• Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • Lionel Messi
    • Cristiano Ronaldo
    • EA FC 25
    • Wrexham
  • Boxing
    • Tyson Fury
    • Anthony Joshua
    • Oleksandr Usyk
    • Mike Tyson
    • Jake Paul
    • Logan Paul
  • UFC
    • Dana White
    • Conor McGregor
    • Khabib Nurmagomedov
    • Jon Jones
    • Paddy Pimblett
    • Joe Rogan
  • Other Sport
    • Athletics
    • Formula 1
    • MMA
    • Motorsport
    • NBA
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • Snooker
    • Wrestling
    • Tennis
    • Cricket
    • Golf
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube
Sir Alex Ferguson's 'worst ever signing' was told about the former Man Utd manager's brutal verdict on live TV

Home> Football> Football News> Man Utd

Updated 13:35 28 Jan 2024 GMTPublished 13:02 28 Jan 2024 GMT

Sir Alex Ferguson's 'worst ever signing' was told about the former Man Utd manager's brutal verdict on live TV

He wasn't impressed.

Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt

It is fair to say Owen Hargreaves' spell at Manchester United never quite lived up to expectations.

The now TV pundit spent four years at Old Trafford from 2007-2011, mustering up a total of just 39 appearances.

Having been touted as Sir Alex Ferguson's next midfield prodigy, the Scotsman famously delivered some harsh truths regarding his performances at the club.

"I look back less fondly on our move for Owen Hargreaves, who was phenomenal in the summer of 2006 and was just the type of player we needed to fill the gap left by [Roy] Keane," Fergie wrote in his autobiography back in 2013.

"We started to put together a bid for him.

Advert

"But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. I didn't feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern.

"I met Owen's agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United. It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever. He didn't show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking.

"I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career."

Owen Hargreaves playing against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2008. (Alamy)
Owen Hargreaves playing against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2008. (Alamy)

Advert

Hargreaves, who also played for rivals Manchester City, was even forced to listen to the words via ex-TNT Sports presenter Jake Humphrey years later.

An awkward segment allowed the former Bayern Munich man to share his thoughts in front of millions, as Fergie slammed his time at the Theatre of Dreams.

"A lot of people rung me this week very surprised by what he said, myself included," said Hargreaves.

"I think he said a lot of things in there that were with emotion and he was very disappointed obviously with the way things turned out."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Owen Hargreaves, Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United, Football

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Sports Journalist who also works for Manchester United, FourFourTwo and Reach PLC. He supports Scunthorpe United.

X

@_mattyholt

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
9 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    UEFA Has Issued Five Forfeits for Champions League Matches

    The UEFA Champions League returned this week.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Vinicius Jr Reveals the Only Club He’d Leave Real Madrid For

    Vinicius Jr started on the bench for Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille.

    Football
  • Getty
    9 hours ago

    Chelsea Player Savaged by Own Fans After Bayern Munich Loss

    Chelsea lost to Bayern Munich in their return to their Champions League.

    Football
  • Getty
    9 hours ago

    Alexander Isak's Liverpool Debut Stats Emerge After Dramatic Win vs Atletico

    Alexander Isak made his debut as Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid.

    Football
  • Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester Derby Prediction Torn Apart by BBC Commentator
  • What Happened to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Only Man City Signing From 2012
  • Sir Alex Ferguson’s Five-Man Transfer Shortlist Was Leaked
  • Sir Alex Ferguson Wanted Two Man City Legends at Man Utd but Missed Out