Sir Alex Ferguson was left traumatised by tackle so bad that Gareth Southgate apologised and left Man Utd stars ‘numb’
Sir Alex Ferguson was left traumatised by tackle so bad that Gareth Southgate apologised and left Man Utd stars ‘numb’
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Sponsored by. GARETH SOUTHGATE had to apologise to Sir Alex Fergurson after one his players injured a Manchester United star. The incident occurred while the former England manager was in charge of Middlesbrough in 2008. United beat Boro 3-1 in a third round League Cup tie, but the win was overshadowed by the injury wonderkid Rodrigo Possebon sustained. The Brazilian midfielder, who was making his first start for the Red Devils, was on the receiving end of a horror tackle from Emmanuel Pogatetz.
![[Sir Alex Ferguson, Carlos Queiroz, and Gareth Southgate watching a soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/shouts-assistant-referee-andy-garrett-756310431.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
He was sent off but it did little to calm down a furious Sir Alex. Ferguson revealed after the game that "everyone was numb" in fear for Possebon. And the legendary boss was fuming over Boro players pleading it was not a red card, saying: "It was an absolutely terrible tackle. "What gets me about challenges like that is that the opponent always claims he has done nothing wrong. "Pogatetz should have just walked off the field.
![[Gareth Southgate, Middlesbrough manager.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/447447-see-www-paphotos-com-4658886.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"You get their bench screaming that it wasn't a sending off and there is nothing wrong with our player. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS. "At least Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was very good about it. He apologised and understood the gravity.". Possebon was fortunate to avoid a broken leg and Pogatetz also later apologised. He said: "Firstly, I have to say that I went for the tackle because I thought I could win the ball. I now accept, however, that I misjudged the challenge.
![[Rodrigo Possebon of Manchester United being fouled during a soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rodrigo-possebon-manchester-united-fouled-968187078.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"But now I that I have had the chance to see the tackle on television, I know the ref was right to send me off. "I am going to speak to Rodrigo by telephone and I will apologise for hurting him. I hope that he will make a quick recovery and that he will not be out for long.". Possebon went on to make eight appearances for Man Utd before returning to play in his homeland of Brazil. He now works as a chief at Brazilian Serie A club Athletico Paranaense.
![[Rodrigo Possebon of Manchester United receiving treatment for a leg injury on a stretcher.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/rodrigo-possebon-manchester-united-receives-968187088.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
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