Amazing Players That Alex Ferguson Almost Signed

Amazing Players That Alex Ferguson Almost Signed

Sir Alex Ferguson had an eye for talent like no other. His managerial reign was marked by the acquisition of legendary players who contributed to the club’s storied history.

However, despite his remarkable ability to spot potential, there were several high-profile players who slipped through his fingers.

This article explores some of the most notable talents that Ferguson nearly brought to Old Trafford but ultimately missed out on for various reasons.

Petr Čech

Petr Čech, now regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history, was once a promising young talent at Rennes. In 2003, Ferguson was keenly observing the Czech international, who was beginning to establish himself as a formidable presence between the posts. However, the United manager ultimately deemed Čech too young for the rigours of English football at that time.

Ferguson famously remarked, “I went to see Petr Čech when he was at Rennes. He was 19 at the time, and I thought to myself, ‘He’s too young.’” This decision would haunt United fans as Čech went on to join Chelsea, where he became a key player, winning multiple league titles and setting records for clean sheets.

Had Čech joined United, the club might have benefitted from his outstanding shot-stopping abilities and leadership qualities. Instead, Ferguson’s hesitation allowed Chelsea to secure a player who would become instrumental in their success for over a decade.

Didier Drogba

Another player who could have donned the red jersey was Didier Drogba. The Ivorian striker was lighting up Ligue 1 with Marseille, and Ferguson was keen to add him to his attacking arsenal. However, while United mulled over the transfer fee, Chelsea swooped in and secured Drogba for £24 million.

Ferguson later reflected, “We went to check him out, but the club wanted £25 million, and Chelsea moved in for the kill before we had made up our minds.” Drogba went on to become a Chelsea legend, scoring over 150 goals and winning numerous titles, including the Champions League.

The missed opportunity to sign Drogba not only impacted United’s attack but also intensified the rivalry with Chelsea, as he consistently proved to be a thorn in United’s side during his time in London.

Zinedine Zidane

In the mid-1990s, Zinedine Zidane was emerging as one of the brightest talents in football. Ferguson was well aware of Zidane’s capabilities and even considered bringing him to Manchester United. However, with Eric Cantona already in the squad, Ferguson opted to remain loyal to his star player.

In an interview, Ferguson stated, “I felt Zidane played in the same position as Eric. I didn’t want to disrupt the harmony we had.” Zidane eventually joined Juventus, where he continued to flourish before moving to Real Madrid, where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.

Had Ferguson signed Zidane, the dynamics of United’s midfield could have changed dramatically. The Frenchman’s elegance and vision would have complemented United’s attacking style, potentially leading to even more silverware during Ferguson’s tenure.

Ronaldinho

In the early 2000s, Ronaldinho was dazzling fans with his performances at Paris Saint-Germain. Ferguson had his sights set on the Brazilian as a potential replacement for David Beckham, who had just left for Real Madrid. However, complications arose during negotiations, and the deal fell through.

Ferguson lamented, “There was a problem with his brother, who was his agent. Peter Kenyon, who was chief executive then, didn’t get the job done.” Ronaldinho eventually signed with Barcelona, where he became a global superstar, winning the Ballon d’Or in 2005.

The failure to sign Ronaldinho left a void in United’s attacking options. His flair and creativity would have added a different dimension to the team, and fans can only speculate what could have been had he joined the Red Devils.

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer, one of the most prolific strikers in Premier League history, was a player Ferguson desperately wanted to sign. Shearer had a stellar spell at Blackburn Rovers and was keen on a move to Manchester United. However, Blackburn’s chairman, Jack Walker, was opposed to the transfer due to the local rivalry.

Ferguson recounted, “Shearer had been to my house, spoke to me, and assured me he wanted to come. The problem was with the chairman of Blackburn, who was not a fan of Manchester United.” Shearer eventually joined Newcastle United, where he became a club legend.

