The legendary former Reds and England midfielder recalls noting how Bruce would often pick up star ratings for Norwich City in the Sunday newspapers and he mentioned this to the manager.
As things would pan out, not only would the dependable defender end up at Old Trafford but he replaced Robbo as captain and gave nine years of fabulous service.
Generally acknowledged as one of the best English players of his generation not to represent the international side (although he did captain the England B team and Sir Bobby Robson later admitted he had been wrong not to pick his fellow Geordie), Bruce is probably best known to younger fans for his managerial exploits, as he has bossed 11 different teams over the years.