Barclay shows that Ferguson has one overarching strategy: control. “If I lose control of these multimillionaires in the Manchester United dressing room, I’m dead,” he has said, a theme he returned to in the aftermath of the recent Rooney incident. Asked why he never employed a sports psychologist alongside the various other experts at the club, he replied: “I do that myself.” Indeed, it’s entertaining to read how he relaxed this vice-like control when dealing with the talented French troublemaker Eric Cantona. In 1995, Cantona was banned for eight months following a kung fu kick at a supporter; Ferguson not only refused to criticise Cantona but contacted him every few days to see how he was dealing with exile. He may have worried that such indulgence sent a mixed message to his other players but his methods were vindicated: when Cantona returned to the team, he repaid Ferguson by leading United to their third title in four seasons.