“Why Sir Alex Ferguson Overlooked Gary McAllister for Two Decades”

Why Sir Alex Ferguson Ignored Gary McAllister for Two Decades

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson famously gave Gary McAllister the cold shoulder for nearly 20 years—all because of an offhand joke the former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder made without realizing Ferguson could hear it.

McAllister, who had a long and successful career in English football after moving from Scotland in 1985 to join Leicester City, went on to play key roles at Leeds United, Coventry City, and later Liverpool. Though he only spent two seasons at Anfield and arrived in his mid-30s, then-manager Gérard Houllier called him his “most inspirational signing.”

But back in his Leeds days, McAllister made a comment that unknowingly soured his relationship with Ferguson for years.

“Fergie Can Hear You”

The incident occurred during the 1991/92 season, when McAllister helped Leeds United clinch the final First Division title before the Premier League era began. After securing the championship in their second-to-last game of the season, Leeds players gathered at teammate Lee Chapman’s house to watch Manchester United’s match against Liverpool, with a film crew capturing their reactions.

McAllister, who had done some TV work, was wired into the Anfield broadcast and could hear behind-the-scenes conversations between the director, presenters, and cameramen. After Liverpool beat United 2–0—handing Leeds the title—Ferguson appeared on screen for a post-match interview.

With cameras rolling, Ferguson remarked that United had lost the title rather than Leeds having won it, saying, “Make no mistake, Leeds have not won the league. Manchester United have lost the league.”

Reacting to the clip, McAllister joked aloud in Chapman’s living room, “Big red-face as gracious as ever in defeat.” He didn’t realize his mic was still live. Moments later, football legend Denis Law leaned over and warned him: “Gary, Fergie can hear you.”

From that point on, McAllister noticed that Ferguson wouldn’t acknowledge him—ignoring him at airports and hotels around the world for two decades.

Making Amends

Despite years of tension, the two eventually reconciled. After McAllister tragically lost his wife to cancer in 2006, Ferguson was the first to call him—offering support and inviting him to Manchester United’s training ground and matches.

Reflecting on the gesture, McAllister told Sport & Fitness Middle East (via *SPORTbible):

> “That’s the measure of the man. When you’re competing against him, you’re the enemy. But when I went through that tragedy, who was the first person to call? Alex Ferguson.

> He invited me to Carrington, told me I was welcome at any training session or game. The first mass card I received in the mail was from his wife.

> Competing against him, he’d do anything to beat you—but there’s a gentle side to Sir Alex. I learned that over time. But for 20 years, I didn’t exist to him.”