When Peter Schmeichel left Manchester United in 1999, the club had the difficult task of replacing the Danish goalkeeper. The Reds went through several high-profile players, with Mark Bosnich being recruited shortly after his departure.
Given that Peter Schmeichel made over 350 appearances for Manchester United - winning a total of 16 trophies, including five top-flight titles - it was always going to be difficult to replace the dominant shot-stopper. The Dane, who even scored for the Reds during his time at Old Trafford, is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Premier League history - which is probably why United's first attempt to replace him didn't quite go to plan.
Bosnich had actually played three times for United earlier in his career but had to leave Old Trafford as he was unable to secure a work permit. When the Australian returned at the end of the 1990s - on a free transfer from Aston Villa - he was expected to do the impossible and replace Schmeichel. So, when Ferguson would later claim that he tried to pull out of the deal to sign Bosnich - and that the goalkeeper was 'a terrible professional' - people were understandably shocked.
Ferguson continued: "I changed tack and went for Edwin van der Sar instead, spoke to his agent and then to Martin Edwards, who told me, 'Alex, I'm sorry, I've shaken hands with Bosnich.' That was a blow. Martin had shaken Mark's hand and would not go back on his word, which I respect. But it was a bad piece of business."
With Bosnich having returned to his homeland following a stint with Chelsea, a visit to Australia for the Melbourne Cup shortly after Ferguson's autobiography was released could have led to an interesting reception from the player for the Scot. Bosnich added in his column on Fox Sports: "He referenced a period of my career when I returned to training overweight. That's true. I usually returned two kilos overweight and on this occasion, I was two-and-a-half."
While Bosnich, understandably, hoped to be the long-term replacement for Schmeichel, Roy Keane suggested that it was clear from day one that the Australian was not going to be a success at Old Trafford.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Roy Keane and Gary Neville’s Casemiro prediction could haunt Man UnitedObservations made by the two Man Utd legends look more ominous amid Casemiro's latest setback.
Read more »
Erik ten Hag record compared to other Man United managers post-Sir Alex FergusonHow the under pressure Man Utd manager compares statistically to David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick in the dugout.
Read more »
Formula 1 chief confirms Man United takeover talks with Sir Jim RatcliffeMercedes F1's executive director Toto Wolff owns a third of the motor-racing brand with INEOS founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe who is on the verge of joining Manchester United
Read more »
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already proved he can solve Man United's biggest problemNice, backed by Ratcliffe, are currently top of the Ligue 1 after an unbeaten start to the season
Read more »
Gary Neville is hurting after Manchester United humiliationManchester United 0 Newcastle United 3 - Gary Neville is hurting after Man U humiliation.
Read more »
Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepared to invest $300m for Manchester United infrastructure upgradesSir Jim Ratcliffe is prepared to commit $300million (£245m) of his personal wealth for infrastructure upgrades at Manchester United. INEOS, the petrochemicals company owned by Ratcliffe, is set to purchase a 25 per cent stake in United from the Glazer family.
Read more »