Sir Alex Ferguson reveals why Manchester United didn’t sign Jordan Henderson

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was once on his transfer radar.

Henderson was playing with Sunderland when United were monitoring his progress – and indeed the Old Trafford side were poised to make a move.

Ultimately, though, Ferguson overlooked the midfielder on the advice of his medical department.

The Scot later branded Henderson “an honest young player trying to make his way in the game”. These comments drew the ire of erstwhile Reds boss Brendan Rodgers, who said the comment was “inappropriate”.

“There was criticism from Brendan about my assessment of Jordan,” Ferguson said speaking at the Lockdown Theatre. “The actual story was we were ready to make a bid for him at Sunderland. I spoke to Steve Bruce. Our scouting/medical department said they weren’t happy with his running style.

“They said he could be the type to get injuries. I had to make sure players would always be available. But we loved Jordan as a player. He has proved that now. All the stories I hear about him tell me that I missed out on a really good person.”

Henderson was long regarded as a player underrated by those at Anfield, and over the course of recent years his qualities have been recognised on a wider platform.

The 30-year-old England international was a key figure as the club ended their wait for a Premier League title during the 2019/20 campaign. At the end of that season, he won a raft of individual awards, including the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year and the Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season. He was also in the PFA Team of the Season.

Henderson continues to play a leading role for Jurgen Klopp’s side, having featured in 14 Premier League outings this season.

On Sunday, he will expect to be involved in the top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United.