SO WHY DIDN'T YOU BUY HIM BEFORE?

Last updated : 23 July 2002 By Editors

Fergie revealed he made an initial inquiry about Rio Ferdinand over five years
ago but he knew he was on to a loser as soon as he was told by old friend
Mel Machin that the 17-year-old defender he saw stroll about at Dean Court
for Bournemouth was actually a member of the West Ham youth academy.

'I know Mel well and I told him I was going to give him some money,' said
Ferguson with a smile. He just said `we've only got him on loan'. I don't think it
even went to the bidding stage in the end, West Ham just said no.'

So why did he not challenge Leeds when they bid œ18 million for Ferdinand?

'We had Ronny Johnsen and Jaap Stam as a regular central defensive
partnership and Wes Brown as back up,' he said. 'I am also not a fan of mid-
season signings, they are not always suitable.'