David O’Leary Reveals Ferguson Backed Him for Manchester United Job
Former Leeds United manager David O’Leary revealed that legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson had recommended him among 3 candidates to succeed him at Manchester United in 2002. However, Ferguson reversed his retirement decision and stayed until 2013.
O’Leary, now 68, also advised Michael Carrick that managing United permanently brings far greater pressure and responsibility. In the world of football, former Leeds United manager David O’Leary has revealed that he was once among the names recommended by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a possible successor at Manchester United. O’Leary, now 68, made this claim while speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football, stating that Ferguson had shortlisted around 3 candidates for the role when he initially planned to retire at the end of the 2001-02 season.
At that time, O’Leary was considered one of the brightest young managers in the Premier League after leading Leeds United to the UEFA Champions League semi finals. His impressive run with Leeds had caught Ferguson’s attention, but the move to Old Trafford never happened because Ferguson changed his retirement plans and stayed at Manchester United for another 11 years. The Scotsman eventually retired in 2013 after winning his 13th Premier League title.
O’Leary’s career then went in a different direction, as he was dismissed by Leeds in 2002 during the club’s financial troubles. He also spoke about Michael Carrick’s current role at Manchester United, warning that becoming the full time manager is far more demanding than handling the team on an interim basis, especially with the added pressure of domestic and European fixtures.
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