"Bringing Andy Cole in from Newcastle was one of the quickest deals I've ever done and it turned out to be one of the best pieces of business I've ever done as well because he was terrific for us.
"Andy had a great few years at Old Trafford when we won everything there was and he still has the qualities you look for in a top striker.
"He's a lively little bugger in and around the penalty area and we have got to be worried about him because he is capable of hurting us.
"His move from Blackburn came at the right time because obviously he and Graeme (Souness) were not hitting it off and I think Andy is the type who needs the support of his manager. He did great for us.
"Coley is one of the best in the business. Andy needs a supportive manager. He did a great job for us but he wanted first-team football and you can't guarantee that.
"Whenever I think about Andy, I think of him as being immaculate. He was always immaculately clean and well dressed and spot on all the time. Every time you saw him he almost looked manicured.
"He takes great pride in his appearance which is a great lesson to all players. But I hope he has a stinker tomorrow!"
Why did he move on then?
"He left because we had signed Ruud van Nistelrooy and Andy can't think about being a sub. That is all down to his personal pride. I wasn't sure that he and Ruud would be a partnership so it was a combination of me signing van Nistelrooy and Andy wanting to be first choice every time.
"It was much the same when we signed Andy and Sparky didn't want to be considered a sub so he left. It isn't that it is a disagreement, more that they want first team football and you can't guarantee it."