Oliver Kahn Claims Former Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson Is 'Still Mad' At Him To This Day

Bayern Munich legend Oliver Kahn has explained why former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is "still mad" at him to this day.

The intimidating German goalkeeper, who spent 14 years at the Bavarian club before retiring in 2008, is widely regarded as one of the all-time great shot-stoppers.

He twice claimed the record for the longest period without conceding a goal in the Bundesliga and, during a trophy-laden 21-year career, he became the only goalkeeper in history to win a Golden Ball award.

Image credit: Alamy

Kahn cemented himself in the Bayern history books after making over 400 appearances for the club, although a move to Manchester United in the early '00s could have scuppered his legacy.

Back in 2003, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had still not found a long-term replacement for Peter Schmeichel, who had left Old Trafford in 1999 after their treble-winning campaign - and Kahn was reportedly a top priority.

The German goalkeeper, however, was not interested in a move to Manchester - a decision that angered Ferguson, according to Kahn.

"Sir Alex Ferguson is still mad at me today," Kahn told German publication Bild. "He thought that I would move to Manchester United in 2003 or 2004. But I was more interested in trying to define an era at Bayern."

In the interview, Kahn also revealed his regret at not taking the opportunity to join Manchester United. "Looking back, I should have done it then," he added. "It would have been a nice challenge for me."

Image credit: Alamy

As well as his ability between the sticks, Kahn was known for his terrifying presence and fiery temper.

Former Germany forward Mehmet Scholl, who spent 13 years playing alongside Kahn at Bayern, once said there were only two things in life he feared: war and Oliver Kahn.

To put his fearsome character into further context, Bundesliga's YouTube channel created a masterpiece celebrating his most outrageous moments, including the time he scared Bayer Leverkusen striker Thomas Brdaric by "pushing him down like a wrestler."

Not to mention the time he nibbled Dortmund player Heiko Herrlich's neck.

Would you like to have seen Oliver Kahn in a Manchester United shirt?

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Topics: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Transfers, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Bundesliga

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_