‘I never regretted not going to Manchester United – Fergie knew I was getting married and suggested I think of my family and take the bigger wages at Everton’: Sir Alex Ferguson indicated England international shouldn't sign for him due to money

Portrait of Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson during a Barclays League Division One match against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Manchester United won the match 1-0. A portrait picture of Martin Keown as an Aston Villa player is inset.

Sir Alex Fergsuon once failed to sign an England international while manager of Manchester United, after suggesting a transfer target take the bigger wages on offer elsewhere.

Having just secured Aston Villa's survival in the First Division in their first season back in the top flight, Martin Keown wanted assurances over both his and the club's future at the end of the 1988/99 season. Villa failed to provide him with that, though, and instead chose to move to Everton - despite the advances of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.