Ferguson's unusual reason for snubbing Henderson that angered Rodgers

17 February 2024 , 10:00

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Sir Alex Ferguson had scouts watch Jordan Henderson (Image: PA)

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson once considered signing Jordan Henderson but opted against doing so due to the midfielder's "gait".

Henderson was impressing at Sunderland at the time and attracting interest from top Premier League clubs, prompting Ferguson to send Red Devils scouts to watch him in action.

However, after scouting Henderson, Ferguson decided to snub the future Champions League and Premier League winner on account of the way he "runs from his knees".

In his autobiography, Ferguson said: "We looked at Jordan Henderson a lot and Steve Bruce was unfailingly enthusiastic about him. Against that we noticed that Henderson runs from his knees, with a straight back, while the modern footballer runs from his hips." He added: "We thought his gait might cause him problems later in his career."

Henderson eventually moved to Liverpool, United's bitter rivals, where he rose to the role of club captain. Responding to Ferguson's observations on him, Henderson later told the Liverpool Echo: "What was written in the book never bothered me."

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He added: "To be honest, I looked upon it as a compliment that I got a mention. The fact Alex Ferguson was watching me at some stage must have meant I was doing something right."

"I was never aware of any interest from United and I'm happy with how things worked out. I'm enjoying my football and we're progressing well as a team." I never felt as if I had a point to prove really except maybe to myself and to Liverpool Football Club in terms of improving as a player."

Brendan Rodgers was Liverpool boss at the time and took a little more offence than Henderson to Ferguson's words. He said: "I think if Sir Alex ever bumps into Jordan he might want to apologise for that.

"The comment surprised me, I have to be honest, coming from someone with such status in the game. Maybe it was meant as flippant but to a young player making his way in the game it could be damaging."

"Every player is different, and every player at this club has had his strengths and weaknesses medically assessed. The statement in terms of Jordan was inappropriate."

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Jake Polden