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

Fergie: “’In 1989, I failed to get Glenn Hysen from Fiorentina, but wound up with Gary Pallister instead.”

Name: Glenn Hysen

Then: In the build-up to the 1989-1990 season, the pressure was on the then inexperienced Ferguson to deliver some silverware. Despite the return of the immensely talented Mark Hughes from Barcelona, Manchester United had stumbled miserably to 11th place in the season previous. One such player identified to propel United back to the top was the Swedish captain, Glenn Hysen. Hysen was, at the time, regarded as one of the top 10 players in world football – as proven by his nomination for the 1987 “Golden Ball”. While he had been playing professional football for almost ten years, he had first come to the attention of the English clubs during his country’s Euro ’90 qualifying campaign. His performances against England saw his European stock rise significantly. Ferguson treated Hysen to a tour of Old Trafford and a buffet lunch. The deal seemed all but secured. However, for reason unbeknown to the public, Hysen decided to turn his back on United and sign for fierce rivals, Liverpool, instead.

Now: Did Ferguson live to rue the loss of such a transfer? Well, in the short term…probably. Hysen played a major role as Kenny Dalglish’s talented Liverpool side lifted the 1989-1990 English league title. The former Swedish captain retired soon after and took on several roles in the media and coaching. He is currently leading pundit on the Swedish football network and, this time last year, featured on his country’s “Let’s Dance 2014” competition.

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