During the mid-1980s, when
Ferguson was carving out a name for himself at Aberdeen, Terry
Venables was in the Camp Nou hot seat. The Englishman was
considering his future before deciding to commit himself to another
year in the job. However, Ferguson has revealed that had Barcelona
kept their options open and saw him in London in relation to taking
up the post.
Ferguson has gone on the etch his name into the history of
Manchester United, winning nine League Titles, the Champions
League, Cup-Winners Cup, League Cups and FA Cups. It could have all
been so different for the Scotsman however, had Venables not
decided to stay in Catalonia.
The Camp Nou holds happy memories for Ferguson, as it was the
scene of United’s 1999 Champions League triumph but Ferguson admits
that he has never been tempted to try his hand working somewhere
else, insisting that all his wishes have been fulfilled at Old
Trafford.
United face the Catalonians this week in what promises to be a
memorable encounter but had things worked out differently, Sir Alex
may have been on the opposite bench. Instead, Ferguson is looking
to wrap up an incredible 22nd season at Manchester
United by adding to his massive haul of silverware.
Ferguson told the Sunday
Express: “I was interviewed for the Barcelona job when I was
at Aberdeen, Terry Venables was in charge at the time but he was
going to leave. He had recommended me and I met the Barcelona
president in London.
Terry ended up staying and I always wonder what would have
happened if he hadn’t changed his mind. Barcelona actually kept in
touch and even phoned to ask my opinion on a player.
I have never been tempted since, he added. I have all the
fulfilments I need with Manchester United. Anyway, it’s difficult
to say whether my methods would have worked in another
country.”
