'Was that the best for Man United? Do me a favour' - why Roy Keane was left stunned by three Sir Alex Ferguson transfer moves

In 2010, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson demanded the return of all three players he'd sent on loan to Preston North End. While it is not uncommon for parent clubs to recall their players, the Reds' decision to summon Ritchie de Laet, Josh King and Matty James back to Old Trafford came just one day after the Lilywhites had sacked Darren Ferguson, son of Sir Alex.

Darren had spent just 11 months in charge of the Deepdale club. The manager took charge of 49 matches and won just 13 of those games - drawing 12 and losing the other 24. He was sacked with Preston bottom of the Championship.

It didn't take long for David Unsworth, who was placed in temporary charge following Ferguson's departure, to have a selection headache, with United insisting that De Laet, King and James all returned to the club. It came as a major blow to Preston, especially given that the trio were all featuring consistently for the first team. It was even more frustrating given that it appeared Sir Alex was simply getting revenge following Darren's sacking.

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According to a report from the Daily Mail, the faxed message made it clear Ferguson disapproved of his son's treatment, and despite Preston languishing at the foot of the table, United were adamant that their players would return to Old Trafford. Belgian defender De Laet and Norwegian forward King were quick to come back to the Reds, but James' season-long agreement meant that he was not able to leave the Lilywhites until the new year.

"This has come as a shock to us and a bit of a blow," said Preston chairman Maurice Lindsay at the time. "Ritchie de Laet and Joshua King won't be available for Saturday's game because