ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Wednesday, August 14, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner bites his winners' medal as he celebrates after winning the Super Cup during the UEFA Super Cup match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Besiktas Park. Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Wednesday, August 14, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner bites his winners' medal as he celebrates after winning the Super Cup during the UEFA Super Cup match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Besiktas Park. Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
James Milner has revealed that he rejected a move to Man United in 2015 and instead chose to join Liverpool.
As a boyhood Leeds supporter who spent a combined 13 years at Man City and Liverpool, it seems unthinkable that Milner could have joined Man United.
But the Red Devils, then under the stewardship of Louis Van Gaal, did actually once make a play to sign the midfielder.
It will come as no surprise, though, that Milner swiftly rejected the offer before his free transfer to Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - Thursday, July 16, 2015: Liverpool's James Milner models the New Balance away kit at a launch event in King George Square in Brisbane on day four of the club's preseason tour. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - Thursday, July 16, 2015: Liverpool's James Milner models the New Balance away kit at a launch event in King George Square in Brisbane on day four of the club's preseason tour. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Asked on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast if Man United ever came in for him, Milner surprised former United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt with his answer.
“They did to be fair, yeah, when I was leaving City, but I wouldn’t have entertained it,” said Milner.
Scholes then asked if he spoke to the club, to which he replied: “Not really. I think I’d made my mind up about Liverpool and I just couldn’t.
“I respect the club obviously, but [I am] just a Leeds fan through and through and dislike them.”
Butt chimed in by saying that Alan Smith had moved from Leeds to Man United in 2004, and Milner quickly responded by reminding him that the Elland Road crowd “hated him for it.”
The 40-year-old also said, earlier this year, that he would “never” move to Old Trafford, quipping: “I don’t think my dad would have spoken to me any more if I had signed for United!”
James Milner gaining coaching experience at Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 20, 2023: Liverpool's James Milner applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 20, 2023: Liverpool's James Milner applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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James Milner back at Liverpool to pursue his coaching career
Having completed most of his coaching badges while playing, Milner’s retirement has prompted him to complete his final UEFA course.
As a result, he is gaining experience by leading sessions with youngsters at Liverpool’s academy.
This Is Anfield reported that Milner has been helping at the club’s Kirkby training complex and was spotted working with the under-11s.
However, he is not a permanent member of staff, with the coaching currently being done on a casual basis.
Milner also coached at the academy on occasion while playing for Liverpool. He has already completed his UEFA A Licence and just has the Pro Licence to finish.
Iraola, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai FI collage
Iraola, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai FI collage
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CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)