Jordan Henderson led Liverpool to last year’s Premier League title, but Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United wanted to buy the midfielder while he was still at Sunderland; follow Liverpool vs Man Utd on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 4pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm
Sir Alex Ferguson says he wanted to buy Jordan Henderson while in charge at Old Trafford, but was advised against it by the club’s medical staff on the basis of the midfielder’s running style. Manchester United head to Liverpool on Sunday for a top-of-the-table clash, live on Sky Sports Premier League, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men at the summit and three points ahead of the Reds.
Henderson, 30, captained Liverpool to last year’s Premier League title, but he was criticised at the beginning of his spell at Anfield, and Ferguson says the England international could have made the move to Manchester United instead had the Scot not listened to the advice of his medical team.
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“We were ready to make a bid for Jordan Henderson at Sunderland. I spoke to Steve Bruce and he loved the guy,” Ferguson said on ‘A Team Talk With Legends’ panel in aid of Sports United Against Dementia and the League Managers Association’s charity In The Game.
“And then our medical department said they were not happy with his running style – he could be the type to have injuries. “I must say it was one of my bits of management to make sure the player is always available. If you sign a player and he is not available for you, it is a waste of time so that is the point I have to make about Jordan.
“We loved him as a player and he has proved that now, he has been fantastic and all the stories I am being told, it tells me I missed out on a really good person.” Sir Kenny Dalglish, in his second spell at Liverpool, brought Henderson to the club in 2011 and revealed the key advice he gave to the midfielder early on during his time on Merseyside.
“He was a baby when he came, he was only 19,” the 69-year-old said. “I looked for some players and I went to watch Blackburn vs Sunderland and I wish I stayed at home! “There was only one person on the pitch looking to make a pass and who made a pass and was thoughtful and decisive. Driving home, I said to Steve Clarke he is the only one we’d take from there.
“We set the wheels in motion and he came in and to start with, he was very demanding of himself. “He would wave his arms if he misplaced a pass and I said to him, ‘don’t do that, if you do that, everyone knows you’ve made a mistake’. It might be a mistake but don’t tell them and take control of yourself and play.
“We told him he could play and he has, and by the way what an outstanding person he is as well as a footballer. “As soon as it was announced we had problems with Covid, he was straight in there to organise to put money towards, along with the other players, those who are not as fortunate.”
Under Ferguson’s stewardship, United won the Premier League 13 times but have yet to triumph in the division since his departure in 2013, while arch-rivals Liverpool ended their 30-year wait to win the league title again under Jurgen Klopp last summer.
Ferguson admitted Liverpool’s “phenomenal” form over the last two seasons makes him thankful he retired when he did. “They are the two most successful teams in Britain when you add up all the trophies,” he said.
“United against Liverpool, it is the game of the season – the most successful sides in the country. “Thank goodness I’ve retired, because when I see Liverpool’s performances over the last two seasons – they have been phenomenal.”
Pogba: Man Utd not at Liverpool’s level – yet
Paul Pogba admits Manchester United are not at the same level as Premier League champions Liverpool just yet. Although Pogba says his side can win their first Premier League trophy since 2013, the France midfielder believes their title credentials will be severely tested on Sunday.
