One former England star was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and has opened up about his longing desire to play for the Red Devils
Back view of Jermain Defoe playing for Tottenham in 2008
Jermain Defoe always thought he'd end up a Man Utd player
(
Image: Getty Images)
News
Politics
Football
Celebs
TV
Shopping
Royals
Jermain Defoe always thought he'd end up signing for Manchester United, who were linked with him before he made the switch from West Ham to Tottenham.
Following the Hammers' drop to the Championship in 2003, their young talents were looking elsewhere. Amid stars like Joe Cole and Michael Carrick finding new clubs, 21-year-old hotshot Defoe became a target for Sir Alex Ferguson. However, it was Spurs who nabbed him in the 2004 January window for £7million instead.
With a career total of nearly 500 Premier League games and 163 goals to his name, the rest is history, but the ex-England striker continues to feel he would have suited the system played at Old Trafford.
Defoe opened up about the move to Manchester that never was and how he still discusses his suitability for the Red Devils and lasting admiration for legendary boss Ferguson with club icons Roy Keane and Gary Neville.
"I remember being linked with Man United," Defoe revealed, courtesy of bet365's new Sub On Play On product. "But, it's not one of those ones where you're sort of like going knocking on the manager's door and saying, 'I want to leave.'
"Because, like I said, you're just grateful. I came through at the age of 17. I played in the first team when I was 17. I think when you're young and you're sort of like living the dream, really, you're grateful. And I loved coming through at West Ham because I just felt like that environment was just perfect for me, where I was amongst young players that were just hungry and good people.
"I was still a kid. But of course, you look back and think. To be honest, I've always felt at some point, I'd always felt that at some point I'd end up at Man United, because I just felt... When I looked at Harry Redknapp and how much I loved Harry, I think the next one was Sir Alex."
Defoe
Defoe prospered under Redknapp ( Image: AFP/Getty Images)
He continued: "I always used to look at Man United and look at those players, and it was all about winning. And I always thought, 'I'd love to play for him.' Because of how I was as a player and as a person.
"I always wanted to win. I didn't cut any corners, and I just worked as hard as I could. I loved football. So I just felt that for me, it was almost like I was suited in that environment."
Since his retirement in 2022, Defoe has explored coaching and made numerous appearances as a pundit. He often discusses with fellow former professionals how his mindset would have been a great fit for the Red Devils, reports the Manchester Evening News.
"Obviously, when I speak to... even now when I do the TV, and I speak to Roy Keane and Gary Neville. I played with Gary with England and being around Beckham and all the Man United lot, I just thought, 'You know what, that sort of mentality, I was always like that,'" added Defoe.
"But I mean, it didn't happen. I obviously ended up signing for Tottenham. Again, I was buzzing because I knew at the time the players that had played for that club. It was a special time for me."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package £35 (was £43)