Sir Alex Ferguson, a legend of Manchester United, was known for luring players to Old Trafford, but Trent Alexander-Arnold, a Liverpool prospect, refused to be persuaded before going on to become a household name at Anfield.
Players from all over the world would have leaped at the chance to play for Sir Alex Ferguson, but Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was one promising prospect who declined his advances.
Few coaches in the history of football have had as much success as Sir Alex, who controlled English football for 27 years at Manchester United.
Alexander-Arnold, now 24 years old, grew up watching Fergie’s United, and today he is one of the most notable players from Jurgen Klopp’s prosperous era at United’s rivals Liverpool. He has had great success as a dynamic and attack-minded right-back, winning many championships including the Champions League and Premier League.
His efforts on the pitch, such his exquisite free kicks and accurate crosses, have won the hearts of Liverpool supporters, who want to see him keep up his strong work for many more seasons to come. According to the Daily Express, if Ferguson had his way, the outcome may have been quite different.
It is reported that Ferguson tried to entice Alexander-Arnold to Old Trafford in the book “Red on Red” by Phil McNulty and Jim White, which examines the long-standing rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool. Ferguson’s aim to “knock Liverpool off their perch” is well known, and he was successful in doing so during his time as manager, but persuading Alexander-Arnold to switch sides was a challenge.
Ferguson learned that John Alexander, Alexander-Arnold’s uncle, served as United’s club secretary in 2011. Ferguson approached the teenage defender because he was impressed by his talent.
Alexander-Arnold, though, has no plans to leave his beloved Liverpool. He not only declined Ferguson’s offer, but he also made a cheeky remark in response, stating, “My mum doesn’t like driving on motorways.” It was a lighthearted retort that demonstrated his unshakable devotion to his beloved team.
Alexander-Arnold has since made 277 appearances for Liverpool, solidifying his position as an important member of the squad. With 89 goals scored in all competitions, he has made an impressive contribution to the team’s scoring, and his 55 Premier League assists are a record for a defender.
It’s interesting to note that Ferguson and Alexander-Arnold have a relationship outside of sport. Ferguson admitted in his autobiography that he once dated Doreen Carling, the grandmother of Alexander-Arnold. Ferguson’s romance with Carling, whom he referred to as his “first steady girlfriend,” lasted for roughly 18 months before they split up.
As luck would have it, the rivalry between the two teams has only grown since Alexander-Arnold turned down Ferguson’s approaches and went on to succeed at Liverpool. While Ferguson’s legacy at United is unassailable, the youthful right-back has emerged as a symbol of Liverpool’s revival under Klopp.
Decisions like Alexander-Arnold’s rejection of Ferguson can define destinies in the fiercely competitive world of football. It serves as a reminder that devotion to one’s team can triumph over alluring offers from rival organisations.
Fans can’t help but ponder what could have happened if Alexander-Arnold had chosen to join Manchester United as he continues to maraud down the wing for Liverpool, providing perfect crosses and scoring breathtaking goals. But one thing is certain: His disapproval of Ferguson has only strengthened his will to excel at Anfield and secure his place in Liverpool’s illustrious past.