Liverpool legend makes Sir Alex Ferguson confession as Man Utd icon jokes 'I hate him!' on live TV

Callum Vurley
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:29:21 +0000

Liverpool icon Ian Rush has let slip a fascinating secret from his playing days – Sir Alex Ferguson once tried to bring him to Manchester United.

The 64-year-old made the revelation while chatting at Aintree on Friday, where both football legends were enjoying the horse racing.

When asked by ITV whether he respected what Rush achieved during his career, Ferguson couldn't resist a playful jab: "Absolutely, I hated him. He's a top man."

Rush then dropped the bombshell about Ferguson's approach back in 1988.

"When I was coming back from Juventus he tried to sign me," the former Wales striker revealed.

"By the way, he is a legend of managers, Scottish managers are the best."

It could have been a very different story for Rush, who'd spent six brilliant years at Anfield before heading to Juventus in 1987.

His Italian adventure lasted just one season, and Ferguson – who'd arrived at Old Trafford from Aberdeen in 1986 – was keen to snap him up for his forward line.

Two great reds in two different guises ❤️

Alex Ferguson and Ian Rush - an unlikely combination #ITVRacing | #MUFC | #LFC pic.twitter.com/uBRxEI6HEv
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) April 10, 2026

Rush ultimately returned to Liverpool, but he could easily have joined the select group of players who've turned out for both clubs.

That list includes some big names – Paul Ince, Michael Owen and Peter Beardsley among the 10 who've worn both famous shirts.

Rush went on to become Liverpool's all-time leading scorer, netting 339 goals in 654 appearances.

Interestingly, Rush rates horse racing above golf as his second favourite sport after football.

"I love horse racing, I love everything about it, that's what it's all about," he said. "We love football and that but it's not golf for me, it's horse racing for that is second best."

Ferguson shares that passion and has been a dedicated owner over the years, with horses including Caldwell Potter, Protektorat and L'Eau du Sud in his stable.

The 84-year-old Scot, of course, went on to extraordinary success at United – claiming 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions League trophies across an incredible 1,500 matches in charge.