Ritchie De Laet laughs off Sir Alex Ferguson's interest and hangs up

Ritchie De Laet was at a crossroads in his career while playing in England. During his time at Stoke City, he found himself relegated to the status of a loan player, having not featured for the first team. In this unsettling period, he contemplated returning to Belgium, feeling frustrated with the lack of opportunities in English football. However, a pivotal phone call from his agent shifted the course of his career. The agent informed De Laet that Sir Alex Ferguson, the esteemed manager of Manchester United, expressed interest in signing him for the club. Initially, De Laet assumed his agent was joking, as he couldn't believe that such a prominent club would want him. He dismissed the call by hanging up, thinking it was a cruel jest rather than a genuine opportunity. But upon his agent's insistence, he realized the seriousness of the matter. This led to a significant turning point in his career, as he was given a chance to train with one of the biggest clubs in the world, even if his active playing time would be limited. De Laet joined Manchester United, where he was grateful for the mentorship of Gary Neville. Neville's guidance and competitive spirit had a profound impact on the aspiring player. De Laet acknowledged how Neville would take him aside after training, providing encouragement and valuable insights. Even though De Laet's stint at Old Trafford resulted in only three first-team appearances, he left the club without regrets, appreciating the experiences and connections he garnered during that period. His time at Manchester United, although brief, helped shape his understanding of the game and exposed him to a higher level of competition. After his departure, De Laet continued to pursue his professional career in football and reflects on his time at United with fondness, attributing his growth as a player to the lessons learned while training alongside top talents. This narrative serves as a reminder of how unexpected opportunities can arise, sometimes from what initially appears to be a joke.