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SIR ALEX FERGUSON once accused Martin Tyler of leaking team information to a rival club.
This incident occurred during a match between Manchester United and Sunderland in 1996.
Martin Tyler received a stern talking-to from Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty
Ferguson held the commentator responsible for leaking team informationCredit: Getty
The renowned commentator Tyler was informed of confidential information by Ferguson prior to the match, including how the team would be arranged and the specific role of defender Paul Parker.
However, the Sunderland management team also caught wind of this change, resulting in confusion and an upset Ferguson.
Martin Tyler shared his experience on The Overlap Fan Debate, sponsored by Sky Bet : “Sir Alex Ferguson once informed me, before an FA Cup replay at Sunderland, that Manchester United would adopt a different approach: Paul Parker would play as a sweeper. I felt honored to receive this information as I traveled to the North East.
“Upon arriving at the stadium, I entered the office where Peter Reid and his close associate Andy Gray were already conversing. Andy looked at me and said, ‘Guess what – Manchester United are going to play with a sweeper.’
“I thought to myself, ‘I know this, but I can’t disclose that I know, as it would betray a confidence.’
“So, Sky devised a solution. We agreed to present two possible formations: If United played one way, Sunderland would respond accordingly. But if United used a sweeper, Sunderland would need to adapt differently.
“This was our method of hedging without disclosing any confidential information I had received.
“Sunderland scored first through Phil Gray, and then Parker was substituted, prompting United to revert to their usual style. They scored twice in the second half, winning 2–1 and advancing to the next round.
“The following morning, when I returned home, my wife mentioned, ‘There’s a Mr. Ferguson on the phone.’ I picked up the call, and he immediately stated: ‘You so-and-so. Sunderland knew this was happening.’ I assured him, truthfully, that I hadn’t shared this information with anyone. However, he didn’t believe me, and I genuinely think he still doesn’t to this day.
“I later discovered what had transpired. A player – whose name I’ve never disclosed, though people can deduce it – had recently transferred from Manchester United to Newcastle.
“He maintained friendships at United and heard about the sweeper system from reserve players who had participated in a training match the day before. Due to his negative feelings toward the manager after leaving, he informed Sunderland. That’s how the information leaked.”
Tyler, now 80, has never revealed which disgruntled former player was responsible for the leak.
One audience member suggested “Keith Gillispie,” to which Tyler responded: “I’m not confirming anything.”
Gillispie transferred from United to Newcastle during that season.
What did Sir Alex Ferguson accuse Martin Tyler of?
Sir Alex Ferguson accused Martin Tyler of leaking team information to Sunderland before an FA Cup replay in 1996.
How did the information about the sweeper system leak?
The information leaked because a player who had recently transferred from Manchester United to Newcastle shared it with Sunderland after hearing it from reserve players during a training match.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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