The formidable defender, who lifted the Premier League twice with Arsenal, was a prime target for Ferguson during his peak years. Adams was made captain of the Gunners when he was only 21 and continued to wear the armband for 14 years.
His innate leadership skills and robust defensive acumen resulted in Ferguson being desperate to bring him to Old Trafford. Yet, Adams, who racked up an impressive 672 appearances for the north Londoners, opted to retire as a one-club man, resisting the allure of Old Trafford, where Ferguson had a knack for snatching top talent from his adversaries.
In his autobiography, 'SOBER: Football. My Story. My Life', Adams said: "Manchester United twice tried to sign me but I turned them down both times because I was Arsenal through and through.
"It was at an England get-together and Bryan Robson spoke to me about it, perhaps having been asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to have a quiet word. Tapping up? Of course, and anyone who doesn't think it goes on in the game informally all the time is being naive."
Adams joined the Arsenal academy in his teens and never looked back, amassing four league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and a European Cup Winners' Cup. In a recent discussion on Arsenal’s transfer ambitions, Adams delved into his past, revealing two separate occasions when Ferguson made overtures for his services at United.
Former Arsenal player Tony Adams speaks to Sky Sports prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground
Adams opened up about Ferguson's interest in him after his career came to an end
Speaking about the second approach, he said: "The second United approach came in '96, in the autumn just five weeks after I had stopped drinking and in that period of uncertainty when Arsene Wenger was taking over from the sacked Bruce Rioch.
"I guess Sir Alex might also have wanted me because, as well as feeling he might be strengthening United, he might be weakening Arsenal."
It took until 2012 for Ferguson to chip a significant piece away from Arsenal, with Robin van Persie's transition from the Gunners to Old Trafford yielding immediate success in the form of a Premier League title in his debut season with United. Alexis Sanchez later followed a similar path in 2018 when Jose Mourinho was in charge, but failed to make a comparable impact.
The Arsenal team celebrate after their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup Semi-Final
Adams won numerous trophies at Arsenal
Reflecting on the loyalty of players like Adams, who resisted the lure of other major clubs to remain with Arsenal throughout his career, one can only speculate about the additional silverware that might have adorned his legacy had he chosen to accept Ferguson's offer.
Adams will certainly be cheering on his former side when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday. The Gunners offered a warning to United by battering PSV 7-1 in their own backyard in the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.
Mikel Arteta's side will also be looking for revenge, as United knocked them out of the FA Cup via a penalty shoot-out at the Emirates in January. Their meeting at Old Trafford kicks off at 4.30pm tomorrow.
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