Sir Alex Ferguson’s Bizarre Claim: Three Reasons Why Rangers Are Better Than Celtic
In a surprising and somewhat eccentric interview that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has boldly declared his belief that Rangers Football Club holds an edge over their arch-rivals, Celtic. The former Aberdeen boss, known for his deep ties to Scottish football and his competitive history with both Glasgow giants, offered three reasons to support his provocative stance. The interview, which has sparked heated debate among fans and pundits alike, has been described as bizarre for its unexpected candor and Ferguson’s playful yet pointed delivery. Below, we unpack the three reasons Sir Alex gave for why he considers Rangers the superior club, along with reactions to his claims.
Ferguson’s first argument centered on Rangers’ ability to perform in European competitions, particularly under intense circumstances. He referenced their recent Europa League exploits, notably their dramatic victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in March 2025, which secured a quarter-final spot. “Rangers have shown they can go toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite,” Ferguson said, according to a report from the Daily Record. “They’ve got that grit, that ability to dig deep when the odds are stacked against them—something I’ve always admired.” He contrasted this with Celtic’s European record, suggesting that while Celtic have had their moments, “Rangers seem to thrive in the chaos of Europe more consistently.”
Ferguson’s point is not without merit. Rangers’ run to the Europa League final in 2022 and their recent successes under interim boss Barry Ferguson demonstrate a resilience that has caught the eye of many. However, Celtic fans have been quick to counter, pointing to their own European triumphs, including the 1967 European Cup victory, as evidence of their continental prowess. The comparison has fueled heated discussions on social media, with one Celtic supporter on X posting, “Fergie’s lost the plot if he thinks Rangers’ Europa runs trump Celtic’s European Cup!”
The second reason Ferguson gave was the atmosphere at Ibrox Stadium, which he described as “unmatched in Scottish football.” He recounted his experiences managing against Rangers during his Aberdeen days, noting, “When Ibrox is rocking, it’s like a cauldron. The fans drive the team in a way that’s unique—it’s intimidating, even for the best sides.” He went on to suggest that Celtic Park, while formidable, doesn’t quite replicate the same relentless energy. “Celtic Park is special, no doubt, but Ibrox has that extra edge that pushes Rangers over the line in big moments,” he claimed.
This claim has divided opinions. Rangers fans have embraced Ferguson’s praise, with one supporter tweeting, “Sir Alex gets it—Ibrox is a fortress, and our fans are the 12th man!” Meanwhile, Celtic supporters have dismissed the comment as biased, arguing that the atmosphere at Celtic Park during European nights or Old Firm derbies is equally, if not more, electrifying. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton weighed in, cheekily remarking on Sky Sports, “Fergie must’ve forgotten what Parkhead sounds like when we’re hammering Rangers!” The debate over which stadium boasts the superior atmosphere is unlikely to be settled anytime soon, but Ferguson’s comments have certainly reignited the rivalry.
Ferguson’s third and perhaps most controversial reason was Rangers’ ability to rebound from adversity, both on and off the pitch. He alluded to the club’s financial turmoil in 2012, which saw them relegated to the Scottish Third Division, and their subsequent climb back to the top. “Rangers went through hell and came back stronger,” Ferguson said. “That kind of character, that refusal to stay down, makes them a club that’s built for the long haul.” He contrasted this with Celtic, suggesting that their dominance in recent years has come from a position of stability, which, while impressive, lacks the same narrative of overcoming existential challenges.
This point has drawn significant criticism from Celtic fans, who argue that their club has faced its own share of hardships, including near-financial collapse in the 1990s. “Fergie’s rewriting history to suit his argument,” one Celtic fan posted on X. “Celtic were minutes from extinction in ’94—don’t talk to us about resilience!”…
