Legendary Scottish football figure Sir Alex Ferguson was pictured back at Ibrox to take in Rangers’ Champions League playoff clash with PSV Eindhoven.
The boyhood Rangers fan and ex-Ibrox striker was pictured in the club’s director box alongside John Greig taking in what would eventually be a 2-2 draw between the Gers and the Dutch giants.
Best known for his time as the manager of St Mirren, Aberdeen and – of course – Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson also turned out for Rangers as a player in the 1960s.
Rangers actually paid a then Scottish record fee of £65k to sign the former striker but his dream move to Ibrox was marred by issues of sectarianism which were prominent at the time and Ferguson would leave the club after two seasons.
This experience actually served as inspiration for much of Ferguson’s early career, particularly at Aberdeen, and whilst his stint at Rangers was sore at times he has previously paid testament to the club for instilling the standards which defined his career.
PSV subplot on Sir Alex Ferguson Rangers return
Interestingly, there was another subplot surrounding the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson to Ibrox with one of his former players in Ruud van Nistelrooy managing PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutch striker was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson and spent five years at the club between 2001 and 2006, playing 218 games and scoring 150 goals.
Speaking after the Rangers v PSV draw, van Nistelrooy confirmed that he’d spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson and was emotional regarding his appearance in the stands to watch the game.
The former Dutch striker also joked about those £35m Man United links to Cody Gakpo and claimed there was no discussion regarding the winger.
“I was proud that he was able to see my coach my team and manage my team,’ said van Nistelrooy [Daily Mail].
“I’m glad he’s well. I spoke to him just briefly but he’s well and looking great. His family is well.
“As I say, it was great to see him. For him to see me on the touchline at Ibrox is a proud moment.
“He didn’t (mention Cody Gakpo). We were just talking about how we were. We didn’t really discuss United or players. It was just a personal chat, really.”
Speaking of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ruud van Nistelrooy and PSV – read how Rangers tried to pip their former striker to the signing of the Dutch striker.
