Former Premier League referee Mike Dean insists he somehow managed to avoid the hairdryer treatment from Sir Alex Ferguson despite admitting to upsetting the ex-Manchester United boss in one particular match during his career.
Fergie was known to have a short fuse and would regularly launch into hot-headed rants to blow off some steam – normally aimed at his players. However, the officials were often on the receiving end of his temper if things didn't go United's way.
But while 'Fergie Time' became synonymous with United matches down the years, Dean refutes the "myth" that United were ever given preferential treatment, while also suggesting their iconic manager wasn't quite as scary as he's been made out to be.
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Speaking with The Mail, Dean gave his thoughts on a penalty decision which went in favour of United on Saturday as they fought back from two goals down to win 3-2 against Nottingham Forest, who'd also had a man sent off at Old Trafford.
But Dean dismissed there was any bias towards United, claiming it was "absurd" to think a referee would look to do them "any favours" and was adamant he "was never frightened of refereeing there".
Reflecting on the Red Devils' dominance previously, Dean said: "Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United were a possession-based attack-minded team, so naturally they were going to create more chances where penalties could be called. I’m often asked what it was like to face Ferguson.
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"He wasn’t the happiest when I awarded Hull City a penalty at Old Trafford in November 2008 – despite United going on to win the game 4-3! – but he was largely a gentleman.
"Not once did he come banging down my dressing room door to give me the 'hairdryer treatment'. I've got no hair to dry anyway!"
United's penalty on Saturday came after Marcus Rashford was clipped inside the box by Danilo, giving Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to grab the winner and complete their comeback, leaving them eighth in the table with six points from their opening three matches.
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