# Thrown in with Giggs and Beckham: How Ferguson Nearly Landed the ‘Goodison Gazza’

Reds, here’s a story that’ll have you wondering what might have been. Billy Kenny, the former Everton midfielder once dubbed the ‘Goodison Gazza’, has opened up about the day Sir Alex Ferguson tried to work his magic and lure him to Old Trafford back in the glory days.

Picture this: a young scouse lad walking into The Cliff, absolutely starstruck, ticking off legends in his head. Paul McGrath. Mark Hughes. Bryan Robson. Norman Whiteside. The kind of names that built this club’s reputation as the biggest in the land. Brian Kidd introduces him to the entire first team, and before Kenny can catch his breath, Brian McClair is giving him the classic test: Everton or Liverpool? Thank God he passed that one!

What strikes me most about this extract from Kenny’s autobiography is how Ferguson operated. Even then, the gaffer knew how to make a player feel wanted, how to create that special United family atmosphere. This wasn’t just about football, it was about making a teenager from up the road believe he belonged among giants.

Kenny clearly never made the move, staying loyal to Everton instead. But it shows you the ambition we’ve always had at this club, the willingness to chase the best young talent regardless of where they came from. That DNA runs through United to this day under INEOS and Michael Carrick.

Fast forward to 2026, and we’re still doing it right. Look at our current crop: Kobbie Mainoo coming through, Harry Amass making waves, Shea Lacey turning heads. The tradition of blooding youth never dies at Manchester United.

Sometimes the ones that got away make for the best stories, don’t they? Makes you appreciate the ones who said yes.

✍️ This summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team based on reporting from The Guardian.

⚽ Want the full story? Get the complete sauce from The Guardian — this summary was written by the MUFC Fanatics SA team.