Sir Alex Ferguson’s chance to bring an iconic cult hero he always wanted at Old Trafford was scuppered due to one world-class Manchester United legend’s decision.
The 82-year-old iconic former Manchester United manager called it time on his legendary career in the dugout back in 2013.
Considered one of the best managers of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out of Old Trafford after he led the Red Devils to their last Premier League title.
The legendary Scotsman oversaw incredible success at the Premier League club, including leading United to a famous treble win in the 1998-99 season.
Ferguson was known for his desire to bring the best in class to Old Trafford and managed several talented players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona.
However, even the United legend failed to sign top talent during his time at the Red Devils, with Ferguson missing out on different legendary former players.
Following his retirement from football, Ferguson opened up about the four players he wished he managed and the three underrated players he had at United.
The former United manager also opened up about his regret in not managing one cult hero, despite having the chance to sign him for the Red Devils.
Ferguson missed out on England hero
Sir Alex Ferguson was a big admirer of England legend Paul Gascoigne and tried his best effort to bring him to Old Trafford during the late 1980s.
Paul Gascoigne is widely considered one of the best English players of all time and had a sensational impact during his illustrious playing career.
The 57-year-old had told Ferguson he would sign for Manchester United in 1988 before he made the switch to Tottenham for a then-British record fee of £2.2m.
‘Gazza,’ whose off-field issues impacted his prolific playing career, left Tottenham in 1992 and signed for Italian side Lazio.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Gascoigne revealed that he spoke with Ferguson about the idea of signing for United before his exit from Lazio in 1995.
Despite his desire to sign Gascoigne, Ferguson revealed the decision to bring him to Old Trafford was dependent on Eric Cantona’s future at United.
Eric Cantona, who was one of Ferguson’s four world-class players he managed, had been involved in his infamous ‘kung-fu’ kick incident with a Crystal Palace fan.
The 58-year-old United legend remained at Old Trafford, despite being handed down a nine-month ban for his kung-fu kick in 1995.
“When I was leaving Lazio, I did have the chance [to sign for Man United],” Gascoigne said.
“I remember ringing up Bryan Robson and saying, ‘Look, I’m leaving Lazio, are Man United interested?’
“Fergie was right next to him, so I spoke to him and he said, ‘Look, I’ll tell you what I’ll do: I’ve got Cantona and if he leaves, I’m going to sign you, but if he stays, then because the two of you play in the same position, I’m just going to keep Cantona.’ Obviously, Cantona stayed and I made a great move to Rangers.”
Gascoigne after failed Man Utd move
Gascoigne left Lazio and moved to Scottish side Rangers and underwent a career resurgence ahead of his sensational impact for England at Euro 96.
“Lazio, it had come to the latter years and I was miserable and sad and I had an injury and I had to get that over,” he added.
“I knew I was leaving and I asked [my agent] what teams were involved. He said Chelsea, Glenn Hoddle, and I said, ‘I’m not going to him.’
“The problem with me and Glenn Hoddle was he says, ‘Gazza, I’ve found God,’ and I said, ‘That must’ve been a great pass.’ But Rangers are a massive club.
“I always watched them how they did and Walter [Smith] when he came over and seen us, he said, ‘Look, you seem a bit sad, you come to our club, it’ll put a smile on your face and you’ll enjoy your football again, and there were some good guys like Coisty [Ally McCoist] and Durranty [Ian Durrant].’
“I thought that’s all I really needed and I knew how big the club was and on top of that I had Euro 96, so it all [came] together for us.
“I got some abuse in that dressing room for a few weeks prior to the tournament, but I just told the lads, ‘Look, guys, you’ve seen how I play for Rangers but you’ve not seen what I’m like when I play for England.’
“So, to score that goal [against Scotland at Euro 96] was phenomenal, it was a brilliant feeling. That year was fantastic for me.”