Sir Alex Ferguson ‘always calls from withheld number’ and leaves ex-star thinking ‘f***’

On Jan 24, 2023

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson only ever class from a withheld number – and it leaves one ex-United star thinking what’s he done wrong.

Brian McClair was a key part of Sir Alex’s Red Devils in the 1990s. However, despite having a close relationship with his countryman, it still leaves him nervous to pick up the phone to his old boss.

Speaking on his podcast, Life With Brian: The Brian McClair Podcast, he said: “When I saw the thing where you were talking about that it [speaking on the phone to Sir Alex] it was a withheld number, and you ‘went I’m not answering that’!

“His is the only withheld number that only ever occasionally phones me, and I nearly always know it’s him. And I think ‘oh f***ing hell what have I done wrong’. Even now, I think ‘oh f***’.”

McClair had been speaking to Anthony Crolla about the time he was phoned by Sir Alex after a burglary. Crolla fractured his skull and broke an ankle after he was struck with a concrete block when attempting to tackle burglars who broke into his neighbours’ home.

Sir Alex had called the massive United fan, and speaking in 2014, Crolla said: “His call has given me a massive boost. He told me to enjoy Christmas and, when I told him I was determined to come back, he said that was exactly the right attitude.”

What do you think about Sir Alex using a withheld number? Let us know in the comments section below

Sir Alex Ferguson only calls from a withheld number
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)

McClair racked up over 350 appearances for United over almost a decade at Old Trafford.

He returned again in 2006, where he spent a further nine years as the director of the Red Devils’ youth academy.