Sir Alex Ferguson reveals why he ‘turned down Arsenal’ to become Man Utd manager in 1986

Add as preferred source on Google

Sir Alex Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, and he nearly ended up at Arsenal.

In 1986, Ferguson had come to the end of an incredibly successful spell as Aberdeen manager, and also briefly managed the Scotland National Team before stepping down, and there was no shortage of offers.

Arsenal did not enjoy a strong end to the 1985-86 season. Don Howe resigned as manager in March, and The Gunners slid down to seventh place in the First Division.

They were on the hunt for a new manager, and Ferguson was greatly admired, with Arsenal making him an offer to take over.

However, Ferguson rejected Arsenal to join Manchester United, where he won 13 Premier League titles, and he has now explained why he made the decision.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s top European nights at Highbury and Emirates Stadium

Sir Alex Ferguson rejected Arsenal and Tottenham before Man United move

Speaking in an interview with TNT Sports, Ferguson claimed that he rejected clubs including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, after he was advised that Aberdeen had a great setup and Man United was the only club he should have considered joining.

I turned down Arsenal, I turned down Wolverhampton Wanderers and I turned down Tottenham,” he stated.

“I said that maybe it was time for me to leave, blah, blah, blah, and he [Aberdeen Chairman Dick Donald] said to me ‘don’t talk like that.’ You should go only to one club – Manchester United.

“I never budged until that came long. When it came along, I couldn’t get there quick enough.”

Arsenal hired George Graham instead of Sir Alex Ferguson

After being rejected by Ferguson, Arsenal hired George Graham in the summer of 1986, and the rest is history.

Whilst Ferguson initially struggled in his first few years at Man United, Graham had a huge instant impact at Arsenal in a legendary spell.

Arsenal won the League Cup in 1987 in Graham’s first season, before winning the First Division two years later, with an iconic victory at Anfield sealing the title.

Graham won two titles before Ferguson even won one, with Man United then dominating the early 1990s before Arsene Wenger arrived at Highbury.