Former coach of Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that he failed to sign Jordan Henderson while he was the manager of United because the club’s medical team didn’t like Henderson’s running style.
The iconic football manager revealed that the medical team told him that the way Jordan Henderson was running on the pitch during matches, the 30-year-old English center-midfielder could easily sustain injuries.
Hence, the retired football manager who won 13 Premier League titles for Manchester United before he retired from the club in 2013, said he had to follow the advice of the club’s medical team because he didn’t want to sign a player that he won’t be able to use.
The Scottish tactician revealed that when Jordan Henderson joined Liverpool and started hearing good things about him, he realized that he has missed a good deal for not signing the England international when he wanted to.
At the point Sir Alex Ferguson thought of signing Jordan Henderson, the England international was playing for Sunderland. When Manchester United failed to sign him, Liverpool paid Sunderland the sum of €18 million to acquire his signature. He joined Liverpool on July 1, 2011, when Sir Kenny Dalglish was the manager of the club.
“We were ready to make a bid for Jordan Henderson at Sunderland. I spoke to Steve Bruce and he loved the guy,” Ferguson said on ‘A-Team Talk With Legends’ panel.
“And then our medical department said they were not happy with his running style – he could be the type to have injuries.
“I must say it was one of my bits of management to make sure the player is always available. If you sign a player and he is not available for you, it is a waste of time so that is the point I have to make about Jordan.
“We loved him as a player and he has proved that now, he has been fantastic and all the stories I am being told, it tells me I missed out on a really good person.”
Though during his first season at Liverpool some predictable-toppers the club were a bit critical about him, yet, he was able to establish himself as the captain of the club. Since 2011 to date, the England international has made 384 appearances, scoring 30 goals and providing 51 assists.
In 2018-2019 season, Jordan Henderson captained Liverpool to win the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup. While in 2019-2020 season, the 30-year-old center-midfielder captained Liverpool to win the Premier League title for the first time in 30 years.
So far this season, Henderson has made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring a goal and providing an assist. His effort this season has helped Liverpool to remain second on the league table. He is expected to lead Liverpool to play the current table toppers Manchester United on Sunday, January 17. A win over United will return Liverpool to the top of the league table due to superior goals difference.
I wish i could tell you how much I and all the LFC fan Love and admire you Hendo!
— Sk Md Sahil (Pavel) (@SahilPavel) January 11, 2021
(@JHenderson )
Thank You fir Everything you did for us Hendo❤️
A Legendary captain, a beautiful human being and a great role model. #liverpool #ynwa #jordanhenderson pic.twitter.com/RYBb36umBz
