Arsenal legend Martin Keown revealed he came close to signing for Manchester United but was unconvinced by a “mild-mannered” Sir Alex Ferguson. Keown, who had two stints with Arsenal, joined from Everton in 1993 and made 422 appearances, winning three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his time at the club.
In his autobiography, On The Edge, Keown admitted he was tempted when United expressed interest. He even met Ferguson at Old Trafford, where he initially felt drawn to the club. “This is the club. Look at the players they’ve got,” he recalled thinking.
However, Keown found Ferguson’s approach lacking. “He seemed very pleasant but didn’t show the anger I came to know well,” he said. United offered him half of what he was being offered elsewhere, and as they discussed the pitch, he began to feel uncertain.
Ferguson’s advice felt off to Keown, as he wanted to hear, “I want you,” rather than family-oriented suggestions. Ultimately, Keown has no regrets about not joining United, who became Arsenal’s greatest rivals.