Reds Legend Claims He Came Close to Replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as Man Utd Manager

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has told the ​​Mail, that he was being lined up as a potential replacement for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson back in 1989.

Souness enjoyed a highly successful playing career at Anfield and then went on to win the FA cup with Liverpool as a manager in the 90's.

With fellow Scot, Sir Alex Ferguson, struggling to make an impression at Old Trafford during the late 80's, Souness has claimed he came close to replacing his compatriot in 1989 and admits he would have happily taken the job, despite his ties to United's fierce rivals Liverpool.

The 63-year-old told the Mail: "Fergie was having a difficult time and the banners were up in the Stretford End.

"I was manager of Rangers but I would have gone there. Damn right. I was flying.

"I am not sure how well I would have been received and I am sure United supporters will look upon that as a lucky escape now!

"But I would have taken it."

Souness believes that had Michael Knighton's takeover of Manchester United gone through, then he could well have been offered the managerial role at the club.

Of course, no such takeover occurred and Sir Alex went on to become one of football's most successful ever managers as he claimed an amazing haul of trophies, until his shock retirement in 2013.

In the interview with the Mail, Souness also spoke about how he came close to signing two would-be United legends, Peter Schmeichel and Eric Cantona.

He added: "Schmeichel wrote to me when I was at Liverpool in the early 1990s. Ron Yeats came into my office and told me there was a young Danish goalkeeper who was a Liverpool fan and was willing to pay his own travel and hotel in exchange for some time with us.

"But at the time I was trying to ease Brucey Grobbelaar out and that was proving a hassle. And I think I had just signed David James. So I thought I could do without it.

"Similar with Eric. We had played Auxerre at home and Michel Platini came to see me. He said he had a player — a problem boy but a proper player. Cantona. I said the last thing I needed was another problem player. I had 30-pluses that I was trying to get out so I didn't need more hassle. I said I was looking for something else. I said no thanks."