'You tapped up Stevie G?!' - Gary Neville reveals legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson told him to convince Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard to sign for Man Utd

The former England international revealed that back in 2004, legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had asked him to convince his national team colleague and Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard to sign for the Red Devils.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast from Sky Bet, Neville said, "I have just remembered when Sir Alex asked me.. when I went into his [Gerrard’s] room with England and asked him to sign for United. I felt as though it was a bit of a hopeless [case]."

He added, "What would it have been, 2004? He was close to going to Chelsea and Sir Alex rang me and said he was anxious. I think his words were 'Tell him I'll fetch him and take him back down the East Lancs and bring him back'. I went to see Stevie and he was quite categoric quite quickly! He said 'Seriously, I wouldn't get out of Liverpool and my family would never get out of Liverpool'. Those were his exact words to me."

Gerrard made his debut for the Reds in 1998 and spent 17 years at the club before heading to the US where he signed for LA Galaxy. His MLS stint lasted for two seasons and in November 2016, he announced his retirement from professional football.

The 43-year-old took charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 but under his leadership, the team has failed to live up to the expectations as they are currently eighth in the league table with just six wins from the first 19 games. The club will return to action after the winter break on February 15 when they take on Al-Khaleej.