The peculiar reason why Ferguson's United snubbed Zidane

Manchester United missed out on signing future Ballon d'Or winner Zinedine Zidane because Sir Alex Ferguson did not want to upset Eric Cantona, Martin Edwards has revealed.

The former France captain and current Real Madrid manager left Bordeaux for Juventus in 1996, but was initially of interest to Manchester United. However, former club chief Edwards has revealed that Ferguson believed there was no room for Zidane and Cantona in the same team.

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

The Red Devils were not the only Premier League side interested in the 1998 World Cup winner in the mid 1990's. Blackburn also followed the midfielder, but ultimately decided against making a move reportedly asking why they would want Zidane when they had Tim Sherwood.

Newcastle had the opportunity to sign the Frenchman for £1.2 million, also in 1996, but rather inconceivably, the Magpies turned him down after watching him play.

Zidane went on to play for Juventus and subsequently Real Madrid, becoming the best footballer in the world and winning everything for club and country, which posed some questions for the sporting directors of the English clubs.

'In hindsight yes [it's a regret], because Eric retired a year later and Zidane was younger so he would have continued it', Martin Edwards concluded. That's football, one small decision can completely alter the course of events, and one stroke of luck can set you up for a generation of success.