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Reds missed

Graeme Souness reveals he turned down chance to sign Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel for Liverpool before pair became Man United legends

Devastation for Liverpool fans as former Kop boss admits he refused pair in early 90s

GRAEME  Souness has sensationally admitted he turned down the chance to sign Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel for Liverpool before the pair became Manchester United legends.

Souness took over in the Anfield hot-seat in 1991 and had a difficult three years at the club where he was a hero in his playing days before quitting in 1994.

 Souness had a difficult three years as Liverpool boss before quitting in 1994
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Souness had a difficult three years as Liverpool boss before quitting in 1994Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

He told The Sunday Times how he struggled with how the club had changed when he became manager – and then revealed how it could have been so different if he had been able to make two potentially massive signings.

The Scot said: “I missed out on two players who went on to become Manchester United legends.

"Ron Yeats, the chief scout then, told me there was a young Danish goalkeeper — Peter Schmeichel — who was a Liverpool fan and willing to pay his own travel and hotel in exchange for some time with us.

“I was trying to ease out Bruce Grobbelaar and that was proving a hassle, plus I had just signed David James, so I thought I could do without a rookie keeper.”

 Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel celebrate winning 1994 FA Cup, which completed the Double
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Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel celebrate winning 1994 FA Cup, which completed the DoubleCredit: Getty - Contributor

Schmeichel  eventually  joined United in 1991 from Brondby for £550,000 and helped them win their first league title in 26 years in 1992/1993.

He went on to become one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best signings and was part of the historic treble-winning side in 1999.

Another player credited with helping United replace Liverpool as English football’s No1 club is Eric Cantona.

But the Frenchman could have been the man to help Liverpool get back to their glory days if Souness had taken a chance on the “problem  boy”.

 Sir Alex Ferguson brought in Cantona and Schmeichel and 'knocked Liverpool off their perch'
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Sir Alex Ferguson brought in Cantona and Schmeichel and 'knocked Liverpool off their perch'Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Sky Sports pundit Souness, whose only major success while in charge at Liverpool was winning the 1992 FA Cup, explained:  “Eric Cantona was another I missed out on.

“We played Auxerre at home and Michel Platini came to see me afterwards.

“He said he had a player for me, a problem boy but a proper player. It was Cantona, but I said the last thing I needed was another problem player.

“I had 30-pluses I was trying to get out, so I didn’t need more hassle. I said I was looking for something else and so it was no thanks.”

 Dean Saunders and Steve Nicol lift FA Cup in 1992
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Dean Saunders and Steve Nicol lift FA Cup in 1992Credit: Getty - Contributor

After leaving Liverpool Souness managed a host of clubs including Southampton, Galatasaray, Blackburn and Newcastle.

Schmeichel has just revealed he fancies a go at management, claiming he has “enough understanding and life experience”.

 

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