Manchester United hero Andy Cole on Moyes, Ferguson and managing egos

Andy Cole

Darren Richman sat down with Andrew Cole over the summer and quizzed one of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history on all matters Manchester United.

Darren Richman: How would you assess United last season overall?

Andy Cole: Winning the league means you’re the best team in the country after 38 games and it was won at a canter in the end. There was some very good football played. It was disappointing to go out to Real Madrid like that but that’s just how it goes sometimes. The consistency was impressive after throwing away a 7-point lead the previous season.

Are you surprised by how easily they won it in the end?

You have to be. You always expect the reigning champions to put up a real fight but City capitulated and failed to win games you’d expect them to. I was surprised but you can’t take anything away from United.

Your favourite goal of last season?

I loved Rafael’s goals at Liverpool and QPR.

Best game of last season?

Southampton away was a brilliant comeback and the Real Madrid game at Old Trafford was a belter even if it didn’t end up with a United win.

Star player of last season?

Michael Carrick. He’s finally getting the credit he deserves. He’s very understated in what he does but he’s a brilliant player.

What did you make of Fergie’s decision to retire?

I was surprised but it makes sense. I suspect he might have done it the year before if the league had been won. He won the title back and could go out on top.

What was he like to play under?

Very, very good. He was a top manager and it was a great honour to have played underneath him and achieved so much with the club.

How do you remember him as a manager?

His sense of humour, his temper, so many things. The hairdryer wasn’t what made him a great manager, he was a master of man management, be it an English player or one from abroad. He moulded everyone’s ego into one big ego and it helped us go on and win things.

How did he help you personally when you joined the club for a record British transfer fee?

He just told me to enjoy it. He said he knew I was good enough to play for the club and that was why he brought me there. He said I should go and express myself on the pitch and that’s exactly what I did.

Did you find it hard to adjust to the move?

It’s a totally different football club to any other. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived.

What was Fergie’s greatest achievement?

Winning the first championship after so long. It was tough for him in the first few seasons but to win the league after 26 years was huge. He used that to propel the club forward to where they are now. It was very special.

What do you think of Moyes as his successor?

He’ll be judged on results and hopefully he’ll do a decent job.

What do you think is his biggest challenge?

I think it’s impossible that he could do what Sir Alex did. To come here and win over the fans won’t be easy. They want to win playing the Manchester United way and if he can manage some silverware in his first season that’d be great.

What did you think when Eric Cantona jumped into the stands at Crystal Palace?

I’d just joined the club and it was a surreal night. I was wondering if this is what they do at Manchester United!

Who was the best player you played with?

Eric was great but I played with some wonderful players. Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Dwight Yorke. So many brilliant players that it’d be hard to single one out.