Aditya Bose
Les Ferdinand rejected the chance of playing for Manchester United
According to BBC, Les Ferdinand stood out as one of English football’s most sought-after players in 1994. Manchester United, the reigning league champions back then, had their eyes set on signing him.
On Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast, Ferdinand makes a revelation:
“It was not a rumour. Ray Wilkins called me and said Sir Alex Ferguson was going to put in an offer.”
The day after United’s approach, Ferdinand assured the chairman that he was certain he’d be making the move to Old Trafford. Sadly, things didn’t unfold exactly as he’d hoped.
Ferdinand breathed new life into QPR, who had been struggling financially following their Premier League relegation. He shared a close relationship with former England coach Steve McClaren while assembling a squad ready to challenge in the Championship Play-offs.
He scored 29 goals in 44 for Newcastle in a fantastic season and became the PFA Player of the Year in 1995–96. His moment of glory for England came in February 1993 against San Marino, scoring one goal in a 6-0 victory at Wembley. He went on to represent England 17 times, bagging five goals in Euro 96 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
The journey to managerial greatness for Sir Alex Ferguson commenced at the age of 32 in the summer of 1974. The club he took charge of as his first coaching role best symbolizes his transformation from humble beginnings to grand success.
Every player back then wanted to play for Ferguson. When the Man United manager called, no one really said no. Ferdinand didn’t want to either. However, a move never materialised for him, sadly.
His legacy was cemented during his time at QPR and Newcastle, which is why fans hold him in such high regard. It’s still a puzzle why Newcastle decided to sell him. Injuries interrupted a six-season stint at Spurs, but he ended as Leicester’s Player of the Year.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United forward Anthony Martial rejected the only realistic offer that came for the player during the summer transfer window.
- Manchester United defender Harry Maguire confesses that he is contemplating his future at the club.
- Former Chelsea player Glen Johnson believes Mason Mount is regretting his choice to join Manchester United.
Even now, it remains a mystery why he didn’t sign with United, given his exceptional form at the time. One can’t help but wonder how his involvement with United might have elevated him to even greater heights.
