Fergie admits Stam mistake

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he made a mistake in selling the Dutch Ajax defender Jaap Stam for £16.5m to Lazio in 1999. Many Utd fans feel this was one of the few mistakes Alex made in his managerial career.

Stam, now 35, is back in his homeland playing for Ajax since 2006, and still performing to a high level.

Jaap himself said that he was 'unsurprised' by Fergie's admission.

"It is good that a man like Ferguson dares to admit that he makes mistakes," Stam told AD Sportwereld. "It doesn't surprise me, though. I always knew for myself that United made an error by selling me.

"I know that this is the same feeling for many people around the club, from colleagues to fans. When I speak with people I hear they should never have let me go."

Sir Alex revealed that the offer - £16.5m - was too good to turn down at the time. Sir Alex applauded Jaap Stam for the way he is continually playing to a high standard today; currently with Ajax.