Sir Alex: I Love Watching United

Sir Alex Ferguson has told MUTV that he feels like a supporter when he watches Manchester United in action.

The former Reds boss was particularly upset to see United beaten at home by Liverpool at Old Trafford last term but is convinced Louis van Gaal will ensure the team is challenging for top honours again soon.

"I’m watching the team from a different perspective and that’s been interesting," Sir Alex told Jim Rosenthal, in an exclusive in-depth interview for MUTV.

"I must say I love watching the team. You start thinking the way supporters think. That's the way sometimes I am now.

"I got annoyed when we lost to Liverpool last year. I didn’t enjoy that. Losing to Liverpool and Manchester City last year, they are your biggest rivals, the ones you always strive to defeat and are always in our way. Particularly Liverpool, of course.

"I’m actually quite stony-faced watching a game. I don’t try to show any emotions unless we score. I always celebrate a goal. Even now, as a director, I still celebrate a goal. You’re always conscious maybe the cameras are on you and this is happening a lot. The media don’t miss an opportunity to focus on me during a game."

Van Gaal is imposing his personality and philosophy on the club and, although he has met with Sir Alex after home matches, the current manager is not regularly in contact with the Scot.

"There’s no ongoing dialogue," revealed Sir Alex.

"He comes into my lounge sometimes after the game and we have a chat. But it’s not a matter of picking up a phone or anything like that. He’s a very capable person with a strong mentality. He’s a strong leader. He knows where I am if he ever did need me but there has not been any need for him to phone me.

"Watching his press conferences, actually it's quite interesting. He's very, very honest in his press conferences. There is no doubt in my mind he will sort it out."

The former manager was speaking to Jim Rosenthal on MUTV's exclusive Sir Alex: Life After Management programme which premiered on Monday 13 October at 19:30 BST. For other opportunities to see it, go to the what's on MUTV pages of ManUtd.com.

The updated version of Sir Alex's autobiography will be published on 23 October.