The call that typified Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Roy Keane advice that sparked a career

The phone call lasted only a matter of minutes but the impact was felt for much longer.

Kenny Cooper might not have made a first-team appearance for Manchester United during his three years at Old Trafford but Sir Alex Ferguson had no hesitation in giving him a call when the American reached out. Forward Cooper was highly rated during his time with the Reds having impressed on trial following a successful Dallas Cup in his homeland.

He enjoyed a successful career, playing mainly in the States, and won 10 international caps. The breakthrough never arrived at United but Ferguson didn't forget him and when Cooper sought some career guidance for his role at FC Dallas in shaping stars of the future, the legendary boss responded.

ALSO READ: 'I swore never to join bitter rivals United... but I ended up drinking tea with Keane'

ALSO READ: 'F*** him, I'm signing!' - Keane's furious meeting with United great after comical Real Madrid phone call

"I reached out to him a couple of years ago seeking career guidance and I got a call back maybe a day later and I was blown away that he would take the time to do that," said Cooper, speaking to the Manchester Evening News from across the Atlantic. "That acknowledgement and encouragement he gave me was so meaningful.

"I am not sure we spent much more than two minutes on the phone but that he took any time on the phone to call and chat was absolutely amazing. Away from soccer, that was him understanding what that could do for me. He would do that for someone and it was so appreciated. He was amazing, he really had such an amazing fatherly presence."

Cooper arrived in Manchester through a combination of ability and circumstance. Playing in the much-heralded Dallas Cup tournament, he