Despite his unparalleled managerial career spanning nearly three decades, Sir Alex Ferguson is famously known for having very few regrets during his illustrious tenure at Manchester United. His time at Old Trafford was marked by an extraordinary run of success, cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest minds, yet even for a figure of his stature, a singular ‘what if’ continues to resonate years after his retirement.

This enduring regret centers on a specific transfer target, a highly influential British midfielder whose talents Ferguson observed early in his career. The decision not to pursue this player more aggressively remains a notable point of reflection for the legendary Scottish manager, a testament to the player’s exceptional qualities and the impact he went on to have in the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson candidly admitted his oversight, recalling his initial assessment of the player during his formative years at West Ham United. His poignant words, ‘I have regretted not doing the deal ever since. Where else could I have got 200 goals from midfield?’, underscore the profound impact this missed opportunity had on him, highlighting the player’s remarkable goal-scoring prowess from a central role.

The former Manchester United boss often drew parallels between this un-signed star’s unique attacking instincts and those of his own revered players, notably comparing his ability to time runs into the opposition box to club legend Bryan Robson. This rare attribute, shared with other prolific midfielders like John Wark, was a key factor in the player’s consistent ability to find the back of the net over many seasons, making him a true midfield powerhouse.

The significance of this missed signing was further amplified by events such as the 2005 Ballon d’Or. In that particular year, the British midfielder achieved a remarkable feat, finishing higher in the prestigious individual rankings than even the budding superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who was then a crucial component of Ferguson’s Manchester United squad.

While Cristiano Ronaldo would go on to win the Ballon d’Or a record five times, his 20th-place finish in 2005, contrasted with the English midfielder’s near-victory, might have served as a stark reminder to Sir Alex Ferguson of the incredible talent he had allowed to slip through his grasp. It underscored the player’s elite status among the world’s best at that time.

Indeed, Sir Alex Ferguson’s transfer acumen was legendary; his ability to identify and cultivate world-class talent, bringing in future icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and nurturing their development, was a hallmark of his success. His track record was largely flawless, which makes the lingering regret over this one particular player all the more striking and unusual.

Ultimately, the story of this un-signed British star serves as a rare footnote in Sir Alex Ferguson’s otherwise flawless managerial narrative. Even for a man who achieved so much, the thought of the additional goals and influence a player like Frank Lampard could have brought to Manchester United continues to be a compelling ‘what if’ in the annals of football history.