Man Utd star showed his true colours after Sir Alex Ferguson called him ‘worst-ever signing’

Sir Alex Ferguson was particularly damning in his verdict of Owen Hargreaves, whom he called one of the most disappointing signings of his managerial career

Owen Hargreaves was as classy as ever in his response to Sir Alex Ferguson branding him as one of the worst signings of his career. It was in 2007 when Manchester United signed the ex-England star from Bayern Munich for a reported fee of £17million.

Arriving in England with four Bundesliga titles and a Champions League triumph to his name, Hargreaves possessed quite the pedigree while being voted England’s best player at the 2006 World Cup a year prior.

It was instant success for the midfielder at Old Trafford as he won the Premier League and Champions League double in his first season, making 34 appearances across all competitions.

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Unfortunately, that would turn out to be the last full season of Hargreaves’ career as a recurring patellar tendinitis problem would effectively end his time in football. Despite numerous operations on both of his knees, it would do little for a hopeful return to the pitch.

Hargreaves made just five more appearances in his next three seasons at United before he was released in 2011 as he went on to sign for Manchester City for one season. In his only campaign for City, he played four times and retired from football after his release from the Citizens.

It was in Ferguson’s autobiography that he revealed his regret in signing Hargreaves, claiming his former player had no self-belief. “We started to put together a bid for him. But I studied his playing record and felt a tinge of doubt. I didn’t feel a strong vibe about him. David Gill worked hard on the deal with Bayern,” the Scotsman wrote.

“I met Owen’s agent at the World Cup final in Berlin. Nice man, a lawyer. I told him we could develop Hargreaves at United. It turned out to be a disaster. Owen had no confidence in himself whatsoever.

“He didn’t show nearly enough determination to overcome his physical difficulties, for my liking. I saw him opt for the easy choice too often in terms of training. He was one of the most disappointing signings of my career.”

Despite the harsh words from his former manager, Hargreaves was class personified when given the opportunity to respond, instead insisting a private conversation would be required rather than taking to airwaves.

“It’s a complicated one. Anyone who knows me knows that professionalism is one of my strongest traits. A lot of people were surprised by what he said, me included. He said a lot of things in there that were with emotion,” Hargreaves told BT Sport.

“The reason he brought me over was to win the Champions League and we were able to do that and I played a big part. After the treatment that I had that summer I virtually never played again. For a young player, I was only 27, be at that point in my career and never play again, to have to deal with all of that was very, very difficult.

“I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. A lot of relationships break down due to communication. My only regret is that I didn’t go to him sooner. But I didn’t realise the severity of the situation until it was a little bit too late. The reason I left Bayern was to play for United, it was a privilege to play there.

“It was an honour to play under him. For it to deteriorate like it did was very disappointing. I think it’s a conversation me and him need to have personally. I wouldn’t wish that situation on anyone.”

Hargreaves’ two former sides are set to clash on Sunday in the first Manchester derby of the season at the Etihad Stadium. Both clubs have had a dire start to the season, with City suffering consecutive defeats. United’s only victory has come at home to Burnley, courtesy of a 97th-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty.

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