How Sir Alex Ferguson’s transfer decision led to Paul Ince betraying Man United for Liverpool

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The Manchester United and Liverpool rivalry has been fierce over the years, with plenty of memorable fixtures where both teams clash.

As a result, very few players have dared cross the divide between Merseyside and Manchester in recent years.

There was one, however, who made such a bold move back in 1997, as Paul Ince betrayed his old club Manchester United for Liverpool.

While the midfielder had many memorable moments with the Red Devils, the switch to the Reds changed everything.

However, that could’ve all been prevented, had Sir Alex Ferguson made a different choice.

Paul Ince’s move to Liverpool could’ve been stopped with Man United return

Paul Ince was remembered as a Manchester United legend for his role in some of the greatest teams the club has ever had.

The England international joined in 1989 from West Ham and spent six years at Old Trafford under Ferguson.

Ince made nearly 300 appearances for Man United, winning nine honours with the club before he joined Inter Milan.

A short spell in Italy saw him set out for a return to the Premier League, but instead of returning to Man United, he joined Liverpool instead.

It was seen as a cardinal sin for players to betray their former club in favour of their rivals, but Ince revealed how Ferguson could’ve stopped it all from happening.

Speaking to TalkSPORT in 2024, he said: “When I came back from Inter Milan, Man United had first refusal on me.

“I could have easily gone back to Manchester United, they turned down that decision to take me back. When I left to go to Inter Milan, I didn’t want to leave Manchester United…”

When asked if he had any regrets about joining Liverpool instead, Ince said: “None whatsoever. I’ve always looked at the Liverpool fans as knowledgeable people.

“Just as a city, they look after their own, and as soon as you become their own, they take you in, irrespective of whether you’ve played here or there, they take you in.

“From day one, I had not one problem with the people at Liverpool.”

Ince then spent two years at Liverpool, before he fell out of favour and made the move to Middlesbrough.

Opportunities at Wolves, Swindon and Macclesfield followed, with him eventually retiring in 2007.

Which players have played for Manchester United and Liverpool

In the Premier League era, Paul Ince is one of only two former Manchester United players to have featured for Liverpool.

The other is Michael Owen, who made the reverse transfer switch during his career.

The striker was a young star with plenty of promise when he came through at Liverpool in 1996.

His performances were so impressive, that Owen won the Ballon d’Or in 2001, and he remains the last Englishman to do so.

The England international left in 2004, with moves to Real Madrid and Newcastle coming before a switch to Manchester United in 2009.

Owen then spent three years at Old Trafford, scoring 17 goals in 52 matches.