Jaap Stam believes being sold by Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson helped shape his career

JAAP STAM reckons being given the boot by Sir Alex Ferguson was the making of his career.

Stam was part of Fergie’s legendary Manchester United team that won the Treble in 1999.

But just two years after that glory night in Barcelona, the Dutch defender was sold by the United boss to Lazio over comments he made in his controversial autobiography.

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Stam returns to Old Trafford tomorrow for the first time since his brutal axing when he leads out Reading for their third-round FA Cup clash.

The Royals boss, 44, said: “Everybody knows what happened when I left.

“A manager makes certain choices at a certain moment and even if you are not happy, you have to deal with it. There is no point crying about it.

“It makes you stronger and you have to have the mentality and willpower to go out and prove you are still one of the best defenders in the world, as I did.”

Stam remains a United icon and the Stretford End still sing his name during matches nearly 16 years after his departure.

But the Reading chief insists he is not returning to the Theatre of Dreams just to relive the good old days.

He added: “I know the fans still sing my song. I’ve heard it from several people, which is nice.

“It tells you something about how I performed there and my relationship with the fans but I am not going there to wave.

“I wanted to win every game as a player and as a manager I am no different.

“We are going to be facing a very strong team, a very good side. It will not be easy but we have nothing to lose.

“Jose Mourinho is a manager who always wants to win trophies. Maybe he will make a couple of changes but he will also want to win the game.

“It is going to be a strong side that we will be facing but we believe in ourselves.”

The days of United ruling Europe are long gone but Stam believes Mourinho can restore the club to their former glory.

Stam said: “The current United squad is very good, they have a lot of quality. They play differently to how we played, maybe because of the league, but have spent a fair bit of money.

“Eventually, if you can make those players believe in themselves, then they can get results.

“Mourinho has a lot of experience and is looking for that mentality within the team and physique combined with technical ability.

“Even with this squad I think they can win the league.”