Top 5: The signings that got away from Sir Alex Ferguson

Fergie: “Didier Drogba was another. He was playing for Olympique de Marseilles and we went to check him out. But the club wanted £25million for him and Chelsea moved in for the kill before we made up our minds.”

Name: Didier Drogba

Then: During the 2003-2004 season, a little known player called Didier Drogba shot onto the scene as French side, Marseille, surprised many with their European performances in the Champions League and UEFA Cup. After a prolific campaign, Drogba was named the Ligue 1 “Player of the Season” and “Goal of the Season”. Inevitably, the Premier League vultures began to circle. At Manchester United, changes were afoot. Ruud van Nistelrooy was starting to dwindle as a goalscoring force and a young Wayne Rooney was still plying his trade at local neighbours, Everton. Chelsea too were after a goalscoring menace. Their recent injection of cash meant that they were able to offer inflated transfer fees and contracts to any potential targets. In July 2004, Drogba signed for Chelsea for a fee of £24 million.

Now: Thoughts? Manchester United have been very successful since Drobga signed for Chelsea. However, so have Chelsea. While with the club, Drogba managed an impressive haul of 14 trophies. He won the Premier League “Golden Boot” on two separate occasions and, in 2014, became the Premier League’s all time non-English goalscorer. Drogba – now 37 – is currently plying his trade in the MLS with Montreal Impact. He has four goals to his name already.

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