Arsenal legend Alan Smith has revealed that he once had the chance to join Manchester United after a personal phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson but ultimately chose to sign for Arsenal instead.
Smith, who arrived at Highbury from Leicester City in 1987, became one of Arsenal’s most prolific forwards, scoring over 100 goals and finishing as the club’s top scorer for four straight seasons.
His contributions helped the Gunners win two league titles, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup, solidifying his place among the club’s greatest-ever strikers.
However, things could have been very different. Ferguson, who had just taken over at Old Trafford, personally reached out in an attempt to lure Smith to Manchester United. At the time, United were struggling, and the legendary manager was still trying to establish himself.
Speaking on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, Smith recalled the moment Ferguson called him at home:
“It was a January evening, and I was watching Coronation Street with my parents when the phone rang. My mum answered and said, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she must have misheard.”
Ferguson wanted Smith to wait until the summer, when he would be a free agent, but the striker had already set his sights on Arsenal.
“I told him, ‘Mr. Ferguson, I’m sorry, but I’ve made up my mind—I want to join Arsenal.’ It was a short conversation, and after I put the phone down, I did wonder if I’d made the right decision.”
Despite brief doubts, Smith’s choice paid off. While Ferguson struggled in his early years at United, Arsenal won the league in Smith’s second season, and he enjoyed a highly successful career in North London.
“It was a gamble—choosing the right club at the right time—but I had a brilliant time at Arsenal. Looking back, I know I made the right choice,” Smith concluded.
Ferguson, of course, went on to build a dynasty at Manchester United, winning 13 Premier League titles, nine domestic cups, and two Champions League trophies. But for Smith, Arsenal was always the right fit.