We’ve all seen it on Soccer AM or YouTube, but Mike Phelan once popped a balloon next to Sir Alex Ferguson during a game at Stamford Bridge in 2009.
Ferguson was visibly startled and even swore at Phelan immediately after.
During a Twitter Q&A for the Manchester Football Association, Phelan reflected on the incident which made him an internet sensation: “I think this was one of the most important moments in my coaching career by making myself famous on the internet.
“My biggest worry was thinking I would have been sacked after it.”
🗣️ | #AskMike Phelan:
“I think this was one of the most important moments in my coaching career by making myself famous on the internet. My biggest worry was thinking I would have been sacked after it” https://t.co/gf5S3upSIL
— Manchester Football Association (@Manchester_FA) April 24, 2020
So how does Phelan’s claim to internet stardom compare to the viral fan cam merchants like Andy Tate, Liam “DT” Goodenough, or my personal favourite Ray “Bobbins”.
Of course, Phelan was expecting a rollocking from the Scot for making him jump out of his tracksuit and in the middle of an important match against rivals Chelsea.
It was a beautiful day with the sun splitting the rocks and Phelan couldn’t help himself.
Great TV!
As part of the Twitter Q&A, Phelan was asked a more interesting question about United’s tactics this season.
It’s always interesting to hear one of coaches discuss such aspects of their work.
Phelan was asked which game this season has best shown the play style Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants from the team to eventually show consistently?
Solskjaer’s assistant said: “The games where we’ve switched to a 3-5-2 has shown our flexibility. I think for the game at Chelsea — we wanted two forwards, and without playing a 4-4-2.
“We got the most out of the players, and they seemed to enjoy it.”
🗣️ | #AskMike Phelan: The games where we’ve switched to a 3-5-2 has shown our flexibility. I think for the game at Chelsea – we wanted two forwards, and without playing a 4-4-2.
We got the most out of the players, and they seemed to enjoy it. https://t.co/StJ2dQH7UM
— Manchester Football Association (@Manchester_FA) April 24, 2020
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