Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his decision to sell Paul Ince to Inter Milan, saying the offer was too good to reject and that the midfielder was not in the right mindset at the time.
The former Manchester United manager recalled the controversial transfer while speaking to BBC Sport ahead of the launch of a new book. The decision brought a wave of criticism from United supporters, including a large amount of hate mail.
Ince had been a key player for Ferguson’s side, but the manager said he believed the time had come to weigh up the financial offer against the player’s situation.
Sir Alex Ferguson on selling Paul Ince
“Paul was a tremendous footballer, there’s no doubt about that,” Ferguson said.
“He had incredible ability, but I just had that feeling that he just got carried away a bit at the time.”
Ferguson said Inter’s offer increased from £7 million to £7.5m before he authorised the transfer. He also recalled discussing the decision in relation to the emergence of Paul Scholes.
“He then got this offer from Inter Milan. I’m trying to weigh up one thing against the other. I’m looking at Paul Scholes and I said ‘should we?’” Ferguson said.
“Milan’s offer went from £7m to £7.5m and I said ‘do it’.”
He added: “That’s what your job is as a manager. You have to make hard decisions, and some decisions don’t suit everyone.”
Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies during his time at Manchester United, but acknowledged that major decisions could still prove unpopular with supporters.
