Update: |‘You are a bad man’ – Sir Alex Ferguson lets ITV host have it after Man United question News

Sir Alex Ferguson was on hand to watch his horse Regent’s Stroll finish second at Aintree, before being asked a cheeky question about Manchester United’s form

Sir Alex Ferguson was in good spirits despite a playful jibe about Manchester United during an interview at Aintree.

The iconic ex-United manager, an avid horse racing enthusiast, was on Merseyside this Saturday to witness the 2025 Grand National. His esteemed gelding, Regent’s Stroll, which he bought in 2024, secured second place earlier that day in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.

However, when ITV Racing’s Matt Chapman approached him for his thoughts, the chat swiftly veered from horses to football – specifically, United’s current struggles.

Chapman couldn’t resist teasing: “Look at the positives, Sir Alex. Manchester United would love to be second right now, wouldn’t they?” To which Ferguson responded with a wry smile: “You’re a bad man!”.

Unfazed, Chapman pressed on: “Manchester United and Manchester City play tomorrow… They say this is the worst shape both sides have ever been in going into a derby.”

Ferguson, chuckling, answered: “Well, thank you. You’re having a field day!”

The Glaswegian, however, got his revenge. Upon learning that Chapman supports Tottenham Hotspur, he couldn’t resist taking a cheeky swipe back. “We always beat Tottenham,” he smirked.

While Regent’s Stroll didn’t clinch top spot, Ferguson still left Aintree with plenty to cheer about. Kalif Du Berlais, co-owned with several friends, claimed victory in the prestigious Grade 1 Maghull Novices’ Chase.

That win brought in £67,524, while L’Eau Du Sud’s third-place finish added another £12,732. Ferguson also gained over £57,000 from Protektorat, who took third in Friday’s Melling Chase.

Things didn’t go as smoothly in the Grand National itself. Hitman, his lone representative, failed to finish, joining 12 others who pulled up. The race ended with Nick Rockett triumphing narrowly over I Am Maximus, last year’s winner.

Ferguson’s impressive run on the racing scene continued from last month’s Cheltenham Festival, where Caldwell Potter secured him his first win at the event. The grey took first in the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase, and Sir Alex shared his joy in a BBC interview.

“I think the jumping won it,” he said. “What can I say? Great horse, it was a bonus. Winning here last year with two was fantastic and doing it again this year is fantastic. Thank you very much.”

Though no longer in football management, Ferguson remains passionate about the sport. He still frequently attends matches at Old Trafford and is expected at Sunday’s 4:30pm kick-off for the Manchester derby.

Currently stuck in 13th, United are scrambling to earn points and stay in contention for European qualification. City, sitting in fifth at the start of the weekend, are striving to rejoin the top four and secure another shot at Champions League glory.