REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Sir Alex Ferguson often did his utmost to prevent any Manchester United player from joining arch-rivals Liverpool.
Understandably so, given Ferguson vowed to knock the Merseysiders 'off their perch' during the early stages of a 26-year reign. The Scot did just that, guiding United to 13 Premier League titles and dominating English football.
Just four players have moved from Old Trafford to Anfield, and none of those transfers occurred while Ferguson was at the helm. You have to go all the way back to Phil Chisnall in 1964, who was the last player to swap the Theatre of Dreams for the Kop.
That's not to say there haven't been rumours of potential transfers taking place between the two clubs. One player during Sir Alex's era had pushed for a controversial move, but the Red Devils' legendary former boss wasn't having it.
Ferguson Put Man Utd Star Joining Liverpool 'To Bed'
Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson in a Press Conference
There perhaps hasn't been a manager with more control at a football club than Ferguson, who controlled United from top to bottom. Nowadays, most coaches are appointed to solely focus on tactics and follow a set plan handed to them by sporting directors.
Ferguson had the final say over team selections, style of play, transfers and even kept the media in line. When talk of Gabriel Heinze wanting to join Liverpool surfaced, he was firm in his approach to deny the Argentine left-back a move to Anfield.
Heinze fell out with Old Trafford bosses in 2007 and then-United chief executive David Gill allegedly informed his agent Roberto Rodriguez he could leave for £6.8 million. Much to Ferguson and Co's surprise, that very offer arrived from Anfield as Rafa Benitez looked to take the versatile defender to Merseyside.
Ferguson made his stance clear after calling out Heinze's agents: "I can assure you, Liverpool will not be getting Gabriel Heinze. We can put that to bed right now and we have done so."
Heinze took legal advice, and Liverpool's solicitors were thought to be ready to support him. This didn't go down well with his United boss: "I’m aware that it has been suggested that he’s using Liverpool’s solicitors, but that doesn’t worry me. He has either got a case or he hasn’t."
The Argentine failed in his attempt to join Benitez's side after the Premier League held a hearing and United won. He vented his frustrations: "My fight is for the freedom to negotiate with any club... United never wanted me to leave for one of the big clubs, but this anti-Liverpool clause is incredible."
Heinze did eventually leave Old Trafford, joining Real Madrid shortly after the ordeal. He later reflected on Ferguson blocking his move to Anfield and insisted he'd have been a success under Benitez:
Gabriel Heinze
||
Gabriel Heinze at Man Utd
Appearances (Starts)
Goals
Assists
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Trophies
Heinze spent three years at United after joining the Red Devils from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2004. He had been a fan favourite, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in his debut season.
A serious knee ligament injury the following season proved problematic, and Ferguson swooped for Patrice Evra, who took his place at left-back. He became disillusioned with life at United due to a lack of regular game time, but he didn't get the move to Liverpool he wanted.
A Reunion With Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
Heinze later apologised to United fans for how he handled the situation and his fallout with Ferguson. While he harmed his relationship with the club's supporters, many took the positives from his time at the Theatre of Dreams.
After calling time on his playing career in July 2014 at Newell's Old Boys in Argentina, he entered the coaching world. He spent time in charge of MLS club Atlanta United and returned to Newell's before heading back to the Premier League in July 2025.
Heinze agreed to reunite with his former PSG teammate Mikel Arteta and join Arsenal's backroom staff. He replaced Carlos Cuesta as Arteta's assistant and rejoined the Spaniard on the training pitch, as he had done during their playing days in the French capital.
Luis Fernandez, who managed the pair during their time at the Parc des Princes, explained their close bond in an interview with BBC Sport: "Gabi was closer to Mikel's age and more like a brother... They were together at training, and also spent time together away from the pitch with their families."
Heinze's arrival worked a charm as Arsenal finally ended a 22-year title drought and won the Premier League last season. Their contrasting characters have been on display on the touchline as they were at PSG.
Former teammate Edouard Cisse explained: "Gabi gave everything, even in training. He had to win. Mikel was calmer. But you knew not to rub him up the wrong way. He had that tough Basque edge."
Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson
Arteta praised Heinze for bringing 'something different' and 'winning experience' to the Emirates months after his arrival. The pair have already got a taste for Premier League glory and will undoubtedly be eyeing European success after suffering a heartbreaking loss on penalties to former club PSG in the Champions League final.