5 Things to watch out for on BBC documentary 'Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success'

On Sunday, 11 October, BBC One will screen a new documentary titled Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success at 22:30 BST in which former BBC political editor Nick Robinson talks to those who have learned from the former Manchester United manager as well as the man himself to uncover the secrets of his success and his views on various matters – such as those white Liverpool FA Cup final suits.Here is a list of 5 things we will see in the documentary.

#1 V for Victory

In his trophy-laden spell with Manchester United which spanned a duration of 26 years, Sir Alex Ferguson would often point at the sky and ask his players to observe the waterfowl formation of the geese flying overhead. He would educate his players about the "V" formation and how the geese altered their positions at the apex over a 4000-mile stretch so as to keep from tiring until they reached their destination.

The Scottish manager would draw comparisons like saying even the strongest of us tire, that there is no shame in allowing someone else to lead for a while – communication is key to any endeavour.

Finally, he would add: “Now if they can do that, you can give me 38 games to win the league.” Sometimes a few words of encouragement akin to the honking of the geese helped United maintain their course for a little while longer so that they could accomplish far more than what others thought they could.

The symbol of teamwork is a part of what makes Ferguson a great leader and why his influence stretches far beyond football into other sports, business, the military and politics.

#2 When Sir Alex helped Europe win the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is a Golf tournament held every two years between two teams – United States of America and Europe. And Paul McGinley was the captain of Team Europe.

McGinley enlisted the help of Sir Alex to deal with superstars such as Rory McIlroy as he had never been in such a situation before. Sir Alex used to remind the group about the geese and the lessons which accompanied their flight every day of the week.

Sir Alex spoke with the caddies before speaking to the players and he made the caddies feel included and important. McGinley stated, “I could hear the laughter coming from the caddies' room so I knew it was going well. When he (Sir Alex) came in he knew every player's name and addressed everyone personally.”

“When we won, this perfect V of geese flew right over our heads and over the clubhouse,” expressed a triumphant McGinley.

#3 When Tony Blair sought Sir Alex Ferguson\'s advice

The ex-British Prime Minister would talk about man management strategies with Sir Alex Ferguson. He once asked the Scot how to deal with a set of brilliant individuals who proved very tough to deal with and Ferguson promptly replied 'get rid of them'.

Tony Blair said: “We weren't talking about an actual individual, it was a hypothetical case, but his attitude was that it doesn't matter if he is your best player – if he is difficult, put him out of the room.”

Sir Alex demonstrated a similar style of management at United where he got rid of star players David Beckham and Roy Keane among others when they no longer saw eye to eye.

#4 Former players have their say on Sir Alex

(L-R) Ryan Giggs, Sir Alex Ferguson and Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand spoke about a side of his boss often overlooked by others, Ryan Giggs chatted about the gaffer’s uncanny ability to remember names while Cristiano Ronaldo became emotional as he regarded his former boss as the ‘Father of football’.

Ferdinand: “There is a dinner lady at United called Carol – she hammers him. 'What you got on? What is that?'

“He would go back at her and talk about her hair or something. That is the way he is. People don't see that side of him, but he was really good like that.”

Giggs: “He had this unbelievable ability to remember everyone's name. He knows Kath on reception and the laundry girls and the chefs, the cleaners.

“Apart from the staff at Carrington, Sir Alex would remember the names of all 65-70 players plus the 30 additional school children training there because he took a genuine interest in their progress.”

Ronaldo: “Everyone loves him at the club. He invites everyone to come for lunch, for a cup of tea. It was a family with him.”

Ronaldo spoke of a time when United had a key moment in the Champions League and he asked Sir Alex for leave to go visit his father who was hospitalized in London. Sir Alex granted his request with the words 'Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, a week, you go. I will miss you here because you are important, but your dad is first place'.

“When he told me that, I thought this guy was unbelievable. He was the father of football for me,” added Ronaldo.

#5 Sir Alex on Liverpool\'s 1996 FA Cup final suits

Liverpool’s Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler at the 1996 FA Cup final

Sir Alex blasted Liverpool’s ‘96 FA Cup antics whilst claiming to his then assistant manager Brain Kidd that Liverpool lost 1-0 to United because of their suits, arrogance, over-confidence and ridiculousness.

The game is famous for Roy Keane playing a stellar role in front of the back four as he marked Steve McManaman and company out of the game. The game was finally decided by a goal from Eric Cantona five minutes from time as David James failed to clear a corner.

“White suit, blue shirt, a red and white tie and a blue flower. Who designed that? They say it was Armani. Bet his sales went down,” remarked the Scottish manager.

“But you know the most telling part of that? [Liverpool's manager and assistant manager] Roy Evans and Ronnie Moran had black suits on. I think they were embarrassed,” Sir Alex said.

“Liverpool Football Club is a great club. They have won more European Cups than Manchester United. That didn't represent Liverpool.”

Manchester United won the FA Cup after beating Liverpool thanks to an Eric Cantona (C) goal