Louis Saha has described his shock at feeling the full force of Sir Alex Ferguson's anger during his time with Manchester United.
Striker was subjected to tirade in one game despite scoring twice
Louis Saha has described his shock at feeling the full force of Sir Alex Ferguson's anger during his time with Manchester United.
Saha spent four-and-a-half years at Old Trafford after moving from Fulham in 2004, and enjoyed a good relationship with the Red Devils manager.
The Frenchman tells the tale of life under Ferguson in his new book
'Du quartier aux etoiles', or
'From the inner city to the stars'.
Recalling one particular incident, Saha says he was subjected to a furious tirade at half-time of only his second appearance for United at Everton.
He found it surprising as he had scored two goals in the opening 45 minutes to help establish a 3-0 lead, although he could later understand why Ferguson was so cross.
"When I headed towards the changing room, I was feeling proud. As soon as I sat down, I was woken up in a violent way - Sir Alex Ferguson rendered me deaf," Saha said in quotes carried by
The Sun.
Nightmare
"I was surprised but yes, it was me he was yelling and screaming at.
"He was going mad and I quickly understood why - he was unhappy because we came in with only a three-goal lead when we should have wrapped the game up.
"He was furious about my missed chances and reminded me that this is the very top level. Wow. I woke up even more sharply when 45 minutes later Everton had come back to 3-3. Goodison Park was on fire.
"Only Ruud van Nistelrooy helped me escape the nightmare - with a stoppage-time goal."
Saha left United to join Everton in 2008 and linked up with Tottenham during last month's transfer window, a move which has helped him rediscover some good form.
And the 33-year-old will be desperate to shine against Ferguson's side when Spurs welcome United to White Hart Lane for a crucial top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
