Man Utd’s deadline day transfer for striker rested on phone call ultimatum over loan deal

Manchester United have been at the centre of some of the most famous Premier League transfer deadline days, none more so than in 2008 when they orchestrated a last minute deal for Dimitar Berbatov

Manchester United had a relatively quiet transfer deadline day on Monday – a far cry from some of the more drama-filled days they’ve experienced. One such time came on the last day of the window in September 2008 when United signed Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham Hotspur for £30.75m.

A rare glimpse into the chaotic inner workings of deadline day came later via ex-United forward Fraizer Campbell. The now-37-year-old offered a fascinating insight into the ruthless world of last-ditch transfers and how players often have little control over their destiny when it comes to switches orchestrated late in the day.

Campbell unwittingly became a key factor in the acquisition of the Bulgarian striker, after Spurs demanded Campbell join them on loan as part of the Berbatov switch, just as Manchester City were looking to hijack the deal. While hardly a household name at Old Trafford, Campbell ultimately played a major role in United securing one of their most successful last-minute signings.

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Speaking on United’s official YouTube channel, Campbell revealed that he was all set to sign for Wigan Athletic until he received a last-gasp phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I knew that I’m going on loan,” Campbell began. “I’m sat with Steve Bruce, who’s at Wigan at the time, and he’s sat with us like, ‘Yeah I’m going on loan to Wigan,’ whatever, just speaking to the people here, waiting for the faxes to come through so I could sign it and what not.

“So, anyway it’s getting late and I’m like, ‘What’s taking so long?’ Anyway, I get a call from a withheld number thinking, ‘Who’s this?’ I’m like, ‘Hello?’ ‘Fraizer, it’s Sir Alex here.’ [Campbell then said] ‘Err, hi?’

“[Ferguson said] ‘I’m going to ring you back in five minutes, you’re going to have to give me an answer, but I’ve got a deal for Berbatov going for over £30m, but it’s only going to go through if you agree to go there on loan. So I’m going to ring you back in three minutes or four minutes with your decision, speak to you in a minute.'”

Campbell revealed, despite him nearing an exit to the Latics, he felt compelled to agree to the Spurs switch under the powerful influence of Ferguson. He added: “So imagine, Sir Alex is ringing me saying this deal is not going through unless you go the other way. I was hardly going to say no. I knew that I’m going on loan.”

Berbatov would play under Ferguson for four seasons. He scored 56 goals in 149 games and won two Premier League titles during that time. Campbell meanwhile made 10 appearances for Spurs and later went on to represent a host of clubs including Cardiff, Sunderland and Hull City.

United took care of the majority of their summer business prior to transfer deadline day this year with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Diego Leon made earlier in the window.

However, they did secure the signature of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on Monday, but United failed in a late move for Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

As for outgoings on deadline day, Antony completed a move to Real Betis, while Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho joined Napoli and Aston Villa on loan, respectively. Tyrell Malacia’s loan to Elche collapsed late in the day, however.

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