Ruud Van Nistelrooy's Pre-Game Pep Talk From Ferguson Inspires Carabao Cup Victory
Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-game pep talk to Ruud van Nistelrooy inspired Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
The Dutchman, who scored the winning goal in the 2006 final, was recalled by Ferguson to the starting line-up for the match at Wembley Stadium.
And Nistelrooy repaid the faith shown in him by scoring the opening goal of the game in the 33rd minute.
Ferguson's pre-game speech to his players was reportedly brief but to the point. He told them that they were the better team and that they should go out and prove it.
"We had a great team spirit."
"We knew we were the better team and we went out to show it. We had a great team spirit and we were determined to win."
Nistelrooy's goal gave United a 1-0 lead at the break, and they doubled their advantage in the second half when Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot.
The victory was United's first in the Carabao Cup since 2017, and it was their sixth overall. It was also a fitting way for Nistelrooy to end his career at United.
The Dutchman left the club in 2006 to join Real Madrid, but he remains a fan favorite at Old Trafford. He is one of the club's all-time leading scorers, and he helped them win six major trophies during his time there.
Nistelrooy's pre-game pep talk was just one example of Ferguson's influence on Manchester United. The Scot is one of the most successful managers in football history, and he helped United become one of the most successful clubs in the world.
Ferguson's pre-game pep talks were often motivational and inspirational, and they helped his players to believe that they could achieve anything. His influence on Manchester United is still felt today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time.
Source: https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/van-nistelrooy-pre-game-pep-talk-inspired-us-to-carabao-cup-victory