Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that failing to sign Paul Gascoigne for Manchester United remains one of his biggest managerial regrets. The legendary manager, now 83, recalled how Gascoigne's performance against his side in 1988 convinced him to pursue the midfielder.
Speaking on LADbibleTV, Ferguson described the moment he saw Gascoigne play for Newcastle United: 'He destroyed them. Honestly. And then he nutmegged Moses right in front of the dugout and patted him on the head.' Ferguson immediately urged then-chairman Martin Edwards to sign the player, but it was too late.
Gascoigne had already agreed a deal with Tottenham Hotspur, who secured his signature for a then-British record fee of £2.2 million. Ferguson believes the move to London was a mistake for the young star, saying: 'He goes to an island in London, and you’re easily swallowed up there as a young lad.'
Gascoigne went on to have a successful career, winning the FA Cup with Spurs and two Scottish Premiership titles with Rangers, but Ferguson remains convinced that under his guidance at United, Gascoigne could have achieved even more. Ferguson's United went on to win 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles.
