Ex-Republic of Ireland international Keith Treacy once had a heated clash with Alex Ferguson after fouling Cristiano Ronaldo.
While playing for Blackburn in 2008, Treacy tripped Ronaldo as the flying winger broke at pace during United’s 2-0 win over Blackburn at Ewood Park.
After fouling Ronaldo close to the Manchester United bench, Treacy drew the ire of Ferguson and was treated to a brief bout of the infamous hairdryer treatment.
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The legendary manager leapt to his feet and roared at Treacy as Ronaldo tumbled to the floor. 16 years later, the memory is as vivid as anything in the mind of Treacy.
"Having a little race with Ronaldo, Blackburn v Manchester United in 2008. I just pushed him off the pitch. He was going to get away from me so I just gave him a little bit in the back," Treacy began on OTB AM this morning.
"Then you see Sir Alex jumping off the bench and giving me a few verbals. Great memories.
“I can't really tell you what Sir Alex called me, but it wasn't very nice.”
Continuing, Treacy said: He (Ronaldo) did say something to me but it was in Portuguese, but what Alex Ferguson said to me was in English, and I can't really repeat it.
When pressed on what Ferguson said, Treacy replied that the 'morning' version of the verbal abuse was: "You little Irish munt," with munt a substitute for a very similar sounding word.
"It was as black and white as that. And now I didn't just take it on the chin and walk away, I had a few verbals back.
"Is it called sledging? It was a bit of that."
The incident occurred in October 2008, with United winning 2-0 on the day thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and defender Wes Brown.
Treacy went on to make 20 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn that season, before moving on loan to Sheffield United and later Preston North End the following season.
The 36-year-old went on to play for Burnley, Drogheda United and St Patrick's Athletic, and made six appearances for Ireland between 2010 and 2011.
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