Former Manchester United players’ love and respect for the club’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is legendary.
There was a heart-warming moment caught on camera between former players Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ferguson as the two former stars were recording a podcast together.
Golden era together
The three figures were integral parts of United’s golden era which saw numerous trophies arrive to Old Trafford.
They all coincided at the club from Carrick’s arrival from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 until Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
In that time, they won five Premier League titles, a Champions League, two league cups and the Club World cup in 2008.
Podcast banter
While Carrick was speaking on Ferdinand’s podcast series, their interview was interrupted by their former manager.
As the two former players were chatting, Ferguson approached the table and asserted, “I’m not doing the podcast!”
Ferdinand assured him that they were going to have a chat after and told him to grab a quick coffee as they finished.
Carrick also claimed that they were just finishing and that they would grab some food with the boss after they had completed their chat.
As the former manager was about to leave, Ferdinand joked with him, “you haven’t dressed for the camera, have you?”, which drew laughter from the Scotsman.
He then retorted that he would sit at the table next to them and “just listen to the nonsense that you talk.”
Moments later in the video, there is another hilarious moment when Ferguson’s phone loudly rings in the middle of their podcast and both former players are left unsure how to react to the situation.
Ferdinand posted about the interaction on X and commented, “when the Boss (Sir Alex) walks in and interrupts your recording… wait till the end when his phone rings.”
He also added, “even after 12 years, we still can’t find the courage to tell him off!!”
When the Boss (Sir Alex) walks in & interrupts your recording… wait till the end when his phone rings 😂
Even after 12 years, we still can’t find the courage to tell him off!!
Rio Meets Michael Carrick 👌🏽 pic.twitter.com/Z9NNS0CP8l
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 21, 2025
Genuine bond from those glory years
While many fans have got used to the poorer relationships between squads and more recent United managers, these interactions over a decade later demonstrate the immense feeling of belonging and brotherhood that existed in Old Trafford’s dressing room during the glory years at the club.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
