Sir Alex Ferguson admits his hard-line approach could have cost Manchester United titles

Sir Alex Ferguson was renowned for his no-nonsense attitude during his time at Old Trafford

SIR ALEX FERGUSON admits his tough approach to discipline could have cost him Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United.

 

Ferguson, who won 13 league titles at United, was renowned for his no-nonsense attitude and had a number of high-profile bust-ups with some of the best players in the world during his tenure at Old Trafford.

David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and Jaap Stam all incurred the Scot's wrath and left United after rows with Ferguson.

 

In an extract from his forthcoming book 'Leading', Ferguson admits he has no regrets about taking a hardline approach with his players, but says his approach may have cost him silverware.

In his new book, which is out on September 22, he writes: "People will give a manager plenty of opportunities to crack the whip so it's best to pick and choose your moments.

"You don't have to dish out a punishment very often before everyone gets the message.

"I place discipline above all else and it might have cost us several titles.

"But if I had to repeat things I'd do it precisely the same because discipline has to come before anything else."