Had Shearer made the switch to Old Trafford, he would have formed a formidable partnership with the likes of Cantona and later, maybe even Wayne Rooney. His goal-scoring prowess could have propelled United to even greater heights during the 1990s.

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski was another player on Ferguson’s radar during his time at Borussia Dortmund. In 2012, just before Ferguson’s retirement, the Polish striker expressed his desire to join United. However, Dortmund were unwilling to let him leave, and the move never materialised.

Lewandowski later reflected on the situation, stating, “I was very interested. I can even say I was ready. But Dortmund didn’t want to let me go.” He eventually joined Bayern Munich, where he became one of the world’s best strikers.

The potential signing of Lewandowski could have transformed United’s attacking options, especially in the wake of Ferguson’s retirement. His goal-scoring ability and work ethic would have made him a perfect fit for the club.

Philipp Lahm

Philipp Lahm, a player known for his versatility and tactical intelligence, was another talent Ferguson admired. During his loan spell at Stuttgart, Lahm showcased his skills against Manchester United in the Champions League, catching Ferguson’s attention.

Ferguson was keen to bring him to Old Trafford, but the move never materialised. Lahm later stated, “After three months, I was the best player on the field against Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson wanted me in England; I think that says enough.

Had Lahm joined United, he would have provided a level of stability and quality in defence that was sometimes lacking. His ability to play in multiple positions would have added depth to the squad during Ferguson’s tenure.

Vincent Kompany

Vincent Kompany was another player Ferguson had his eye on during his early career at Anderlecht. The Belgian defender was just 18 years old when he caught Ferguson’s attention. However, the move never materialised, and Kompany eventually joined Manchester City, where he became a club legend.

Ferguson expressed regret over the missed opportunity, noting that Kompany was at the top of his wish list in 2004. “Watching him have such success must be a bitter pill to swallow for United fans,” he said.

Kompany’s leadership and defensive abilities could have bolstered United’s backline during a period when they were looking to establish dominance in English football. His success at City only adds to the narrative of what could have been.

Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller, a product of Bayern Munich’s youth system, was another player Ferguson was interested in during his formative years. United had their eye on Müller when he was just ten years old, but he ultimately chose to commit to Bayern Munich.

Ferguson later remarked, “We had him watched, and the following day he committed himself to Bayern Munich.” Müller has since become a key figure at Bayern, winning numerous titles and establishing himself as one of the best forwards in the game.

Had Müller joined United, his goal-scoring prowess and work ethic could have made a significant impact on the team’s success. His ability to play in various attacking roles would have provided Ferguson with additional tactical flexibility.

Sergio Agüero

Sergio Agüero, a name synonymous with Manchester City’s success, was once a target for Ferguson during his time at Atletico Madrid. Agüero’s agent, however, was demanding too high a fee, which ultimately deterred United from pursuing the transfer.

Ferguson noted, “His agent was demanding a price we were not prepared to pay.” Agüero eventually joined City, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer.

The potential signing of Agüero could have changed the landscape of Manchester football. His explosive pace and clinical finishing would have complemented United’s attacking style, making him a valuable asset during Ferguson’s later years.

Paul Gascoigne

Gazza, one of England’s most naturally gifted midfielders, was on the verge of joining Manchester United in 1988. Ferguson had personally spoken to Gascoigne and believed the deal was done, only for Tottenham Hotspur to swoop in at the last moment with an improved offer—including a house for Gascoigne’s family.

Ferguson later recalled, “We spoke to him the night before, and he said, ‘Go on holiday, boss, and I’ll be signing for Manchester United.’ Then Tottenham bought his mother and father a house in the north-east, and that was that.” Gascoigne instead moved to Spurs, where he became a star before later playing for Lazio and Rangers.

Had he joined United, Gascoigne could have been a transformative figure in Ferguson’s early years at the club. His dribbling ability, vision, and creativity would have provided an extra spark in midfield, potentially accelerating United’s return to dominance in the early ’90s. It might just have saved Gazza from himself and his demons too.