Former Manchester United favourite Andrei Kanchelskis has revealed Sir Alex Ferguson almost apologised to the squad for selling him to Everton - but his exit allowed David Beckham to flourish.
The ex-Russia winger arrived at Old Trafford in 1991 from Shakhtar Donetsk and won two Premier League titles during a successful four-year stint with the Red Devils.
But he was, somewhat surprisingly, sold to Everton in 1995, a decision which raised a few eyebrows at the time.
And Kanchelskis has lifted the lid on his exit, claiming that Ferguson seemingly regretted the decision.
“When I left United, Ferguson was ready to apologise to the whole team,” the former winger told Sport-Express.
Kanchelskis does, however, take delight in the fact that his exit allowed Beckham to make his breakthrough at Old Trafford.
"Beckham wrote that if I had not left Manchester, he would not have played. It's nice that I gave him the opportunity,” joked Kanchelskis.
“As a result, they recognise me more in England than in Russia."
Kanchelskis also won the 1994 FA Cup with United, a game he looks back on with fond memories.
“Naturally, mostly positive things are connected with England, especially with Manchester. I remember the first time I went to Old Trafford," he added.
"I was then recognised as the best player of the match.
“Before the FA Cup final with Chelsea, the Queen herself wished us good luck. There were difficult times, but in football everything doesn’t always run smoothly.”
Kanchelskis spent just two seasons at Everton, and also had spells in England with Manchester City and Southampton.
He hung up his boots in 2006 and is currently managing Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
