Roy Keane has said that Premier League icon Paolo Di Canio would have been “decent” at Manchester United, following the news that Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign the Italian forward during the 2001-02 season.
Despite Ferguson’s interest, Di Canio ultimately turned down a move to Old Trafford, choosing to stay with West Ham, the club that had supported him during a difficult period in his career.
Ferguson attempted to bring Di Canio to Manchester United midway through the 2001-02 season, but the forward rejected the offer, choosing loyalty to West Ham, who had rescued him after his controversial ban for pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground in 1998.
Di Canio was grateful to West Ham for offering him a lifeline, paying £1.5m to bring him from Sheffield Wednesday in 1999. He enjoyed a successful spell at the club, scoring 47 goals in 118 Premier League appearances.
Reflecting on the decision to stay, Di Canio admitted it felt strange to turn down Sir Alex Ferguson, but his loyalty to West Ham outweighed the allure of Manchester United.
He told Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, “It was strange for me to say no to Sir Alex. I said ‘thanks, 1000 times thanks, but I can’t. West Ham are the family that warmed to me in the worst moment in my life, I’m the skipper, I can’t.’”
He also shared that Ferguson respected his decision, saying, “You are the man that I thought you were.”Keane, speaking on The Overlap, recalled Di Canio’s famous FA Cup goal against Manchester United, where Gary Neville’s defensive mistake allowed Di Canio to score a memorable winner.
“He probably would have been decent at United,” said Keane. “Nev kept his hand up for about eight minutes after that goal!”
Jamie Carragher also chimed in, agreeing with Keane’s assessment of Di Canio’s potential, stating that he could have been a “Cantona-esque” player at United due to his skill. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also praised Di Canio’s talent, calling him “so skilful, what a skilful player.”
Di Canio’s Legacy at West Ham and Manchester United’s Success
Although Di Canio never played for United, his legacy at West Ham remains strong, with the Italian forward stating he has no regrets about his decision.
Despite Manchester United’s dominance in the Premier League, winning multiple league titles and the Champions League during that period, Di Canio was content with his choice to stay with the club that had supported him when others had turned away.