MANCHESTER UNITED legend Sir Alex Ferguson issued some life-altering advice to former Premier League manager Tony Pulis after he led Stoke to promotion.

Pulis, 67, took the Potters to the top flight in 2008 and called his Man Utd counterpart Ferguson, 83, to have a conversation that changed the Prem for the following five years.

4

4

4

The Welshman sought Fergie's advice and the legendary Scot simply told him to turn the bet365 Stadium - then Britannia Stadium - into a fortress for Stoke and a nightmare for the opposition.

Pulis did just that as he added some muscle within his squad and set up the pitch in a way that would make even the biggest Premier League clubs fret a cold rainy night in Stoke.

That saw the Potters turning into a mainstay in the Prem with the ex-Crystal Palace boss building a reputation as a manager who never gets relegated until his departure in 2013.

Pulis said back in March: "When we got promoted at Stoke, I called Sir Alex Ferguson up.

READ MORE IN FOOTBALL

CAN'T TAKE ANY MOR

Amorim admits 'we're worst Utd team ever' but warns fans of MORE misery

CHELSEA VS WOLVES

Predictions, betting tips and preview for tonight's Stamford Bridge clash

"He told me: 'Your best chance is making the Britannia a place no one wants to go.

"'If any of the top teams go there and praise you, you’re not doing it right.

"'The bottom line is football is about winning and if you don’t win football matches you aren’t going to be in the job very long'.

“I never forgot what he said, and as a result we narrowed the pitch in, grew the grass and brought Rory Delap into play.

Most read in Football

LUK AT THAT

Conte’s side pip Inter to Scudetto as McTominay & Lukaku score in Cagliari win

RETURN OF THE MAC

McTominay's bicycle kick wins Serie A for Napoli a year after United snub

UNITED LATEST

Amorim wants Casemiro 'GONE,' Mastantuono blow, Cunha deal agreed

OPEN-TOT BUS

Postecoglou gives update on future as Spurs celebrate ending trophy drought

Best new sign-up offers

SunSport exclusives

• William Hill: Claim your £60 in free bets -

• Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets -

• BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football -

• talkSPORT BET: £30 in free bets are up for grabs - *

• Tote: Grab your £40 welcome bonus - *

Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below!

Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more.

"We found a way to win and it worked.

"I don’t think I’ve ever been at a football stadium where the crowd and team were so together.

"We used to play the top teams and the place used to light up."

4