Sir Alex Ferguson was notorious for his never-say-die attitude as Manchester United boss, watching his side come back from the brink of defeat on several occasions as reflected in their famous Champions League triumph against Bayern Munich in 1999.
But the legendary manager has revealed he didn’t believe they would overturn the deficit — and even planned how to console his players with a team-talk before their dramatic comeback.
The Red Devils had trailed to Mario Basler’s early strike at Camp Nou in Barcelona before two goals in stoppage time from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham completed the turnaround.
That victory ensured United became the first team in English history to complete the Treble, the greatest achievement of Ferguson’s time at the helm.
Recalling that night in Barcelona 22 years later, Ferguson has since admitted he felt his side were down and out before their late heroics.
Asked if he still held out hope for a late goal, he replied: “No chance!” he told The Guardian.
“I was thinking what I’d say to the players: ‘You had a great season.’ But then we won it.”
He went on to win 28 trophies in nearly 27 years in charge of the club before announcing his retirement in May 2013.
The Scot, who began his managerial career with St Mirren, captured their 20th league title, and it's safe to assume his achievements may never be repeated in English football.
The 79-year-old was given a serious scare after suffering a brain haemorrhage three years ago and doctors only gave him a 20 per cent chance of survival.
But despite losing his speech for 10 days, Ferguson embraced his fighting spirit and has made a full recovery.
He had been working with his son, Jason, and documentary makers on recording his most significant memories in an audio memoir before the haemorrhage occurred and his subsequent operation.
The documentary, titled ‘Never Give In’, is now finished and Ferguson reveals how affected he was after watching the film for the first time.
“I only saw the film when it was finished,” he added. “I never got involved in the making of it.
"But when I saw it for the first time I was crying.
“It was so emotional and I thought Jason did a fantastic job. It got to me.”
