Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United, during the League Cup semi final second leg match between Manchester City and Manchester United in January. EPA
Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United, during the League Cup semi final second leg match between Manchester City and Manchester United in January. EPA
Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United, during the League Cup semi final second leg match between Manchester City and Manchester United in January. EPA
Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United, during the League Cup semi final second leg match between Manchester City and Manchester United in January. EPA

Football

Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson congratulates old rival Kenny Dalglish on Liverpool's title

Fergie was determined to 'knock Liverpool off their perch' when he became United manager

The National

June 27, 2020

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Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson sent a text message to congratulate old rival Kenny Dalglish after Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for a top-flight title by winning the Premier League.

Both Scots are icons at their former clubs and Ferguson, who managed United from 1986 to 2013 and famously declared he wanted to knock Liverpool of their perch, led his team to 13 Premier League trophies, five FA Cups and two Champions League titles.

Dalglish, who first played for and subsequently managed Liverpool, won three European Cups, eight First Division titles and two FA Cups during his time at the club.

"He [Ferguson] contacted us to say congratulations by the modern medium," Dalglish said.

"You go through the older generation – Fergie at Manchester United, Brian Kidd, Mike Summerbee; all the old foes who went through football at the same time as us – and at the end of the year you sent a letter of congratulations to say well done.

"That continues through. It is a great compliment. You are in competition and rivals, but you are magnanimous enough to send a letter saying congratulations. Everyone is in the same game, aren't they?"

  • Kenny Dalglish is formally introduced as the manager of Liverpool at Anfield on January 10, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
    Kenny Dalglish is formally introduced as the manager of Liverpool at Anfield on January 10, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
  • Liverpool player-manager Kenny Dalglish celebrates with the trophies on the teams homecoming bus parade after completing the Football League and FA Cup double, on May 11, 1986 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Getty Images
    Liverpool player-manager Kenny Dalglish celebrates with the trophies on the teams homecoming bus parade after completing the Football League and FA Cup double, on May 11, 1986 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Getty Images
  • 1979: (Left to right) Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen and Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool hold the trophy after the Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London. Liverpool won the match 3-1. Getty Images
    1979: (Left to right) Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen and Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool hold the trophy after the Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London. Liverpool won the match 3-1. Getty Images
  • May 1986: Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool takes on an Everton defender during the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London. Liverpool won the match 3-1. /Getty Images
    May 1986: Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool takes on an Everton defender during the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London. Liverpool won the match 3-1. /Getty Images
  • 1987: Kenny Dalglish of Scotland in action during a European Championship qualifying match against Luxembourg at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland won the match 3-0. Getty Images
    1987: Kenny Dalglish of Scotland in action during a European Championship qualifying match against Luxembourg at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland won the match 3-0. Getty Images
  • 16 May 2000: Kenny Dalglish plays for Celtic during the Ronnie Moran Testimonial match against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Liverpool won the match 4-1. Getty Images
    16 May 2000: Kenny Dalglish plays for Celtic during the Ronnie Moran Testimonial match against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool, England. Liverpool won the match 4-1. Getty Images
  • Steve Clarke and Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool, look on during the BPremier League against Sunderland at Stadium of Light on March 10, 2012 in Sunderland, England. Getty Images
    Steve Clarke and Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool, look on during the BPremier League against Sunderland at Stadium of Light on March 10, 2012 in Sunderland, England. Getty Images
  • The Kop display a banner honouring Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish prior to the Premier League match against Everton at Anfield on January 16, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
    The Kop display a banner honouring Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish prior to the Premier League match against Everton at Anfield on January 16, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
  • Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish looks on during the Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on March 21, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
    Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish looks on during the Premier League match against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road on March 21, 2012 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Liverpool fans display banners dedicated to former player and manager Kenny Dalglish during the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on May 15, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
    Liverpool fans display banners dedicated to former player and manager Kenny Dalglish during the Barclays Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on May 15, 2011 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
  • Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool, and Jamie Carragher celebrate with the trophy after the Carling Cup Final against Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2012 in London, England. Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties. Getty Images
    Kenny Dalglish, manager of Liverpool, and Jamie Carragher celebrate with the trophy after the Carling Cup Final against Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2012 in London, England. Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties. Getty Images
  • Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool scores past FC Bruges goalkeeper Birger Jensen in the European Cup final at Wembley, 11th May 1978. Liverpool won the match 1-0. Getty Images
    Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool scores past FC Bruges goalkeeper Birger Jensen in the European Cup final at Wembley, 11th May 1978. Liverpool won the match 1-0. Getty Images
  • Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish is congratulated by Graeme Souness after scoring in a First Division match against Arsenal at Highbury on September 10, 1983 in London, United Kingdom. Getty Images
    Liverpool player Kenny Dalglish is congratulated by Graeme Souness after scoring in a First Division match against Arsenal at Highbury on September 10, 1983 in London, United Kingdom. Getty Images
  • Kenny Dalglish of Scotland pictured before an Under-23 International against England at the Baseball Ground on 16th February 1972, in Derby, England. Getty Images
    Kenny Dalglish of Scotland pictured before an Under-23 International against England at the Baseball Ground on 16th February 1972, in Derby, England. Getty Images
  • Former Liverpool FC player and manager Kenny Dalglish is applauded after giving a speech during a memorial service to mark the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, at Anfield on April 15, 2016 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
    Former Liverpool FC player and manager Kenny Dalglish is applauded after giving a speech during a memorial service to mark the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, at Anfield on April 15, 2016 in Liverpool, England. Getty Images
  • Kenny Dalglish speaks to Sky Sports ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on December 21, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Getty Images
    Kenny Dalglish speaks to Sky Sports ahead of the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on December 21, 2018 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Getty Images
  • Liverpool player manager Kenny Dalglish shouts from the touchline during a First Division match against Coventry City on October 22, 1988 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Getty Images
    Liverpool player manager Kenny Dalglish shouts from the touchline during a First Division match against Coventry City on October 22, 1988 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Getty Images

Liverpool won the title after second-placed Manchester City were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea on Thursday, leaving the new champions with an unassailable 23-point lead with seven games left.

Dalglish, the last manager before current boss Jurgen Klopp to win the league with Liverpool, also praised skipper Jordan Henderson, who he signed from Sunderland during his second stint at the Merseyside club from 2011-12.

"He was determined to be a success in football. He's the only Liverpool captain who will have lifted this trophy but also the Club World Cup as well," the 69-year-old said.

Get inspired

Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).

Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.  

Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?). 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

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