Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush embrace (Image: https://x.com/itvracing)
Liverpool legend Ian Rush has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson once attempted to sign him at Manchester United, as the pair shared a heartwarming moment together at Aintree.
A total of 10 players have represented both Liverpool and United, amongst them Paul Ince, Michael Owen and Peter Beardsley. Rush could well have added his name to that list, after Ferguson made a move to bring him to Old Trafford following his stint at Juventus.
Rush, 64, who initially spent six years at Liverpool before moving to Juve in 1987, returned to the Reds after just a single season in Italy. Yet things could have turned out considerably differently for Rush had Ferguson’s approach succeeded.
The Scot, who had arrived at United from Aberdeen in 1986, was keen for Rush to bolster his attacking options.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush were present at the Grand National on Friday (Image: https://x.com/itvracing)
When asked whether he respected Rush’s career, Ferguson told ITV: « Absolutely, I hated him. He’s a top man. »
Former Wales international Rush then shed light on the approach, responding: « When I was coming back from Juventus he tried to sign me. By the way, he is a legend of managers, Scottish managers are the best. »
Rush and Ferguson were both at Aintree on Friday to enjoy the horse racing. Ferguson is a passionate enthusiast of the sport and has owned several horses, including Caldwell Potter, Protektorat and L’Eau du Sud.
Meanwhile, Rush is also a great admirer of the horse racing world. « I love horse racing, I love everything about it, that’s what it’s all about, » he added. « We love football and that but it’s not golf for me, it’s horse racing for that is second best. »
Rush is Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer with 339 goals in 654 appearances. Throughout his career, he endured a disappointing record against United, however, finding the net just three times in 34 matches.
That didn’t deter Ferguson from attempting to sign him, though, with the 84-year-old going on to establish himself as one of the most decorated managers of all time at United. He claimed an extraordinary 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and two League Cups throughout his tenure at the club.
During that period, Ferguson oversaw a staggering 1500 matches, emerging victorious in 895 and drawing 338 of those. He stepped down from management at the conclusion of the 2012/13 season, having guided United to a 20th top-flight title.
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