Though some will say that Alan Shearer's snub of Manchester United was the most significant in the two club's history, another was far more significant for both teams. Having already played for the Red Devils once under Ron Atkinson without making a league appearance, Peter Beardsley almost returned to the club in 1992 as Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him to replace Dion Dublin. Ferguson was a massive admirer of the Geordie playmaker having tried to sign him from the Magpies in 1987, and had asked Martin Edwards to go and sign him in November 1992, but as he prepared to make the bid, Leeds chairman Bill Fotherby rang to see if Denis Irwin was available, and the subject of Eric Cantona came up. The rest was history, but had the phone call come later, Man Utd might have signed Beardsley, denying their fans the sight of Cantona in a red shirt, and stopping the formation of Keegan's Entertainers in one fell swoop. Which of these players are you most happy didn't sign for Newcastle United? Share your thoughts below in the comments thread.
