Just three weeks on, the Scot was not feeling well enough to take part in Tuesday’s event, but wrote to Frank Lampard, who won the Manager of the Year award. In Thomas Tuchel’s absence, he stood in for the presentation of the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy.
The England head coach said: “Of course, things are not the same without Sir Alex himself. We wish him well and a speedy recovery and, hopefully, he will be on stage with us again next year. Until then, it is an honor to read this letter, Frank.”
Mr Ferguson’s letter began: “Dear Frank, very congratulations on being named LMA Manager of the Year. You should be very proud of what you and your team have achieved.”
“Coach, your personality as a leader was very clearly defined in how your team played great football this season with confidence and confidence, and I enjoyed watching you.
“As I talked with you, I discovered that you possess important qualities of great humility and a curiosity to learn.
“Frank, I’m sure winning this award means a lot to you. We wish you the best of luck in the Premier League next season.”
Lampard received the accolade after leading Coventry City to the Championship title. Mikel Arteta won the Premier League Manager of the Year award, with Michael Carrick and Josep Guardiola also shortlisted.
Andoni Iraola, Keith Andrews and Regis Le Bris round out the six-man shortlist.
“One of the biggest compliments for me was that I received a message from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday, which made me very happy,” the Catalan manager revealed in his final press conference before the Manchester City match.
When asked about the content of the message, Guardiola replied: “I couldn’t understand you with a Scottish accent! I’ll call you back. I’ll congratulate you on your journey and what you’ve achieved. It means a lot to me.”
“He’s the greatest man in this country, for his tenure, for his time and for so many reasons…I’m glad to see the greatest Sir Alex Ferguson…Sir Alex, I’m sure we’re not ‘noisy neighbours’, we’re ‘neighbours’, just ‘neighbors’. And I’m glad he’s watching.”
Ferguson has consistently praised Guardiola during his tenure as United manager.
The Scotsman said this after losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League final. “In my time as manager, this was the best team we played against. I think everyone agrees with that and I accept that.”
