Roy Evans reveals he lost out on Teddy Sheringham to Manchester United
Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur star Teddy Sheringham is one of the Premier League’s greatest names. Had things gone otherwise, he could have been making his mark in the Red of Liverpool instead.
According to the Athletic (h/t Metro), the striker had already agreed on a move to Anfield. Unfortunately for us, the Liverpool board decided to pass on him, permitting Manchester United to swoop in.
The deal worked out well for Sheringham, who went on to enjoy a trophy-laden stint at Old Trafford. He is widely remembered for his role in the Red Devils’ Champions League triumph in 1999.
Then Reds boss Roy Evans believes missing out on the striker is his biggest transfer regret. According to the report, Evans had successfully negotiated a move with Sheringham but the board failed to back him up.
“Biggest transfer regret? I’d say Teddy Sheringham.”
Confidence in Evans was low at the time and the board felt that investing in a 31-year-old striker was a gamble the club are better off not taking. This, in spite of Sheringham’s impressive goal-scoring record.
A model professional!
The former Liverpool boss was keen to bring in the experienced striker to add balance to a young squad. Liverpool had a policy of not signing players over 28 and sticking to it proved to be a very costly decision indeed.
Although the clubs till had legends such as John Barnes and Ian Rush at the club, Sheringham would have added to the experienced heads in the playing squad.
A player with a level head, the Liverpool youngsters could have learned a lot from Sheringham. The impressive Robbie Fowler and the emerging Micheal Owen could have benefitted from the guidance of the then 31-year-old.
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In the end, it was a chance missed and Sheringham went on to play for another decade after Liverpool deemed him too old. Liverpool’s loss was United’s gain.
