Sir Alex Ferguson told Rio Ferdinand that he was gobsmacked by Ravel Morrison’s gesture after he handed the midfielder his Manchester United debut.
Morrison was regarded a generational talent amongst United’s academy ranks as a teenager but is now looking for his 12th club since leaving in 2012 after being released by Dutch side ADO Den Haag.
United great Ferdinand was joined by Morrison as well as Stephen Howson and Joel Beya for a discussion on his career and the former defender turned pundit revealed a touching tribute from legendary boss Ferguson.
Ferdinand asked Ferguson to describe Morrison in five words in preparation for the interview, but the Scot instead sent an emotional message that was read out to the 28-year-old on the show, as relayed by The Laziali.
Morrison made his debut in the League Cup against Wolves in 2010 and Ferguson revealed that he was surprised the following morning when he received a thank you letter from the playmaker.
And perhaps the most striking quote from Ferguson’s message to Ferdinand was; “the boy had a good heart, he was just beaten by his background.”
Morrison responded by saying the video touched him emotionally and that if he could go back in time he would change ‘90%’ of his life.
Listen to the clip below and watch the fascinating video in full on FIVE Youtube channel.
READ MORE: Photo: Dylan Levitt joins new club after leaving Manchester United on loan until end of season