United saddened by the loss of Gerard Houllier

After leaving Liverpool in 2004, Houllier returned to his native France to achieve success with Lyon and later became a part of the France Football Federation. He was then tempted back into English football with Aston Villa in 2010, but ill health later forced him to retire. 

Houllier revealed at that time how his old rival Sir Alex had checked in on him, saying: “He came to see me at the hospital. He has got that human warmth. I had a few managers who came – Sir Alex, of course, Arsene Wenger my friend, and Sven-Goran Eriksson came as well. 

“The rivalry [with Sir Alex] is something healthy for football but there is no rivalry between us two managers. There were a few opportunities where sometimes he gave me a call and some help.

“Look at his tremendous record with different teams. I think he is a genius. Getting to the top is something – staying at the top is another thing completely. I had a good record against him – that is what Sir Alex said – ‘you are more successful against Manchester United than even Bob Paisley.’

“He’s been a friend for a long time, before I came to England and even after. We met at coaches’ get-togethers organised by Andy Roxburgh at UEFA and sometimes on holiday. We’ve been friends and whatever happens in the game we will remain friends.”

We send our condolences to Gerard’s loved ones at this time.