'I gave 10 contracts to one Man Utd player during just one season – this is why' (original) (raw)

Sir Alex Ferguson was a master at getting the best out of his young players at Manchester United, and his approach to not rewarding players too early paid dividends

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he once rewarded one player with 10 contracts in a single year

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he once handed Ryan Giggs an astonishing 10 contracts in a single season.

Throughout his 27 years as Manchester United boss, Ferguson was renowned for nurturing young talent while ensuring they remained humble and driven. Despite the challenges posed by modern football's financial landscape, his strategy of rewarding players only when it was merited proved effective.

Ferguson made it a point of his to only increase a player's terms when they had shown is was deserved. Compare that with the current status of today's United squad, with numerous players on massive wages without necessarily justifying the expense.

Speaking on the Go Radio Business Show, via the Manchester Evening News, the 82-year-old said: "The money thing got a bit bigger for young players, because of agents and things like that," he said. "But I think the important thing is, if you're giving them an opportunity young enough, they'll have a great career.

"The perfect example is Ryan Giggs. When Ryan signed his first contract at 17, he was on [a] little, not a great deal. The next year, I gave him I think 10 contracts. So when he did well, we honoured it. We improved it. And when he did well again, we honoured it, and we improved it. And right through the very end of his career, we did that."

Old Trafford icon Giggs, 50, holds the record for the most Premier League titles won (13) by any player and has made more appearances for the club than anyone else. Moreover, only Gareth Barry and James Milner have played more Premier League games than the Welshman.

In today's football world, scouting and signing young talent has become a massive business in itself, with players offered substantial sums earlier in their careers than before. However, Ferguson believes offering large contracts to young players too soon can be detrimental to their motivation.

Ryan Giggs was one of Ferguson's greatest success stories (

Image:

Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

"Giving them the money too soon doesn't work," he continued. "The carrot of being successful is the best thing for any young player, because what they achieve then is worth it. Getting in the first team, becoming a top player, they play for their country. At that point, they deserve to be recognised, money-wise."

The main risk with this approach is players being lured away by lucrative offers from other clubs, potentially leading to significant sums being lost However, United have maintained their tradition of consistently promoting players from their academy in the first team.

Ferguson was skilful enough to create a winning culture at United, in which players were motivated to play their role. The current United squad does not enjoy the same dominant mentality, however, making financial incentives more crucial in retaining players.

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