According to a report by Manchester Evening News on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Manchester United missed the opportunity to sign legendary French midfielder Zinedine Zidane in 1996 after Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly decided against pursuing the deal because he did not want to upset Eric Cantona.

Ferguson enjoyed considerable success in the transfer market during his remarkable managerial career, although some of the signings he failed to complete have continued to generate discussions among Manchester United supporters.

Some of his most successful acquisitions included Cantona, Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Peter Schmeichel. However, the former United manager also missed out on several outstanding players, including Ronaldinho and Zidane.

The French midfielder eventually left Bordeaux for Juventus in the summer of 1996, beginning an impressive spell in Italian football before becoming one of the greatest players in the world.

During his five seasons at Juventus, Zidane won two Serie A titles and the Italian Cup before completing a move to Real Madrid. He also played a significant role in France's triumph at the 1998 World Cup.

Former Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards has now disclosed that the club had an opportunity to bring Zidane to Old Trafford, but Ferguson decided against the move because Cantona was already an influential figure in the squad.

According to Edwards, the United manager was concerned that signing another prominent French footballer could affect Cantona's position and influence within the dressing room.

Speaking to Keys and Gray Unleashed, Edwards explained: "There was also a chance where we could have got Zidane. But we had Cantona at the time, and Alex didn't want to upset Cantona."

Edwards also mentioned other notable players Manchester United failed to sign, including Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne, suggesting that their arrivals could have made Ferguson's successful team even stronger.

Interestingly, Cantona announced his retirement from professional football the following season, surprising supporters and ending the possibility of a partnership between the two French football stars at Old Trafford.

As a result, Manchester United missed the opportunity to sign Zidane before he went on to achieve remarkable success with Juventus, Real Madrid and the French national team.