How Manchester United tried to do the unthinkable and prise Steve Gerrard away from Liverpool
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard gave Gary Neville an emphatic response(Image: Open Goal)
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Steven Gerrard has revealed the brutal three-word response he gave Gary Neville after being asked if he would sign for Manchester United. Gerrard, of course, spent his entire playing career at Liverpool, while flirting with Chelsea on a couple of occasions.
Less well known is the fact that he was once asked to consider joining the Reds' bitter rivals. The approach was made by Neville on behalf of Alex Ferguson while the pair were away on England duty.
Speaking to Open Goal, Gerrard recalled: "When we were away with England, he knocked on my door. You know when you look through the little keyhole.
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"I like Gary, he's a good guy, but I was like, 'What does he want me for?' He said, 'Look, don't shoot the messenger, but I've been told to come and ask the question if there's any possible chance you would play for Manchester United.'"
Gerrard's response was predictably short and emphatic: "Gary, just leave."
When asked by Neville if he wanted time to think about it, Gerrard added: "It's impossible, it's just not going to happen, mate.
Gary Neville and Steven Gerrard during the 2014 World Cup when Neville was part of the England coaching set-up
Neville and Gerrard during the 2014 World Cup when Neville was part of the England coaching set-up(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
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"I'm flattered for you knocking and stuff. Please send my regards to Sir Alex Ferguson but it cannot happen. It can't happen, it won't happen. It was as simple as that."
Asked if moving to United or Everton was a big no-no for Liverpool players, Gerrard said: "I'd say Everton less because I think players have done that.
Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville before a Liverpool v Manchester United game
Gerrard wouldn't consider joining Neville at Man United(Image: John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"Paul Ince did it [played for Liverpool and United] but he went somewhere else [to Inter Milan in between]. I think for big players, it can't happen, not to Man United, I don't think that would ever happen. I'd be extremely surprised anyway."
While a number of players have played for both clubs, like Ince and Michael Owen, it is virtually unheard of in the men's game for a senior player to go directly from one to the other, although it has happened from time to time at youth level. Given the rivalry that exists between the clubs, that trend will almost certainly never end.
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