies over 26 years.

Premiering on Boxing Day

“Sir Alex” promises to provide an in-depth and candid look at one of football’s greatest managers. Fans can watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer starting this Boxing Day.

Manchester United is reportedly setting its sights on Atalanta’s midfielder Ederson as a long-term replacement for Casemiro. According to the Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, the Red Devils view the 25-year-old Brazilian as an ideal addition to their squad and are planning a potential move next summer.

Reinforcing the Midfield

Despite securing the services of Manuel Ugarte last summer, Manchester United is considering bolstering its midfield further. With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen no longer in their prime, both players might be offloaded at the conclusion of the current season, creating space for fresh talent in the squad.

Tutto Mercato Web reports that Manchester United has given “total approval” to pursuing Ederson as Casemiro’s successor. However, a winter transfer appears unlikely as Atalanta has deemed the midfielder unsellable during the ongoing campaign. Instead, any potential deal is expected to materialize during the summer transfer window.

Atalanta’s Stance and Ederson’s Value

Atalanta has been performing exceptionally well this season, currently sitting atop the Serie A standings. Given their strong form, the club is reluctant to part ways with key players mid-season. It is believed that Atalanta would demand a fee of approximately £49 million for Ederson’s services come summer.

A Top-Class Addition

Ederson was previously linked with Manchester United last summer before the club opted to sign Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain. However, United’s continued interest in the Brazilian suggests they view him as a pivotal figure for their midfield.

Known for his exceptional work rate, Ederson thrives in duels and boasts impressive passing accuracy. This season, he has completed 87% of his passes and 66% of his long-ball attempts in Serie A. His ball retention skills and ability to dictate play make him a standout performer and a potential upgrade over Casemiro.

Strategic Fit for United

If acquired, Ederson could form a formidable central midfield partnership with Manuel Ugarte or rising talent Kobbie Mainoo. His skill set aligns with United’s evolving tactical approach, and his signing would inject energy and precision into the team’s midfield.

Competitive Market

While Manchester United might face competition from other top European clubs for Ederson’s signature, they could have an edge due to their positive relationship with Atalanta. The Red Devils have previously secured deals for Rasmus Højlund and Amad Diallo from the Italian side, which could facilitate negotiations.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s pursuit of Ederson reflects their commitment to strengthening their midfield with younger, dynamic talent. While a transfer this winter appears unlikely, the summer window could see the Brazilian star donning the famous red jersey as the club continues to rebuild under its ambitious vision.

Napoli has reportedly presented Manchester United with an opportunity to acquire Victor Osimhen during the January transfer window, with the Italian club open to a player exchange deal. This development, revealed exclusively by TBR Football, could mark a pivotal move in the transfer market.

Osimhen’s Stellar Season in Turkey

Currently on loan at Galatasaray, Victor Osimhen has been enjoying a remarkable season in the Turkish Super Lig. The 25-year-old forward has netted nine goals in 11 appearances, showcasing his scoring prowess and reigniting interest from top clubs across Europe. However, his time in Turkey might be nearing its end as sources indicate that several Premier League teams have been informed of his availability for a permanent transfer this January.

Napoli’s Swap Proposal to Manchester United

Manchester United has been approached with an offer to sign Osimhen, and the club’s footballing department, led by Jason Wilcox, is reportedly evaluating the proposal. United manager Ruben Amorim’s challenging start at Old Trafford has underscored the need for a reliable striker, as current options Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to deliver consistent performances.

While Napoli values Osimhen at around £60 million, United’s financial constraints make a direct cash deal difficult. The Red Devils’ existing wage commitments—with Rashford, Højlund, and Zirkzee earning a combined £500,000 per week—further complicate the situation. Adding Osimhen’s estimated £200,000 weekly salary would put additional strain on their budget.

To address these challenges, Napoli has expressed interest in a player exchange, identifying three Manchester United forwards as potential options. Højlund and Zirkzee, both familiar with Serie A, are among the players Napoli is keen on. Højlund previously impressed during his time at Atalanta, while Zirkzee scored 12 goals in Italy’s top division last season. Rashford, who is reportedly available for transfer, is another player admired by Napoli.

Additional Transfer Rumors

Zirkzee, who only joined Manchester United during the summer, has also drawn attention from Juventus, where his former coach Thiago Motta is now in charge. However, as with Napoli, securing guaranteed first-team opportunities could be a concern.

Other Clubs in the Race for Osimhen

Besides Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa have also been approached regarding Osimhen’s potential transfer. Napoli has reportedly shown interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as part of a possible deal. Meanwhile, Chelsea, long-time admirers of Osimhen, remain attentive to the situation. However, the recent resurgence of Nicolas Jackson has reduced their immediate need for a new striker.

Conclusion

The January transfer window could see Victor Osimhen make a high-profile move to the Premier League, with Napoli’s willingness to negotiate a player exchange adding an intriguing layer to the saga. Whether Manchester United or another club seizes this opportunity remains to be seen, but the coming weeks promise significant developments in this evolving story.