Champions League: What Alex Ferguson told Man Utd players after losing 2009 final to Barcelona – Carrick
Former Manchester United midfielder, Michael Carrick has revealed what former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson told Red Devils’ players after their 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome.
United had the opportunity to become the first club since AC Milan to win the competition in back-to-back seasons but were outclassed by Barcelona, who scored through forwards, Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi.
“The Boss (Sir Alex Ferguson) was understandably angry and had a go at everyone,” Carrick told The Times.
“You need to have a look at yourselves and see if you can play at this level. Moscow [in 2008] was irrelevant.
“We were Manchester United and the expectation was relentless. “You’ve let a good chance slip away here.”
He added, “The Boss summed up exactly how I was feeling. After he finished, I just questioned myself again and again. Am I good enough?”.
Ferguson won two Champions League titles during his 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
