Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson missed out on signing one talented former Arsenal star ahead of legendary former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a fierce Premier League rivalry with Arsene Wenger during their respective times at Manchester United and Arsenal.
United and Arsenal fans were entertained with thrilling matches when the two Premier League sides would meet on the pitch under Ferguson and Wenger.
Ferguson edged out Wenger at different times in the signing of key transfers, including bringing United legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford in 2003.
During his illustrious time in charge at the Emirates, Wenger beat former United manager Ferguson to the Premier League title on three different occasions.
The 74-year-old Frenchman, who arrived at Arsenal in 1996, remained in football long after rival fierce Ferguson bowed out of management in 2013.
Wenger finally stepped down from his spell at Arsenal in 2018 after seven FA Cups and leading the famous ‘Invincibles’ side to the Premier League title.
Despite getting the better of Wenger on different occasions, Ferguson missed out on signing one former player who became a key part of the Frenchman’s Arsenal squad.
Ferguson did not sign ex-Arsenal star
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Planet Premier League podcast, Cesc Fabregas opened up on Manchester United wanting to sign him early in his career.
Cesc Fabregas, who retired from football in 2023, was part of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy during his early playing career before he signed for Arsenal.
The 36-year-old Spaniard left La Masia and switched to Arsenal’s academy in 2003, with Fabregas developing well under former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Fabregas went on to become Arsenal captain under Wenger and made 303 appearances for the Gunners before he re-signed for Barcelona in 2011.
The former Arsenal star admitted that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in him and there were “some conversations” with United before he signed for the Gunners.
“I think there was some conversations with my parents, but Arsenal were the ones who went full-on,” Fabregas said, as per Stretty News.
“I think [Gerard] Pique after went to United, but they were more interested in him than me.
“At this stage, I think they were talking to three or four players at the academy at Barcelona, but it was always Arsenal for me.”
Man Utd miss out on Fabregas
Ferguson had a roster of stacked midfield options during his prolific spell in charge at United, including the likes of Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Nicky Butt.
Fabregas’ former Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique struggled to secure regular playing time at United before he made his return to the Camp Nou.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona star, who lifted an FA Cup with the Gunners, enjoyed a successful period at the Camp Nou after he left the Emirates.
Fabregas lifted both a La Liga title and Copa del Rey with the Spanish club before he returned to England for the second time for a spell with Arsenal’s rivals Chelsea.
The ex-Arsenal captain finally added the Premier League title to his silverware cabinet during his time at Stamford Bridge, with Fabregas lifting the trophy twice.
Fabregas’ success in football also carried over to his international career with Spain, having won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 and a World Cup in 2010.
