Former England goalkeeper David Seaman has provided insight into why he did not sign for Manchester United following attempts from Sir Alex Ferguson.
A lot has been written about Sir Alex Ferguson’s struggle to find top goalkeepers, though he had three world-class options during his 26-year reign at the club.
Ferguson’s first major goalkeeper signing was Jim Leighton from Aberdeen in 1988.
While Leighton served the team well until his departure in 1992, it was clear that United needed more quality between the sticks to reach the next level. Then came the iconic Peter Schmeichel in 1991, following an eye-catching performance for Brondby in the UEFA Cup.
Who is Manchester United’s greatest goalkeeper of all time? 🧤🔥
Former goalkeeper Alex Stepney of Manchester United poses with David de Gea
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
With so many to choose from… who is the very best? Tell us your opinion!
Schmeichel went on to become United’s greatest goalkeeper of all time, but replacing him in 1999 proved a struggle. Massimo Taibi, Mark Bosnich and Fabian Barthez weren’t the answer, and it took almost six years to sign Edwin van der Sar.
Ferguson has fewer issues replacing Van der Sar as he quickly stumbled upon David de Gea, who came from Atletico Madrid before spending 12 years at Old Trafford.
Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman shake hands
20 Sep 1998: The two goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel of Manchester United and David Seaman of Arsenal shake hands after the FA Carling Premiership match at Highbury in London. Arsenal won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK /Allsport
Man Utd missed out on David Seaman in 1990
With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, it could be argued that David Seaman would have enjoyed more success had he signed for United instead of Arsenal.
More United News
Seaman earned 75 caps for England throughout his career and was involved in many battles against United as one of Arsene Wenger’s key players.
The retired keeper helped Arsenal to win three league titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Speaking on The Dispatch, an official Arsenal podcast, Seaman revealed how close he was to joining United in 1990 before the Gunners hijacked the deal.
“So I had a chance, before my contract finished at QPR, I was laying it rundown, because I wanted to leave,” Seaman said.
“And I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson. So I was going to go Man United.
“Literally, a few days later, Arsenal made a bid for me, because Sir Alex wanted me free. So Arsenal made the bid. That’s when I came over, tried to sign the contract, but John Lukic wouldn’t leave.
“So it all fell through. So then I have to go back to QPR. So I’m getting called all sorts of names. Then we play Arsenal, and I’m getting called all sorts of names by both fans. They were chanting ‘you’ll never play for Arsenal!’ and I thought, ‘I will, because I’ve signed the contract.'”
Wes Brown believes Senne Lammens has a bright future at Man Utd
Wes Brown on Senne Lammens, quote
Getty Images
Peter Schmeichel’s Premier League numbers compared to David Seaman
Since Seaman never won the Champions League, but Schmeichel did at United in 1999, we’ll compare the two goalkeepers based on Premier League figures.
Schmeichel won the Premier League title five times, whereas Seaman won it twice on top of one First Division title before it became the Premier League.
While Seaman had more clean sheets (141) than Schmeichel (128), it’s worth acknowledging that the Dane made 34 fewer appearances in the league.
Schmeichel also scored one goal compared to none from Seaman.
The United stopper was also named Premier League Player of the Season in 1996.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox