What’s more unbelievable than the fact that Alex Ferguson was so forgiving is the fact that this confrontation took place almost three years ago now.
It feels like yesterday that Jonjo Shelvey pointed his finger at the then Manchester United manager as he made his way from the pitch having been sent off for a two-footed challenge on Jonny Evans.
After Mark Halsey flashed red to the young midfielder, Shelvey tried to confront Ferguson, believing that the Scot had played a part in swaying the referee.
But after the dust settled and the chewing gum was binned, the pair shook hands and let bygones be bygones with Shelvey being told that his actions were admired by the United boss.
“I was a bit immature then and a bit silly,” Shelvey said. “I pulled him aside afterwards and apologised to him and he was spot on with me.
“He said, ‘no I like it. It shows you’ve got a bit of balls about you’.
“I got a few high fives around town for the next few months, but it was silly from me on the professional stage. You don’t do something like that.
“I was young and I was starting for Liverpool against Manchester United, games don’t come much bigger.
“I was immature, the occasion got the better of me. It was part of growing up and you learn from those sort of things.”
Manchester United went on to win that game thanks to second half goals from Rafael and Robin van Persie so we think Fergie may have been a little bit less forgiving if things had gone differently.
