Sir Alex is clearly mellowing in his old age as he decides to employ a player he rather unwisely sold seven years ago!

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Jaap Stam left Manchester in a hurry in 2001 after publishing his autobiography. The former defender criticized manager Alex Ferguson and some of his team-mates in his book and was subsequently sold to Italian outfit Lazio.

He made more than 80 appearances for Manchester United and was regarded as one of the world’s best defenders before his book caused some friction between himself and fiery Scot Sir Alex. The latter, however, recently announced that letting go of Stam was one of the rare mistakes he’s made during his long career.
Now, seven years after his move to Italy, Stam has returned to his beloved Manchester. The 36-year-old has reportedly accepted a scouting job and has already visited Brazil to have a look at hot prospect Douglas Costa, who’s currently playing for Gremio. (goal.com)

Jaap Stam was a man mountain at Old Trafford, a solid and reliable performer who did exactly what was expected of him week in week out. Then he wrote a book and Ferguson acted swiftly but unwisely, it was a mistake that the Scot has regretted ever since, and he has been man enough to admit it was an error and it’s good to see that the Dutchman has been given a position at the club. I’d love to be a scout, days into his job he has been sent to Brazil! Lucky bugger! Do Manchester United fans think that the current centre back pairing of Rio and Nemanja is the best in recent memory?

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