‘I could tell my players what to do’ – Sir Alex Ferguson jokes about Manchester United stars as he discusses love of horse racing

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he takes a more relaxed approach to horse racing than he did during his Manchester United tenure.

The legendary manager has invested a lot of time in the paddock since his retirement from football in 2013.

Following a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford that saw United excel domestically and continentally, the Scotsman now owns 32 horses.

Pitches have been swapped for racecourses, with his Spirit Dancer set to race in the Bahrain International Trophy on Friday.

Sir Alex cut an animated figure on the touchline when his players fell below standards, but horse racing is a very different game.

As a result, he told Racing TV’s Raceday that he takes a step back at the races: «I think my competitive element was always left in football.

»I never question the trainer and I never get upset if the horse loses because its a different sport for me.

«I can’t tell a horse what to do, whereas at least I could tell my players what to do.

»In that respect, I’m not a critical judge at all, ever. I enjoy being there, if a horse wins then yeah, of course you're excited, particularly in big races.

“Spirit Dancer, the horse in the race tomorrow, has given us great joy.

«I've started a stud down in Hemel Hempstead and that was the first product of the stud with Frankel [legendary horse], with Queen’s Dream, and we've done well, one or two have done very well.”

Sir Alex won an incredible 38 trophies at United, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, and is now eyeing success with his horses.

He revealed that his love of racing generated from a visit to Cheltenham Festival and it soon became a release for him away from the world of football.

Ferguson remarked: „To be honest, the roots are all my