Manchester United recently raised eyebrows by banning four media outlets for reporting there is a rift in the club’s locker room. Though the move sounds controversial, it does not come as a surprise. This is not the first time the Red Devils have banned journalists from attending their press conferences. Back in Sir Alex Ferguson’s day, a renowned journalist faced press conference bans. Not once, but thrice. In the light of the recent ban of journalists, he recalls why he got banned, and how he ended up facing Sir Alex Ferguson’s wrath.

Back in 2010, soccer journalist Ian Ladyman’s reportage of Wayne Rooney’s game for England at the World Cup left Ferguson incensed, banning the former from press meets. When Ladyman asked Ferguson to give him access to conferences again, the veteran manager responded with a letter, adding insult to his injury.

Renowned journalist recalls facing Sir Alex Ferguson’s wrath

In a recent episode of Mail Sport’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast, Ian Ladyman reminisced about his ban and subsequent encounter with Sir Alex Ferguson. As Ladyman puts it, he wrote to Ferguson that both of them should bury the hatchet after a brief encounter during a Boxing Day game. Later, when he was at his sister’s in Australia, he got a reply letter from the then Devils boss. “Goodness me, I’ve still got it. I’ve never read anything like it in my life. In about six or seven short paragraphs, Sir Alex Ferguson absolutely assassinated me. Honestly, I’m getting the shivers just thinking about it now,” said Ian Ladyman on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast.

The DailyMail editor added that Ferguson was not only displeased with his reportage of Rooney’s World Cup stint but also with the way he conducted himself during press meets. In time, they both buried the hatchet and MUFC welcomed Ladyman to their conferences again. However, four weeks later, Sir Alex Ferguson and co. punished Ladyman with yet another ban.

Now, as the United has banned four media houses, Ladyman came up with this revelation to perhaps proclaim that the Devils’ rage on journalists is historical.

Four media outlets that are banned by Manchester United

A few days back, word got out that Erik ten Hag is dealing with a locker room rift, with many senior players skeptical about his new signings. The ones that spread the word got punished immediately. Manchester United has kept Manchester Evening News, ESPN, the Mirror, and Sky Sports from attending Tuesday’s press conference.

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The club took this drastic step of reporting without giving a chance for the club to respond. What do you think about Manchester United’s media ban? Sound off in the comments below.

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