Sir Alex Ferguson joked that he “hated” Liverpool legend Ian Rush — a comment he later made clear was actually a sign of respect.
Ferguson, who won a record 13 English league titles as Manchester United manager, retired in 2013 but remains active in horse racing. He was at Aintree for the Grand National festival, where several of his horses were running.
While there, Ferguson was interviewed alongside Welsh football icon Ian Rush. When asked how much he respected Rush, Ferguson replied:
“Absolutely, I hated him.”
Both men laughed, with Ferguson making it clear that his comment reflected admiration for how difficult Rush was to play against.
Rush then revealed that Ferguson had once tried to sign him for Manchester United when he was returning from Juventus. Rush had left Liverpool in 1986 for a then British record fee but returned a year later.
Rush also praised Ferguson, calling him a “legend of managers” and adding that Scottish managers are among the best.
Both men also shared their love of horse racing, with Rush saying he enjoys it even more than golf, second only to football.