I’m a catalyst for all of Manchester United’s success, claims Dion Dublin

Dion Dublin with Sir Alex Ferguson in 1992

Over the summer, Squawka were fortunate enough to sit down with former England international centre forward and Manchester United ambassador Dion Dublin and quiz him on Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and last season’s title triumph.

Darren Richman: How would you assess United last season?

Dion Dublin: I think they did well, although there were still another couple of gears they could have gone into. They won the league by such a large margin without even really hitting top form.

DR: Were you surprised by how easily they won it in the end?

DD: It wasn’t easy – it was a matter of consistency. It was down to the gaffer’s leadership and the players’ application. They deserved the lead they got.

DR: What’s your personal favourite memory of Ferguson?

DD: I scored on my debut away at Southampton then I broke my leg on my home debut. He took the time to come to my house when I was in a cast from my groin to my toe. He asked if I wanted to come on European duty with the club even though I was on crutches. He said, “I’ll get two seats for you on the plane.” That’s the side of the man you don’t hear so much about, the caring guy who wants to look out for his players. There is that hard man you see on a matchday but there’s a lot more to him than that.

DR: Did you fear for your United career when you broke your leg?

DD: I didn’t’t fear for my United career when I broke my leg at all. I feared for my United career when they signed Cantona! I knew there was no way back in after watching Eric in training. He was the kind of player they needed to have at the football club. I do believe I’m a catalyst for all of Manchester United’s success – I broke my leg and Cantona was brought in!

DR: Your favourite goal of last season?

DD: Robin van Persie at West Ham. It was an unbelievable half volley pass from Ryan Giggs, only he could have executed that. Robin brought it down with the wrong foot, took a second touch then scored with his third. It was genius and very few players could have scored that goal.

DR: Star player of last season?

DD: I have three in mind. Rio Ferdinand was incredible given his age; he stood tall against players half his age. Him and Vidic are the backbones to United’s defence, real leaders. Michael Carrick was excellent all season and David de Gea really came of age.

DR: What did you think of the Moyes appointment?

DD: I think he was the only obvious candidate. There are other managers with more European experience but he knows the club and what it stands for. I think he’s the right appointment, as he knows Ferguson and Manchester United very well.

DR: What are his biggest challenges?

DD: Being successful, winning trophies, being consistent, keeping players happy, knowing how to manage world-class individuals. Sir Alex did all that with his eyes closed but it took him time to get to that stage. David Moyes has got all that in front of him. He had some of that at Everton but you can quadruple it at United.