Gazza: Why I rejected Man Utd and Fergie
Paul Gascoigne has finally revealed why he rejected Manchester United and enraged Alex Ferguson in 1988.
Gazza had given the legendry gaffer his word he would sign for the Red Devils from Newcastle United.
But instead, he opted for London and Tottenham Hotspur, much to the dismay of Ferguson.
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Speaking to Bryan Robson in an interview to promote the former United man's new film celebrating his career, Gascoigne admitted it was a fear of not establishing himself in the team that made him choose Spurs.
What did Gascoigne say?
He told United's website: "There was the Gaffer [Robson] and Neil Webb, always together [on England duty].
"I'm thinking – and I probably shouldn't say this, because he'll [Sir Alex Ferguson] probably be watching – but I thought: 'I'm never going to get a game here'.
I'm thinking – and I probably shouldn't say this, because he'll Sir Alex Ferguson
- 
"And then Neil Webb did his ankle. He got taken off and I got the chance to play with the Gaffer [Robson] in midfield [for England], which, for me, was probably one of the best feelings ever.
“I think that's one of the reasons I didn't join Man United.
“Because it was just Neil Webb and the Gaffer, constantly [for England] – and Neil Webb obviously played for Man United – so I thought: maybe I'll not get a game. That was one of the reasons.”
Ferguson himself revealed Gascoigne was the one player he regretted not signing during his management days.
Alex Ferguson regrets
In his recent documentary 'Never Give In', he spoke about when he learned that Gascoigne wouldn't be joining him in Manchester. He said: "I'm not saying he didn't have a good career but he would have had a better career with us.
“We had Geordies in our squad like Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce plus Bobby Charlton.
He signed for Tottenham because they bought his mother a house for £80,000 and, dearie me, I couldn't believe it, you know. He was a fantastic player
- "Sir Bobby would have been a fantastic mentor to him because he's such a fantastic man and even Gary Pallister, although he was from Middlesbrough and I know they don't count that as a Geordie, but someone who understands the culture like Gary would.
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[/centre]When @BryanRobson met Paul Gascoigne 🏴❤
Ahead of tonight's #ThreeLions game, watch the @England legends reminisce about their favourite memories ⬇#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 12, 2021
"He promised to sign for us and I went on holiday. I got a phone call from the front desk from Martin Edwards saying he'd signed for Tottenham.
"He signed for Tottenham because they bought his mother a house for £80,000 and, dearie me, I couldn't believe it, you know. He was a fantastic player."
