Oliver Kahn: Manchester United's former manager Sir Alex Ferguson never forgave me for snub

Ferguson tried to sign the German goalkeeper in 1994

Monday 19 January 2015 12:03 EST
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Oliver Kahn in action against Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League final
Oliver Kahn in action against Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League final (GETTY IMAGES)

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Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn thinks Sir Alex Ferguson has never forgiven him for snubbing the chance to join Manchester United.

Kahn told website Fanbookz that he had a "serious offer" from the Red Devils in 1994, but he instead opted to join Bayern Munich, with whom he played 14 seasons before retiring in 2008.

"Alex Ferguson has never forgotten that," Kahn said. "He still holds that against me to this day."

According to former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, Kahn committed a cardinal sin.

"You never say no to Sir Alex," the Dane said on the same programme.

"It would have been a good experience for Kahn (at United)."

Sir Alex Ferguson with Fred the Red during the Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson with Fred the Red during the Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford (Getty)

Schmeichel and Kahn were in opposing goals in the 1999 Champions League final, which United won with two stoppage-time goals after Mario Basler's early strike had put Bayern ahead.

Kahn lifted the trophy two years later when Bayern beat Valencia on penalties, while he won a record eight Bundesliga titles.

PA

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