Liverpool legend claims Sir Alex Ferguson once tried to bring him to Manchester United. The Scottish manager personally called him to make him take the deal.
The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is one of the fiercest in the world. It is not just limited to football but has a historical context as well. The construction of the Manchester Ship Canal took away shipping traffic from the Liverpool dock. It helped the city of Manchester grow.
The two clubs sit on the top of the pile of English football. Both clubs have seen their ups and downs. Liverpool dominated the 80s and entered the next decade with 18 league titles to their name. But Sir Alex made good on his promise of knocking Liverpool off the perch to reach 20 titles.
United’s fortunes have since waned with Liverpool joining the Red Devils on equal number of titles. The rivalry is so deeply entrenched that just 10 players have played for both clubs.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Liverpool legend wanted by Sir Alex
Ian Rush could have been joined Manchester United in 1988. (Credits: Imago Images)
After spending seven seasons with Liverpool, Ian Rush left for Juventus. However, life at Turin didn’t suit him as the club put him back in the market. Rush wasn’t initially aware about the development. A call from Sir Alex though set things rolling.
Speaking to Redmen TV YouTube channel Rush said, “I was just at home one night and I got a phone call and it was Alex Ferguson from Man United.”
“He says, ‘I want you to sign for Manchester United.’ I said, ‘I’m not for sale.’ He said, ‘Yes, you are.’ So I put the phone down”, explaining the exchange.
More such calls followed
Similar calls followed as Colin Harvey and Graeme Souness called him. Colin Harvey was the Everton manager at that time. He played on Rush being a boyhood Everton fan. While Souness was player-manager at Rangers. He too wanted his former teammate at his club.
The calls convinced Rush that he was up for sale. Finally, a call from then Liverpool boss Kenny Dalgish made him comeback for his second stint.
“Listen, you’re signing for Liverpool. I’ve got you on the flight. I’m going to meet you at Manchester airport and you’re signing for Liverpool.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ Then I came back.”
The Welshman is the Reds’ all-time leading goal scorer with 346 goals in 660 appearances.
