United boss Sir Alex reveals: I almost quit before I became a professional

Most fans would agree that he is the greatest British manager of all time, but Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he nearly quit the game before becoming a professional.Ferguson has been in his native Glasgow this week, firstly visiting his old school Govan High, and then speaking to students at Glasgow Caledonian University, where he holds an honorary degree.Ferguson recalled the time he was a part-time player at St Johnstone, and how one particularly bad experience nearly led him to quitting the game. Simply the best: Sir Alex Ferguson has enjoyed Manchester United's best week of the season'In a reserve game against Airdrie I broke my eyebrow, cheekbone and nose and was out for months. They put this massive plaster cast on my face.'After I came back from the injury I played three reserve games. We lost 8-1, 7-0 and 9-2. I said that's it - I'm finished. I took out papers to emigrate to Canada.'On the Friday (night before the match against Rangers), my brother's girlfriend phoned up my manager at St Johnstone and told him I had the flu.'But when I arrived home from a regular Friday night at the swimming baths with my mates, my mother tore into me and said "I've had a telegram from your manager - get down to the telephone booth and call him".'The manager said "Report to the Bath Hotel tomorrow, you're playing against Rangers".'I scored a hat trick and became the first player to do so against Rangers at Ibrox - it changed my life. I became a full time footballer in the summer and never looked back.'Ferguson has been in buoyant mood over the past few days, with his Manchester United side enjoying their best week of the season.Last week's Carling Cup victory over Manchester City took United toWembley, and the champions followed that up with a superb win atArsenal on Sunday. His mood would have improved further when PremierLeague leaders Chelsea could only draw at Hull on Tuesday night. Unforgettable: Ferguson lifts the European Cup in Moscow after United's dramatic victory over Chelsea in 2008The United boss has always made a big deal of not forgetting his roots, or the early influences that have shaped his extraordinary life.He also gave an insight into how football has changed over the years and the challenges that face a modern manager.'Young players now are more fragile, they are more cocooned,' he said.'They are encouraged by an insatiable press, to think they are better than they really are, and they are protected by their agents.'But you have to deal with that in sport now. You have to be very conciliatory.'He also maintained that his success could be attributed first and foremost to hard work.'There are very few geniuses in this world - the rest of us have to get out the door and work.'There is really no substitute for discipline, loyalty, good time-keeping and hard graft.' Sir Alex will manage United until the day he dies, predicts Patrice EvraOwen Hargreaves withdrawn from United's Champions League squadMANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail