The former Manchester United star Sir Alex Ferguson named him among his worst-ever signings wanted a private showdown with the legendary manager
16:31, 21 Jan 2026
MOSCOW - MAY 21: Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager directs his players during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Sir Alex Ferguson fumed over his worst Manchester United signing(Image: Shaun Botterill, Getty Images)
A former England international handled Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that he was amongst the worst signings of his managerial career with dignity.
In 2007, Manchester United snapped up midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who turned 45 on Tuesday (January 20), from Bayern Munich for a reported £17million. Hargreaves arrived on English shores with an outstanding pedigree, having secured four Bundesliga titles and a Champions League crown.
He had also been named England's standout performer at the 2006 World Cup just twelve months prior. His debut campaign at Old Trafford proved successful, as he contributed to a Premier League and Champions League double, featuring in 34 matches across all competitions.
Two individuals are standing on a field, likely engaged in a conversation. One person is dressed in a red shirt with visible branding, while the other is wearing a gray jacket and a beanie. The background is a grassy expanse with some greenery.
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Owen Hargreaves' Manchester United career was curtailed by injuries(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Sadly, this would mark the final complete season of Hargreaves' playing days due to ongoing patellar tendinitis, which ultimately brought his football career to a premature end. Despite multiple knee operations, they failed to enable a successful comeback to the field.
Hargreaves managed just five additional outings over the following three campaigns at United before his contract was terminated in 2011. He subsequently joined Manchester City for a single season, appearing four times before hanging up his boots following his departure from the club.
In his memoirs, Ferguson voiced his disappointment about recruiting Hargreaves, questioning the player's confidence levels. "We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. I didn't feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern," the Scotsman wrote.
A group of soccer players in red jerseys and white shorts celebrate on the field, possibly after scoring a goal, with a crowd of spectators in the background.
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Hargreaves won the Champions League with United in 2008(Image: Man Utd via Getty Images)
"I met Owen's agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United. It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever.
"He didn't show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking. I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career."
Despite the harsh words from his former boss, Hargreaves handled the situation with dignity when offered the opportunity to respond, suggesting a private discussion would be more suitable than a public exchange of grievances.
"It's a complicated one. Anyone who knows me knows that professionalism is one of my strongest traits. A lot of people were surprised by what he said, me included. He said a lot of things in there that were with emotion," Hargreaves told TNT Sport.
"The reason he brought me over was to win the Champions League and we were able to do that and I played a big part. After the treatment that I had that summer I virtually never played again. For a young player, I was only 27, be at that point in my career and never play again, to have to deal with all of that was very, very difficult.
"I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. A lot of relationships break down due to communication. My only regret is that I didn't go to him sooner. But I didn't realise the severity of the situation until it was a little bit too late. The reason I left Bayern was to play for United, it was a privilege to play there.
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"It was an honour to play under him. For it to deteriorate like it did was very disappointing. I think it's a conversation me and him need to have personally. I wouldn't wish that situation on anyone."