Kleberson Reveals Language Barrier That Shielded Him from Fergie’s Hairdryer Treatment

One of the toughest challenges for players entering the Premier League is overcoming the language barrier. Almost everyone in the league speaks English, making it essential for foreign stars to learn the language quickly.

Kleberson, who joined Manchester United from Athletico Paranaense in 2003 at the age of 23, surprisingly found the language barrier beneficial at times. His limited English helped him avoid the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane during his early days at the club.

'They were tough and that meant you had to be as well' Kleberson explains what it's like to work with Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane

“I remember in one of my early games, Ferguson was screaming at me while my teammates looked concerned,” the 46-year-old, who now speaks fluent English, shared in an interview. “But I didn’t understand a word he was saying. My English was terrible. I asked Quinton Fortune, who spoke Portuguese, for help and he smiled, saying, 'Don’t worry about it, mate, just play your game!' He knew I was nervous.”

On another occasion, during training, Keane directed his passionate intensity toward Kleberson, only to end up more confused than the Brazilian. “One time, when we were training, Keane shouted at me and I didn’t comprehend it. So, I just told him about winning the World Cup in 2002. I didn’t know what else to say, and he looked so confused!”

Kleberson reflects positively on his time with Keane, despite the language struggles. “Keane was a fantastic captain and a wonderful person. Everything he did was for the team. If you were playing alongside him, you could play your game knowing he would have your back.”

Looking back on his fewer than 20 league appearances over two seasons, Kleberson cherishes his memory at Old Trafford, alongside iconic figures like Ferguson and Keane.

“It was special at Manchester United, with both Sir Alex Ferguson and Roy Keane, the captain. They set a tough standard, and it meant you had to be tough as well. The manager ruled everything, while Keane controlled the dressing room.”

“This was a stark contrast to my experience in Brazil, where the atmosphere is more relaxed. At United, you needed to be prepared to fight and learn every day. I loved it!”