Key Highlights
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘hairdryer treatment’ was not applied to all players equally, according to former Red Devils star Nani.
- Nani claims he was rarely shouted at by Ferguson, citing his unique playing style and the coach’s understanding of it as a reason.
- Wayne Rooney previously stated that Ferguson would avoid shouting at Nani because he knew such action could result in losing him to another club.
The ‘Hairdryer Treatment’ Revisited: Inside the Manchester United Dressing Room
Nearly a decade after Wayne Rooney’s claims about Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous ‘hairdryer treatment,’ former Manchester United winger Nani has revealed new insights into the coach’s methods, setting the record straight.
Inside the Red Devils’ Coaching Philosophy
Ferguson, known for his fiery and confrontational style of coaching, was a master at motivating players through verbal criticism. His so-called ‘hairdryer treatment’ was legendary, with Paul Scholes, David Beckham, and Roy Keane among those who faced his wrath.
However, Nani’s experience in the United States and Portugal provides a unique perspective on how Ferguson managed his team differently based on individual players’ characteristics. “Inside the dressing room, every single game, someone was shouting,” he stated. “The only time inside the dressing room you knew there would be no shouting is because you are winning 4 or 5-0 and everyone is playing well.”
A Different Approach for Nani
Nani’s insight challenges Rooney’s earlier claims that Ferguson avoided shouting at him to avoid losing a key player. According to Nani, “The only time I didn’t see shouted at much were Scholes and Giggs, but I remember it happening to Scholes once; it was proof that it didn’t matter who you are in that dressing room.”
He further elaborated on the reasons behind Ferguson’s approach: “Sometimes it would set off towards other players, maybe it was a younger player first, and then balanced out with a more experienced player who faced it, just to show it was aimed at everyone. The truth is, sometimes they were really shouted at because they were not performing well or because they were supposed to be the example on the field.”
Understanding Ferguson’s Coaching Style
Ferguson’s coaching style was both feared and respected within the team. His ability to push players to their limits often resulted in explosive performances, as Nani attests: “When Sir Alex did shout, he used to give you the truth of the game. It wasn’t just random shouting.
He didn’t care if you are Rooney or Cristiano or Giggs or Scholes; he didn’t care.”
One memorable example was when Ferguson confronted Paul Scholes with a scathing critique: “How was that possible with your quality of passing?! How are you missing that? Put your head on the game!”
The Legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United
Ferguson’s impact on Manchester United is immeasurable, having led them to 13 Premier League titles between 1986 and 2013. His coaching methods have been widely debated, with some praising his fierce determination and others criticizing his harshness.
Nani’s insights provide a nuanced understanding of Ferguson’s approach, highlighting the complexity of managing such a talented squad. “Inside the dressing room, every single game, someone was shouting,” he concluded, underscoring that the famous coach’s treatment wasn’t arbitrary but part of his strategic management plan.
