Ian Rush and Sir Alex Ferguson shared a warm embrace at Friday's Aintree Festival with the Liverpool legend revealing that the ex-Manchester United manager tried to sign him
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush embrace at Aintree
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush embrace at Aintree(Image: https://x.com/itvracing)
View 2 Images
Liverpool legend Ian Rush has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson once tried to sign him at Manchester United, as the duo enjoyed a wholesome moment at Aintree.
There has been 10 players that have played for both Liverpool and United, including Paul Ince, Michael Owen and Peter Beardsley. And Rush could have indeed added to that list, after Ferguson attempted to bring him to Old Trafford following his time at Juventus.
Rush, 64, who first spent six years at Liverpool before joining Juve in 1987, returned to the Reds after just one season in Italy. But it could have been a whole lot different for Rush following Ferguson's approach.
The Scot, who had joined United from Aberdeen in 1986, wanted Rush to strengthen his forward line.
Asked if he respected what Rush achieved in his career, Ferguson told ITV: "Absolutely, I hated him. He's a top man."
Ex-Wales international Rush then revealed the approach, replying: "When I was coming back from Juventus he tried to sign me. By the way, he is a legend of managers, Scottish managers are the best."
Rush and Ferguson were present at Aintree on Friday watching the horse racing. Ferguson is an avid fan of the sport and has owned a number of horses, including Caldwell Potter, Protektorat and L'Eau du Sud.
Meanwhile, Rush is also a huge admirer of the horse racing scene. "I love horse racing, I love everything about it, that's what it's all about," he added.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush embrace
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush embrace(Image: https://x.com/itvracing)
View 2 Images
"We love football and that but it's not golf for me, it's horse racing for that is second best."
Rush is Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer with 339 in 654 matches. Across his career, he boasted a poor record against United, however, netting just three times in 34 games.
It didn't stop Ferguson trying to sign him, though, with the 84-year-old going on to become one of the most decorated managers of all-time at United. Indeed, he won 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Champions Leagues and two League Cups during his career at the Reds.
Throughout, Ferguson managed a whopping 1500 matches, winning 895 and drawing 338 of those. He retired from management at the end of the 2012/13 season after leading United to a 20th top-flight title.