Sir Alex Ferguson was a day away from Arsenal job, contract offer revealed

According to Mirror Football, Arsenal legend and Scotland international Charlie Nicholas has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was "one day" from accepting a managerial contract with the Gunners. Nicholas says the legendary Manchester United boss was presented with an offer that almost materialised into a historic appointment at Highbury.

Nicholas explained that the discussions reached a stage where a formal contract was drafted, but a combination of timing and personal considerations ultimately kept Ferguson at Old Trafford. The former United manager, who retired in 2013, never publicly confirmed the details, leaving the episode as a tantalising what‑if in English football folklore.

The interview also touched on former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, with Nicholas arguing that Keane’s outspoken style would have made him a perfect fit for the BBC’s Soccer Saturday panel. He suggested that Keane’s insights could have added a fresh dynamic to the long‑running programme.

While no new appointments have emerged from the recollection, the story highlights how close two of Britain’s most iconic football figures came to new chapters in their post‑playing careers.