'I had a choice': Arsenal legend with 75 England caps says he could've signed for Man United at one point
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Manchester United and Arsenal have often crossed paths in the transfer market.
Manchester United famously signed Robin van Persie from Arsenal over a decade ago, while Alexis Sanchez crossed this particular divide a few years ago.
United and Arsenal have often gone to war over the same transfer targets too.
United famously beat Arsenal to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003, while United beat Arsenal to Lisandro Martinez's signature a couple of years back.
Speaking on the Seaman Says Podcast, David Seaman has now revealed that he could've ended up signing for United at one point before joining Arsenal.
However, he was talked out of joining the Red Devils by Ray Wilkins who told him that Arsenal were more likely to be immediately successful.
David Seaman almost joined Manchester United
The Arsenal legend shared how he almost joined United.
The goalkeeper says that he picked Arsenal over United due to some advice he got from Ray Wilkins.
"I had a choice to go to Man United. Before I went to Arsenal," Seaman said.
"What made you pick Arsenal over Man U?" Seaman was asked.
"Well, because I was a QPR for four years, so I was in London. My family was settled in London. And I got told by Ray Wilkins, the late Ray Wilkins," Seaman said.
"He said to me, if you join Man United now, you won’t win trophies straight away. He said, but if you join Arsenal now, this was in 1990, he said, you’ll win trophies straight away. And we did.
"You know, then obviously Man United. But he did say Man United will get better and better and better."
David Seaman's career achievements
David Seaman became an absolute legend at Arsenal, while he also became England’s number one, winning 75 caps, but, Wilkins' advice proved to be slightly misguided.
Indeed, while Seaman won plenty of silverware at Arsenal, he would've won a lot more if he'd joined Manchester United.
| Honours | David Seaman at Arsenal (1990-2003) | Manchester United (1990-2003) |
| League titles | 3 | 8 |
| FA Cups | 4 | 3 |
| League Cups | 1 | 1 |
| Champions Leagues | 0 | 1 |
| Other European trophies | 1 | 1 |
United missed out on an incredible goalkeeper here, but things ultimately worked out well for the Red Devils.
United would eventually sign Peter Schmeichel, who was a vital component to their success.
Schmeichel set the standards in United training as he was a great leader, and he also turned up in the big moments.
It's hard to pick between Seaman and Schmeichel, but Arsenal and United fans respectively wouldn't swap their legends.
Nowadays, Seaman does some coaching at Arsenal, and he remains a true ambassador to the club and a legendary figure in their history.
