Pedersen is considered a Blackburn Rovers legend, but he might have achieved similar status at Manchester United if not for Giggs. The Norwegian international, who turned 43 today (Sunday, 8 September), made a lasting impact during his eight-and-a-half years in English football, all of which he spent at Ewood Park. Known for scoring spectacular goals, Pedersen quickly became a fan favorite across the league.
But it wasn’t just the fans who took notice. Sir Alex Ferguson, now 82, was also impressed by Pedersen and even contemplated signing him for Manchester United on a few occasions.
According to Pedersen, bad timing and Giggs’ enduring career thwarted any potential transfer. “There were lots of rumors about United being interested,” he told Sport Bible. “I know they were following me during my time at Tromsø and during my best years at Blackburn. They were watching from the stands. Could it have happened if Giggs hadn’t played forever? Who knows!”
Ferguson even praised Pedersen publicly in 2006, hinting that the only reason he didn’t make an offer was that United already had depth in that position. “He seems to be building his reputation against us,” Ferguson remarked at the time.
“We watched him play and received positive reports, but we didn’t think he was what we needed at the time. We had just signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs was already in the team, and Kieran Richardson was emerging,” Ferguson explained.
“It happens often. You notice a player who catches your eye, but sometimes you’re already well-stocked in that position, so you don’t take any action.”
Growing up as a Manchester United fan, Pedersen’s admiration for Ferguson was mutual. The Blackburn star mentioned that they would occasionally chat before and after matches, even exchanging bottles of wine.
“What really stood out to me was how nice he was. Every time we met, he was in a good mood. I think he liked me as a person, and he always spoke kindly of me.”
Pedersen joined Blackburn from Tromsø in 2004, making 349 appearances for the club (ranking him 17th all-time). By the time he left in 2013, he had scored 47 goals, many of them stunning. He then moved to the Turkish Super Lig to play for Karabükspor.
In 2014, Pedersen returned to Norway, first signing with Rosenborg before rejoining his former club Tromsø. Even in his mid-40s, he continues to play, having featured for Norwegian second-tier side Ranheim last season. He is currently seeking a new team.
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