Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City manager thinks it is an often overlooked fact that he was at Manchester United before he moved to tomorrow's opponents in Reading.
Speaking to the Independent on Sunday, Rodgers said "A lot of people don't realise that Reading were actually my second club," reveals Rodgers. "I went to Manchester United first. I used to travel over to the Cliff in the holidays for a year. I was a talented young player and in the Northern Ireland set-up but I soon realised I wasn't going to be a Man United player.
"If I had been good enough, I'd have jumped at the chance of playing for United because I loved my time there. The people were fantastic. But the biggest thing I remember from my time at United was Sir Alex and his devotion to youth.
"He'd only been at the club for a year but even back then, every time I was there I saw Sir Alex Ferguson. Every day. So subconsciously you knew he was there because he would come in and watch the youth team train as well as the first team.
"If people ever wonder why he is so successful, just look at the other night. While we were all at the [League Managers Association] awards night, he was watching the Youth Cup final match. He has a love for young players and that has stuck with me to this day because I saw it first hand. The man is a genius.
"He knew everyone at the club – well, he probably won't remember me as a kid – but that is an incredible quality to have. It's a one-club mentality and that's what I'm trying to achieve at Swansea. I'm sure after the game I will have some sort of reflection on where I've come from and who I've worked with. They have all been great experiences along the journey but it would be great to be in the Premier League against Sir Alex."
