Even the most legendary managers are not immune to transfer missteps, as Sir Alex Ferguson's candid reflection on a former Manchester United signing proves. The iconic Scot, who celebrated his 84th birthday this week, once branded the club's acquisition of midfielder Owen Hargreaves as nothing short of 'a disaster'.
A High-Profile Signing That Promised So Much
Manchester United secured the services of England international Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich in 2007 for a fee of £17 million. The move came with significant pedigree; Hargreaves had won four Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in Germany, and earned widespread praise for his performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Seen as a potential long-term successor to the formidable Roy Keane, the defensive midfielder made a promising start at Old Trafford. In his debut season, he featured 34 times, contributing as United achieved a historic Premier League and Champions League double. A key moment was his successful penalty in the dramatic shootout victory over Chelsea in Moscow.
The Injury Curse and Ferguson's Scathing Assessment
This early promise was brutally cut short. A debilitating and recurring case of patellar tendinitis ravaged Hargreaves' career, restricting him to just five more appearances across the subsequent three campaigns. His time at United effectively ended there, leading to a frank and damning appraisal from his manager.
In his 2013 autobiography, Ferguson revealed his initial doubts and ultimate disappointment. 'I didn't feel a strong vibe about him,' he wrote, despite then-CEO David Gill working hard on the deal. Ferguson's conclusion was stark: 'It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever. He didn't show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking... He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career.'
Hargreaves' Response and a Career Cut Short
Hargreaves left United upon the expiry of his contract in 2011, making a controversial switch to rivals Manchester City, where injuries limited him to a mere four outings before retirement. Now a pundit for TNT Sports, he addressed Ferguson's criticism in a 2021 interview with the Manchester Evening News.
Expressing surprise, Hargreaves defended his character and commitment. 'I left home at 15 alone... I left the comfort of Bayern to play for Man United because I wanted to represent Man United,' he stated. He emphasised the personal toll, telling Ferguson, 'it broke me more than it did him. Because that was my career.'
He provided a sobering health update, revealing the lasting impact of his knee problems: 'To this day, I haven't done a day of sport since. I can't because of my knee.' The story of Owen Hargreaves at Manchester United remains a poignant tale of what might have been, a high-stakes transfer undone by cruel fortune and differing perspectives on resilience.
