Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has revealed how he stood up for Sir Alex Ferguson when he first took charge of Manchester United.
In his new book, 'My Liverpool Home: Then and Now', being serialised in the Mirror, King Kenny wrote: "Fergie and I have had the odd disagreement down the years but I stood up for him when he first came south from Aberdeen.
"At one North-west football writers' dinner in Manchester, Fergie didn't turn up because he was getting pilloried in the Press. So I made a wee speech, trying to correct the wrong impression the media had of our relationship.
"'You have Fergie and me in a conflict,' I said. 'I'm in competition with him, I want to beat him, but I don't have a problem with Fergie. He hasn't got a problem with me, so you are inventing the problem.
"'And another wee thing. You are presumptious in your critical thinking about him as a manager. Fergie's a good manager and you need to take a rain check on that. Give him time.'
"It wasn't the greatest speech but I wanted to explain my relationship and respect for Fergie.
"United's old physio, Jimmy McGregor, was at the dinner and came up to me later on.
"'I'm sure the Gaffer will appreciate that support,' said Jimmy. 'He needs it.'
"'Jimmy, it's only the truth.'
"Given how well United have done since then under Fergie, I probably should have kept my mouth shut, but his success is no surprise to me. Fergie's got the work ethic, toughness, ability and knowledge, and he's built United the way he wants it."
