Sir Alex Ferguson has always been known for his uncompromising loyalty to Manchester United, a trait that extended far beyond his 26-year reign as manager. Even in retirement, the Scottish legend found subtle ways to remind everyone where his allegiances lie. One such moment occurred during a Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 8, 2018, when Manchester United staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Manchester City, delaying their rivals’ title celebrations.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted something unusual in the VIP seats. Sir Alex, attending as a guest, had a white cloth—or more precisely, a sheet of plastic—draped over the back of his chair, neatly covering the embroidered Manchester City badge. While David Gill, the former United chief executive seated next to him, left his badge uncovered, Ferguson’s seat stood out. The image quickly spread across social media, with United supporters hailing it as a “heroic” or “legendary” act of defiance.

The story gained traction immediately. Photos showed the cloth in place, and speculation ran wild about whether it was intentional. Some suggested it was a deliberate request from Ferguson himself, unwilling to let the rival club’s emblem touch his back or even come near him when he leaned. Others joked that it symbolized his refusal to “sit comfortably” in enemy territory. Manchester United fans reveled in the pettiness, turning it into a meme that highlighted Ferguson’s unyielding rivalry with City.

Patrice Evra, the former United defender and close ally of Ferguson, later shed light on the incident. In interviews and social media posts around 2025, Evra revealed that Sir Alex had indeed instructed staff to cover the badge. According to Evra, Ferguson simply couldn’t bear the thought of the City crest being in direct contact with him. It wasn’t about disrespecting the stadium or the occasion—it was personal. “He told them to cover it because he didn’t want that badge touching him when he leaned back,” Evra explained, laughing at the memory. The anecdote reinforced Ferguson’s reputation for mind games, even from the stands.

The 2018 derby itself was electric. United trailed 2-0 at halftime but mounted an astonishing second-half recovery. Goals from Paul Pogba, Alexis Sánchez, and Romelu Lukaku secured the win, keeping City’s title hopes in check for a little longer. Ferguson watched from the directors’ box, his presence a reminder of United’s storied past amid City’s rising dominance under Pep Guardiola. The cloth incident added an extra layer of narrative spice to an already intense fixture.

This wasn’t the first time Ferguson’s loyalty manifested in small, symbolic ways. Throughout his career, he cultivated an aura of intimidation and unwavering commitment. His famous “hairdryer” treatment in the dressing room was legendary, but off the pitch, gestures like this showed the rivalry ran deep. City fans, predictably, rolled their eyes, with some on forums like Reddit calling it “rattled” behavior from a man whose era had long passed. Yet even they acknowledged the iconic status it achieved.

The photo resurfaced repeatedly over the years, especially during derbies or when Ferguson appeared in the news. In 2025 and into 2026, old clips and images circulated again on platforms like Instagram, Threads, X, and Facebook, often captioned with phrases like “Never forget” or “The biggest diss of all time.” Accounts dedicated to United nostalgia shared it as proof that Sir Alex remains “United forever,” even in retirement. A YouTube video titled “Sir Alex Ferguson cover Man City badge in his seat at Etihad Stadium” garnered views years after upload, testament to its enduring appeal.

Ferguson’s relationship with Manchester City evolved over time. During his tenure, he famously quipped in 2009 that City would never enter a derby as favorites “not in my lifetime.” By 2018, City were Premier League champions and on course for more, yet Ferguson stayed true to form. The cloth moment captured that defiance perfectly—a quiet protest against the blue half of Manchester’s ascent.

Critics argued it was petty or unnecessary, especially given the hospitality extended to VIP guests. Etihad staff likely obliged without fuss, as covering logos for comfort or preference isn’t unheard of in premium seating. But for United fans, it symbolized something greater: an unbreakable bond. Ferguson didn’t need to say a word; the cloth did the talking.

The incident also highlighted the intense psychology of the Manchester derby. What started as a local rivalry exploded into one of global football’s fiercest, fueled by money, success, and history. Ferguson’s era saw United dominate domestically while City struggled, but the power shift post-2008 investment changed everything. Gestures like the seat cover reminded fans that old grudges die hard.

In the broader context of Ferguson’s legacy, this ranks as a minor but memorable footnote. His 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, and countless other honors define him far more. Yet these human moments—petty, humorous, fiercely loyal—make him relatable. They show the man behind the manager: a competitor who never switched off.

Social media keeps the story alive. Posts from 2025 and 2026 describe it as “living rent-free” in fans’ heads, a perfect encapsulation of its viral staying power. Whether intentional or not (though Evra’s confirmation suggests it was), the white cloth became folklore. It stands as a cheeky reminder that even in the directors’ box, Sir Alex Ferguson remained a Red through and through.

As Manchester United and Manchester City continue their battles, this anecdote serves as a light-hearted counterpoint to the high stakes. In a sport increasingly dominated by finance and tactics, a simple cloth over a badge proves that passion and rivalry still matter. Sir Alex may have retired, but his spirit—and his refusal to sit under the City crest—endures.