Former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson tried to convince him to sign for Manchester United in the 1990s.
The Netherlands international enjoyed a glittering career, playing for some of the best teams in Europe including Ajax, AC Milan, Juventus and FC Barcelona.
Nicknamed “the pitbull”, he was an energetic yet highly skilled midfielder who dominated midfield battles in the 1990s and early 2000s.
He did finish his career in England, playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and finally Barnet until 2014.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Davids commented on how close he once was to joining the Red Devils whilst at the peak of his powers.
The Dutchman claimed, “I got to talk to Sir Alex and it was one of the most incredible talks I ever had. But I had already made my mind up to go somewhere else [Milan].”
Elaborating further on his call with the legendary manager he claimed, “yes, it was in 1996, when I was with Ajax, but it was just the way he [Ferguson] was. His personality and everything. It was a whole different level.”
He revealed that he relished the European battles against United with Juventus but that he has never regretted not moving to Old Trafford.
Davids explained, “but no regrets. I only considered Italy for me because Italy was the place I wanted to be. The best players were playing in Italy at the time, like it is now in the Premier League.”
The former Netherlands international also interestingly revealed that he idolised a surprising United midfielder growing up.
The Champions League winner stated, “I already watched Manchester United as they had a player I really liked – Paul Ince. He was a midfielder who was unbelievable. I also played against him, when he played for Inter and I played for Milan.”
He claimed that his matchup versus Ince and Marcel Desailly was an incredible battle during the Milan derby in the 1996-1997 season.
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
