Trevor Steven: When Sir Alex tried to sign me for Man Utd

Sir Alex Fergusons recent illness brought to mind some of the times our paths have crossed, most notably when I had decided to leave Everton in the summer of 1989.

Ferguson wanted to sign me for Manchester United to replace the Leeds-bound Gordon Strachan and I went to meet him and the clubs chairman, Martin Edwards, at Old Trafford on the Monday after the FA Cup final.

Over three hours, he sold the badge and potential of United and, as I left the stadium, I was leaning towards signing, but I told them I still wanted to speak to Rangers. We shook hands and it was a case of: may the best club win.

Read more: Sir Alex Ferguson is recovering after surgery for a brain haemorrhage

While United had yet to be successful under Ferguson, Rangers was already a winning environment, attracted crowds of 50,000, and boasted fellow England internationals Terry Butcher, Ray Wilkins and Chris Woods.

I chose Rangers – it was a move north and therefore like going home, and there were just too many things lacking at United, where Ferguson was still being questioned by supporters – and I had to phone Alex to break the news.

It must have been the shortest phone call in history. I think I uttered the words “sorry, but…” before he put the phone down. Things could have been very different, but I made my choice.

That was a lesson in how single-minded he could be as a manager. He wouldnt leave you in any doubt about what he thought of you and he would bear grudges. If you werent part of his plans, he didnt want to know you.

When I left Marseille in 1992, I asked my agent to get back in touch with Fergie to see if there was any chance of joining United. He was having none of it.

We were rarely in the same company again until the 2002 Champions League final in Glasgow, when we were seated at adjacent tables. We hadnt spoken for 10 years so I didnt know what to expect but, a glass of wine or two later, we happened to both stand up at the same time. We got talking, had a hug, and there were no hard feelings.

People have always wanted his time and he has been so generous with it – most managers in English football have phoned him for guidance at some point. Thats what sets him apart.

I particularly admire the way his management style developed. He learned that not everyone is the same and different players need different treatment – Eric Cantona being a perfect case in point.

He believed in young players and I love that when you see old photos of, for instance, David Beckham as a 10-year-old, Fergie is there. He was always there, encouraging, talking to the parents. He has all the key elements of management in abundance. Hes a natural.

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