In a remarkable revelation that will shock Manchester United supporters, legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confessed to one of his biggest transfer market regrets during his storied reign at Old Trafford.
The Scot, who secured countless trophy successes during his 26-year tenure, has opened up about the disastrous signing of midfielder Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich in 2007 - a deal that ultimately cost the club £17 million and yielded just 39 appearances.
'We were had,' Ferguson admitted bluntly during a candid discussion on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. The 82-year-old revealed the true extent of his frustration with the transfer that promised so much but delivered so little due to persistent injury problems.
The Medical That Raised Red Flags
Ferguson's confession reveals the inner workings of a transfer that went terribly wrong from the very beginning. United's medical team had actually identified potential problems during Hargreaves' medical examination before the deal was finalized.
'Our medical staff were always concerned about his tendon problems,' Ferguson explained. The condition was serious enough that the club's doctors recommended against proceeding with the transfer - advice that Ferguson, captivated by Hargreaves' impressive Champions League performances for Bayern Munich, ultimately chose to overlook.
A Talent Too Good To Ignore
Despite the medical warnings, Ferguson's belief in Hargreaves' ability proved too strong to ignore. The midfielder had been exceptional during Bayern's Champions League campaign, particularly in their victory over Ferguson's own United side.
'He was fantastic,' Ferguson recalled of Hargreaves' performances against United. 'He was the best player on the pitch. I had to take him.' This compelling display, combined with Hargreaves' impressive showing for England at the 2006 World Cup, convinced Ferguson to gamble against medical advice.
The Aftermath of a Failed Gamble
The transfer serves as a rare example of Ferguson's judgment failing him in the market. Hargreaves' persistent tendon issues limited him to just four appearances in his final three seasons at Old Trafford before he was released in 2011.
Ferguson's candid admission provides fascinating insight into the complex decision-making processes behind major transfers and serves as a reminder that even the most successful managers can make costly mistakes in the pursuit of talent.
