Sir Alex: Axing Stars Tough

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the difficulty he faced when axing senior players from his 1994 title-winning squad in favour of youth.

Bryan Robson had captained the side to a second consecutive Premier League title, but was among those replaced as former United manager Ferguson looked to freshen up his squad with British-record signing Roy Keane.

Ferguson is often credited for his ability to consistently produce title contenders by moving players on at the right time, but the Scot has now revealed certain players were particularly tough to part with. 

"Three or four players got old at the same time," he told the World Business Forum in Milan, as quoted by The Sun.

"I had to remember that I was manager of Manchester United, not their father and I had to go and tell them their time had come. 

"Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin and Bryan Robson . . . it is very difficult to do. 

"Some people might say it is ­ruthless but it is about loyalty to the club. I am their manager, employed by them, and it is up to me to make sure Manchester United remains the best team.

"I would make sure I did it in the best way and that they were comfortable with what the position was. But when you get older as a ­footballer, they don't want to leave Manchester United. They want to play until they are 50." 

United have not won the Premier League title since Ferguson's final season in charge in 2013, and the club have appointed three new managers since his retirement. 

Credit: Skysports.com