Harry Redknapp, Spurs Boss, believes that former Manchester United player, Steve Bruce, might have been responsible for saving Sir Alex Ferguson from an early exit in 1989.
Former Portsmouth manager was in-charge at Bournemouth, who almost defeated Manchester United in a close encounter at Dean Court.
According to him, if Bruce wouldn’t have intervened, 19 years (of half century in football) for Ferguson at Old Trafford might have been a different story altogether.
Redknapp said, ‘After moving to Manchester United for his first stint as a manager, he came perilously close of leaving the job. Red Devils were having a torrid spell in those days.’
‘I still remember Bournemouth playing against his side in an FA Cup encounter at Dean Court, which ended in a 1-1 draw.’
‘In the final minutes of the game, Luther Blissett found an empty net to put a cross into. However, defender Steve Bruce came from nowhere and jumped on Luther’s ankles, which led to a penalty but stopped him from scoring.’
‘While taking the penalty, Luther failed to score and scooped it wide. If Luther would have converted it and won the game for us, who knows what could have followed.’
‘However, we didn’t and Devils won the replay contest at Old Trafford. Today, that draw, for me, has started the script of one of the finest ever in the English League. With his incredible record, I currently rate him with the likes of Bill Nicholson & Bill Shankly.’
Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s manager, Joe Kinnear, warned Redknapp to not use foul tactics for getting keeper Shay Given in Spurs ranks.
Kinnear said, ‘Shay Given is an important member of the team and we are not looking forward to part with him. Redknapp can save his time and money, as Given is not leaving his club.’
