Eden Hazard reveals he held discussions with Sir Alex Ferguson over a move to Manchester before signing for Chelsea in 2012.
Manchester United have missed out on many big-name signings down the years.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, it usually worked out in United’s favour. The biggest example of that was the failed pursuit of Ronaldinho in 2004. After missing out on the Brazilian star, a young Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford and went on to become the best player in the world.
There were other players, too. Eden Hazard and David Silva are two players who were closely linked to United before moving to Premier League rivals, where they experienced success.
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Ander Herrera tackling Eden Hazard at Old Trafford
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Sir Alex Ferguson missed out on Eden Hazard after talks with Belgian star
Hazard retired from football aged just 32, but he will be remembered as one of the best forward players in Premier League history.
The Belgian’s career was hindered by injury, especially after earning his dream move to Real Madrid, where he managed just seven goals in 76 appearances.
That doesn’t change the fact that Hazard was a hero at Chelsea over the course of seven years, winning two Premier League titles.
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Hazard’s career could have been a whole lot different if he had chosen Old Trafford over Stamford Bridge.
After emerging as a hot prospect at Lille during the 2011/12 season, winning the Ligue 1 title, Ferguson tried to bring Hazard to United.
Talks over a deal for Hazard to move to United collapsed when the player’s agent, John Bico, demanded a multi-million-pound backhand payment, as initially reported by The Times.
Hazard went to Chelsea in a £32 million transfer before leaving in 2019 after Real Madrid paid an initial £88.5 million for his signature.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Hazard now reveals that he spoke with Ferguson over a move to United as well as then-Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp.
“No, never Arsenal,” Hazard said.
“When I left, I had contact with Tottenham. Harry Redknapp at the time. I go to see a City match, Mancini is there. I had Ferguson, and even Chelsea, that came later.
“Liverpool, same thing [as Arsenal], never had any contact.”
Which former Chelsea winger do you most regret Man Utd missing out on? Arjen Robben or Eden Hazard?
Arjen Robben/Eden Hazard 50/50
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Eden Hazard record against Man Utd
When United fans think of playing against Hazard, most will recall how Ander Herrera pocketed him following a set of instructions from former manager Jose Mourinho.
Hazard played against United 19 times after moving from Lille to Chelsea.
Chelsea won eight of those matches, drew seven and lost four.
Hazard scored five goals against United and registered two assists.
The biggest win for Hazard against United came in the 2018 FA Cup final when he scored the only goal.
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Michael Carrick celebrates after the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2026 in Liverpool, England.
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