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Former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids revealed that he was on the brink of joining Manchester United in 1996.
The iconic Dutch midfielder, known for his distinctive bright orange glasses worn during matches due to his glaucoma treatment, was a key player in the 1990s.
Davids, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 alongside former Red Edwin van der Sar under the management of Louis van Gaal, nearly signed for United before moving on to AC Milan and Juventus. He later had stints at Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, and a surprising spell at League Two side Barnet.
Nicknamed “The Pitbull” for his aggressive playing style, Davids was also renowned for his technical abilities, making him one of the top midfielders in Europe during his prime.
According to The Mirror, Davids was moments away from a move to United after a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson following his departure from Ajax.
Reflecting on the experience, Davids said, “When I left Ajax in 1996, there was a strong possibility of me joining Manchester United. Speaking with Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the most incredible moments of my career. He was funny, charming, and intelligent – everything you could ask for.”
Ultimately, Davids opted for Serie A over United due to the league’s appeal at the time. Despite not regretting his decision, Davids has maintained a positive relationship with Ferguson over the years.
In addition to sharing his past with United, Davids voiced his support for fellow Dutchman and current United manager Erik ten Hag.
Regarding ten Hag, Davids stated, “I know him well from my time at FC Utrecht where he displayed innovation and passion for the game. While things may not have gone smoothly for him at United, the issue lies more in the lack of clinical goalscorers than in the manager.”
