Sydney FC’s Jacques Faty reveals why he rejected chance to join Alex Ferguson at Manchester United

WHEN Jacques Faty looks back on his journeyed football career, only one moment leaves him with a pang of regret — turning down Manchester United.

Sydney FC player Jacques Faty who is gearing up for his first full year for the team and in the A-League.

WHEN Jacques Faty looks back on his journeyed football career, only one moment leaves him with a pang of regret — the day he turned down Sir Alex Ferguson to join Manchester United.

Just days out from the new A-League season, the Sydney FC defender has opened up about his 2001 meeting with the man who at the time was considered one of the most powerful in world football.

At 17 he had just helped France to a world title, subduing the likes of Carlos Tevez along the way — and bringing him to wider attention than might have been expected, even though he was based at France’s famed Clairefontaine academy.

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Jacques Faty at training ahead of the 2015-15 A-League season. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It wasn’t just Ferguson, but also the then-Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier whom he decided to disappoint, believing he’d be better off continuing to develop at Clairefontaine.

“It was not long after I captained France to a victory in the under-17 World Cup,” Faty said. “I remember even David Beckham came and sat in on part of the meeting.

“United had played Nantes FC in the Champions League, and Ferguson stopped by to have a meeting with me and my adviser at the time.

“It was a big moment for me, but I decided to stay at the (Clairefontaine Youth Centre) academy. Around the same time I had a meeting with Gérard Houllier, who was Liverpool manager.

“I still feel little bit of regret looking back on that period, but now that I’m older I don’t focus on the past and make sure that every season I have left is great.”

Sir Alex Ferguson tried to lure Faty to Manchester United.

It’s that ability to block out the negative thoughts and focus on the now that has Faty primed for a big season in Sydney’s defence.

Although his attention is squarely on the team’s round one fixture against Melbourne City on Saturday, Faty said he is already anticipating playing in his first Sydney derby.

The Frenchman made it quite clear when he arrived in Australia eight months ago that the cross-town rivalry between FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers was one of the biggest drawcards for playing in the A-League.

“It was upsetting to miss that last game between FC and Wanderers through injury, but now I can’t wait for the first time we play again,” he said.

“It’s one of the best rivalries I have seen. I have friends that play for the Wanderers and it’s exciting to be part of those games.”

After coming so close to lifting the trophy last season, Faty said the team’s goal was to go one better this time around.

“We have the capacity and the belief, now we just need to do it,” he said. “Coach (Graham Arnold) always says we are our only enemy. I can’t wait to get out there and play.”

Originally published as Sydney FC’s Jacques Faty reveals why he rejected chance to join Alex Ferguson at Manchester United