Manchester United could have signed Zinedine Zidane

Manchester, Sep 9: Remember how amazing Zinedine Zidane used to be when he was a player? The Frenchman has tasted early success in his managerial career but he is still considered as one of the greatest players to have graced the football pitch and it will take him a long time to achieve that feat as a manager.

In a sensational report, it has been revealed that former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had a chance to sign the legendary Frenchman but passed the chance as he did not want his upset Zidane’s compatriot Eric Cantona.

The France legend made his mark in club football with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid, winning two Serie A titles, La Liga and a Champions League crown. He also brought World Cup glory to France once.

But his amazing career could have turned out differently had Sir Alex Ferguson not passed up an opportunity to sign him for fear of upsetting United legend Eric Cantona.

According to former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards, the Red Devils were presented with an opportunity to sign Zidane, then 24, from Bordeaux.

However, Ferguson did not make the move, as Zidane played in the same position as fellow France international Cantona and feared conflict, if he had pursued a deal.

"Zidane and Eric played in the same position and Alex felt if they brought Zidane in it would have upset Eric,” Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Unfortunately for United, Cantona retired a year later, but it was too late then and Zidane already started making his name in world football.

When asked if, looking back, United could have made room for both, Edwards said: "In hindsight yes, because Eric retired a year later and Zidane was younger so he would have continued it."

Instead of Manchester, Zidane moved to Juventus in 1996 and enjoyed a stellar career in Italy and Spain, which he has now continued with Real Madrid as their manager, winning a league title, Copa del Rey and two back to back UEFA Champions Leagues.