Gary Lineker explains Manchester United regret as he recalls two rejected transfers

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker has revealed he had two opportunities to sign for Manchester United when Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson were in charge.

Lineker is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers England has ever produced. During his playing career at Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, Everton and Nagoya Grampus, he scored a total of 221 goals in 422 appearances.

Internationally, Lineker was a stalwart for the Three Lions, grabbing 48 goals in 80 caps. Given his record, it is unsurprising that the forward was on the radar of United twice during his career.

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When asked by a listener on The Rest is Football podcast which English club he wished he had played for, Lineker explained how there is only one club he would represent if he had his time again.

"I was up in Manchester for Sir Bobby Chartlon’s funeral which was a lovely send-off for the great man. There were so many greats there, players from yesteryear of Manchester United. That is the one club," Lineker explained.

"I kind of had two opportunities to join them. Once when Ron Atkinson was manager but I went to Everton instead - you have to remember that Manchester United were not as dominant in those days.

"The second time was when I went to Spurs and Sir Alex (Ferguson) was in charge of United, but it was still a good three or four years before he started to have any success. It made me think about it yesterday, and they also gave me a lovely send-off which I spoke about before in my last ever game in English football. I’d perhaps say Manchester United."