‘I Rejected World-Record Man Utd Move - Sir Alex Ferguson Took Away the Club’s Aura’

 A former Manchester United transfer target claimed the club lost its aura after Sir Alex Ferguson left.

The player would go on to make a major move that would see him win countless trophies.

He claimed to have no regrets over his decision to snub a move to Old Trafford.

There perhaps isn't a phrase in this world that sums up the state of Manchester United right now quite like "oh how the mighty have fallen." The Red Devils used to be the biggest football club in world football, and up there with the very best in terms of their performances on the pitch. Now, they're not even among the top 20.

The plight will be a delight for some fans who have waited years to see the Old Trafford outfit knocked off their perch. And many will point to the very same incident being the cause of the decline — that being Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Under the Scot, United's dominance in English football was incomparable. He made the Theatre of Dreams the place every player wanted to play at, and his departure left a void that has only gotten bigger over the years as the problems have mounted. But his absence was felt almost immediately, as a player the club tried to sign in the wake of the legendary coach's retirement revealed that he felt the club had "lost its aura" by the time they had made their approach to sign him.

Gareth Bale Reveals Why He Snubbed Man United

The Welshman revealed he had the choice between United and Real Madrid

Speaking prior to United's 2025 Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Gareth Bale told of how David Moyes was keen to bring him to the North West of England after he replaced Ferguson and the Welsh winger explained that it was the closest he had come in his career to making the move. However, he felt as though without the former manager in charge, the club didn't have the same appeal and he instead opted to join Real Madrid:

"There was a couple of times I was close to joining. Never quite materialised. Probably the closest was when I actually joined Madrid. It was between Man United and Real Madrid. I think at the time, Sir Alex Ferguson had left. So, it didn't quite have that aura. I think the team was ageing a little bit. I felt like I'd always had my heart set on Madrid anyway.

"But I feel like I made the right decision in the end. Not to be horrible to Man United fans, but I feel like I made the right choice."

That very season, Bale would win the Champions League, scoring a crucial goal in the extra-time victory over local rivals Atletico. Meanwhile, United would record their first ever finish outside the top four in the Premier League era and Moyes would be sacked as manager by the end of the campaign.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Between the 2013/14 and 2021/22 seasons, Bale won the Champions League more times (5) than Manchester United qualified for the competition (4).

Gareth Bale's Career After Snubbing Manchester United

The winger became one of the most decorated players in British history

After leaving Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then-world record fee, Bale joined Real Madrid and became one of the most decorated British footballers in history. His time in Spain was defined by moments of brilliance, including a stunning overhead kick in the 2018 Champions League final and a memorable solo goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona. Bale won five Champions League titles, three La Liga titles, and numerous other trophies with Los Blancos, playing a crucial role during the club’s most successful modern era.

Despite his success, the winger's time at Madrid was marred by injuries, inconsistent form, and a strained relationship with fans and management. He often drew criticism for perceived disinterest, particularly as his passion for golf became a media focus. In 2020, he returned to Tottenham on loan, showing flashes of his old self but never fully regaining his previous heights.

Bale concluded his club career at LAFC in Major League Soccer, where he won the MLS Cup in 2022. Internationally, he was Wales’ talisman, leading them to Euro 2016’s semi-finals and their first World Cup in 64 years. He retired in 2023 as a national hero and a modern British great.