Paul Gascoigne was set to join Manchester United when he was just 21-years-old from his boyhood club, Newcastle after winning the Young Player of the Year award.

Sir Alex Ferguson went on holiday after reaching an agreement with the player, only to return and find out that he had signed for Spurs for £2m instead. The London club bought a house for his family

He spent four years at Spurs before moving to Lazio. After a disappointing time in Italy, ravaged with injury and inconsistent form, he was ready to leave. He’s today revealed that he begged Ferguson to sign him at United but our manager had no interest in the 28-year-old.

“I knew I wasn’t going there,” he said. “You only mess with Sir Alex once. I didn’t get to work with Sir Alex Ferguson and it’s a massive regret. I would have loved to have been managed by him.”

Gazza has expressed his regret in the past, particularly in light of the manager’s ability to protect his players.