Manchester United missed the chance to sign Zinedine Zidane because Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t want to upset Eric Cantona
Former United chairman Martin Edwards reveals legendary Old Trafford boss turned down chance to buy French icon in 1996
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MANCHESTER UNITED missed the chance to sign Zinedine Zidane because Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t want to upset Eric Cantona.
That is according to former United chairman Martin Edwards.
Zidane moved from Bordeaux to Juventus for just £3million in 1996 before joining Real Madrid in a world-record deal in 2001.
But the career of one of the world’s greatest ever players could all have been so different had United made their move.
The Red Devils were interested in Zidane, then 24, before he sealed his move to Italy.
However, Fergie decided the now-legendary playmaker could not fit into a team with then-talisman Cantona.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Edwards revealed: “Zidane and Eric played in the same position and Alex felt if they brought Zidane in it would have upset Eric.
“In hindsight yes [it's a regret], because Eric retired a year later and Zidane was younger so he would have continued it.”
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Current Madrid boss Zidane went on to claim two Serie A titles with the Old Lady – and inspired France to win the World Cup at home in 1998 and Euro 2000.
He won a La Liga title and a Champions League after moving to the Bernabeu, as well as THREE Ballon d’Or crowns.
And has now continued with Madrid as their manager, winning a league title, Copa del Rey and two straight Champions League crowns.
