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To be able to play for ninety minutes on the hallowed turf of the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' would, probably, be a dream come true for every footballer on this planet, but that dream has remained unfulfilled for most.
Very few have had the honor and privilege of calling Manchester United's iconic stadium 'home,' or even to have been able to step foot on the pitch of the 11th largest stadium in Europe. Ask those who have played, however, and they will tell you that the experience is like no other, a surreal feeling of joy, thrill, exhilaration and even fear, fear of being exposed on the biggest stage of all and coming up short of expectations.
Manchester United is one of football's most successful and iconic clubs, with a wonderfully rich, trophy-laden and yet tragic 140-year-old history. Some of football's greatest names have been associated with this now-American owned club, perhaps none more famous than the 'Busby Babes' or Sir Alex Ferguson's record-breaking, all-conquering teams.
United have had their fair share of superstars and legends, but there are 5 players in particular who ended up so near, yet so far from their move to Old Trafford. Several years later, these 5 players have spoken about their regret regarding their failed moves to United:
#5 Oliver Kahn
Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn revealed he turned down Manchester United in the early-2000s, adding that he regrets not joining the Premier League side.
Kahn is one of the most successful German players in recent history, having won eight Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, the UEFA Cup in 1996, the UEFA Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup, both achieved in 2001.
Regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Kahn became the only goalkeeper in the tournament's history to win the Golden Ball, at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
A decade into his Bayern career, despite being close to his mid-30s, the ex-Germany international was the subject of an unsuccessful bid from then-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Alex Ferguson is still at odds with me. He was convinced I'd join Manchester United in 2003 or 2004, but building an era at Bavaria was more important to me. Looking back, I believe that I should have done it back then. It would have been one last big challenge for me." - Kahn to Sport Bild.
United eventually recruited Tim Howard from the MetroStars of MLS in 2003 as part of their continued search to find a long-term successor to Peter Schmeichel.
#4 Juan Roman Riquelme
Juan Roman Riquelme revealed that Manchester United tried to sign him in 2006, adding that turning down Sir Alex Ferguson down was the only regret of his career.
The talented Argentine spent most of his career with Boca Juniors but really came into the limelight with Villarreal.
Riquelme was named the Argentine Footballer of the Year four times and led his country as captain to win a Gold medal at the 2008 Olympics.
The Argentine had starred in Manuel Pellegrini's Villarreal team that reached the semi-finals of the Champions League when United attempted to buy him.
“The only thing I regret in my career was a decision that I took, when at the hotel in England before the semi-final with Arsenal, when Manchester United came to buy me and I said no. I stayed at Villarreal, because I was very comfortable with my team-mates.” - Riquelme to Mundo Deportivo.
A failed bid for Riquelme meant legendary Michael Carrick was United's only signing of that season, while Nani and Anderson joined in 2007.
#3 Eidur Gudjohnsen
Gudjohnsen revealed there were at least two occasions where he could have joined Manchester United but chose not to.
The Icelandic striker scored over 70 times for Chelsea during a six-year period, including four times against Manchester United. He was also a part of Barcelona's treble-winning side of the 2008-09 season, lifting the La Liga, Copa Del Rey, and UEFA Champions League.
He is the nation's top scorer of all time with 26 international goals in 88 caps between 1996 and 2016 and was part of their squad that reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, their first major tournament.
There is regret in never having played for Manchester United, or I should say regret never having played under Alex Ferguson, more-so than United as a club. There were two occasions where it was completely in the picture. - Gudjohnsen.
Although Manchester United managed pretty well without him, it would have been interesting to see him compete against the likes of York and Gale for a starting berth in Sir Alex's team.
#2 Emmanuel Petit
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has admitted he regrets not joining Manchester United during his career.
Winner of the 1998 World Cup (where he scored twice in the final) and the 2000 Euro Cup with France, Petit featured for all of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona before retiring due to a spate of injuries.
In 1991, he won the Coupe de France with Monaco and in 1996–97, his final season at Monaco, he captained his side to the Ligue 1 title. Petit won the double with Arsenal in his very first season, clinching both the Premier League title and the FA Cup as he struck up a famous midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira.
“Yes, I could have played for Manchester United. I really regret not doing that now. I could've played with Giggs, Scholes etc. Some amazing players.” - Petit to Reddit.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on signing the Frenchman but the Red Devils had the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Juan Sebastian Veron at their disposal.
#1 Pavel Nedved
Nedved has revealed the one big regret of his career is never having the opportunity to play for Manchester United.
A complete, tenacious and consistent two-footed player, he was well noted for his speed, endurance, technique and goal-scoring ability.
The midfielder is described as one of the best footballers of his generation, and one of the most successful to emerge from the Czech Republic, winning domestic and European trophies with Lazio whilst also leading Juventus to the 2003 UEFA Champions League final.
He was named 'European Footballer of the Year' in 2003 ahead of Thierry Henry and Paolo Maldini after helping Juventus win the Serie A.
"A regret? That I never played for Manchester United. I'd have liked that. The transfer was never on the table though, there was only Chelsea [interested in me]. I liked the generation of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, whom I admired. I was a little bit jealous of Karel Poborsky, who played in Manchester and experienced great matches. I know he still feels that love." - Nedved to Czech newspaper Idnez.
The Ballon d'Or winner and present Juventus vice-president is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars to miss out on a stint at United, and him playing with the likes of Giggs and Scholes is something fans would have dearly loved to see.
