Ryan Giggs and his Manchester United team-mates were both in the line of fire of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson after the incident in the Premier League
Ryan Giggs was once thrown under the bus by former Manchester United teammate Nani during Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous dressing down. Former Red Devils winger Nani fell out with the feared Scottish manager after a 2-2 draw with Fulham in 2010.
In August, United were leading 2-1 at Craven Cottage but were awarded a penalty in the 86th minute for a handball from Damien Duff. Instead of Giggs, the usual penalty specialist, taking the spot-kick, Nani took it and his shot was saved by David Stockdale.
To make matters worse, Fulham equalized in the 89th minute with a header from Brede Hangeland, meaning United returned to Manchester with a two-point lead.
Nani then had to drive Sir Alex home, making for a very awkward journey home, which resulted in a hairdryer treatment for Giggs, who turns 52 this Saturday.
Nani said on the UTD Podcast: “[Ferguson]was my neighbor and he used to take the train to London. His wife or family would often drop him off at the station, and there was no driver to give him a ride on the way back, so he was looking for someone who lived nearby to give him a ride.”
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“So I said, ‘Okay, boss, I’ll take him home!’ But that day was pretty funny, believe me! The day I brought him home it was after the away game against Fulham and I was on the bench.
“We played unbelievably with confidence. We won the penalty but it was Ryan Giggs who always took the penalty. We were confident but Giggs didn’t say anything. I took the penalty and it was missed! It should have been 3-2 with the penalty.”
“That day, we were going home and I said, ‘Boss, I’ll take you home.’ I drove him home and he didn’t talk to me in the car! He killed me in the dressing room! He said, ‘Nani, who do you think you are?’
The Portuguese tried to get himself out of trouble by blaming the veteran Giggs. The Welshman then joined the line of fire as Ferguson reprimanded both players.
Nani added: “Who gave you permission to take the penalty?! Ryan!” And he killed Ryan Giggs, because he said, “Ryan, why did you give him a penalty!”
“Ryan said, ‘He grabbed the ball, so I let him have the ball.’” Oh my gosh, that day was incredible. I took him home and the drive home is so uncomfortable. ”
Despite that incident and other examples of tough love, Ferguson still speaks highly of both players, with the legendary manager praising them in recent years and even reuniting with Nani.
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