Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he attempted to sign striker Fernando Torres before the Spaniard joined Liverpool.
Liverpool, who meet United at Anfield on Sunday, landed Torres in the summer for a club record fee from Atletico Madrid.
Ferguson has revealed that Torres, was once an Old Trafford transfer target.
“For years we tried to do a deal there but we never quite managed it because Atletico Madrid didn’t want to sell or the player felt he was too young one year,” said Ferguson.
“Then we just lost interest a bit because sometimes you get fed up with going back to the same venue all the time. He’s a good player. We wouldn’t have been interested in him if he wasn’t.
“I think the advantage Rafa had was that he is Spanish and his dealings with Atletico were maybe better than ours because he’s Spanish.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson admits the trip to Anfield is his favourite fixture in the Premier League campaign.
“No matter what position either club is in, it’s always a big game and each season it’s always the game that I look forward to,” added Ferguson.
“It encapsulates everything in British football, the passion of the fans, the ability of the footballers, the competition and the history of the two clubs. It’s terrific so hopefully we can have another good game.
“The atmosphere helps the players. It’s the sort of venue where the lambs are dead and you have to be men to handle their support over there. It’s not easy.”
