10 World-Class Players You Didn’t Know Man Utd Nearly Signed
8. Terry Butcher
Ron Atkinsons tenure as Manchester United manager has become synonymous with attractive football tempered by underachievement and a concerning drinking culture among the players. Atkinson inherited a decent but ageing squad when he took over at Old Trafford in 1981; the likes of Martin Buchan, Gordon McQueen and Lou Macari were declining and talismanic striker Joe Jordan departed for AC Milan on the day Atkinson joined the club. Never shy of dipping his toes in the transfer market waters, Atkinson acted quickly, bringing in the likes of Bryan Robson, Remi Moses and Frank Stapleton. One player that got away was England and Ipswich Town defender Terry Butcher. Undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the country, Butcher could have been a mainstay of the United defence for a decade. The Old Trafford board saw things differently, however, baulking at the £750,000 asking price, leaving Butcher to travel north of the border to join Rangers and leaving Big Ron still searching for a commanding centre half.
