Fergie on hairdryer

SIR Alex Ferguson says he did not rule by fear at Manchester United, claiming he only used his infamous 'hairdryer' treatment six times in his 27 years in the Old Trafford dugout.

The 74-year-old oversaw an unrivalled period of domination at United where he led the club to 38 trophies, including two Champions League titles, before finally calling time on his reign in 2013.

Ferguson had a reputation for delivering verbal volleys at his players so intense it earned the nickname the 'hairdryer', with Wayne Rooney saying in his book that it was an experience which there was "nothing worse" than.

But Ferguson insists he rarely used his full force during his reign and only exploded when his players dared to talk back.

"There was a lot of myth about it. It happened about half a dozen times in 27 years," Ferguson said.