Alex McLeish – Aberdeen

Sir Alex Ferguson’s pursuit of Alex McLeish finally broke down in the late 1980s, when a £1.75 million bid from Manchester United was rejected by the Aberdeen Board. That figure represented a new club record transfer fee; however, the Board of Directors were unwilling to part with a player who had become an integral member of their success. McLeish stated, “At my age in that time they offered a good price (£1.75 million), but they still said no.” McLeish ultimately spent several years playing alongside Willie Miller as the backbone of the Aberdeen side during its greatest ever spell.

After moving to Old Trafford in 1986, Sir Alex Ferguson made numerous bids for McLeish; however, Aberdeen consistently stood firm. After the failed bid for McLeish, United moved quickly to sign Gary Pallister for £2.3 million in 1989. McLeish continued to win honours with Aberdeen, including the 1989-90 Double (Scottish League Cup & Scottish Cup). He would go on to claim 10 domestic honours. In addition to those 10 domestic honours, McLeish claimed two additional major European honours – the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup – both won in 1983.

A defining moment came for McLeish in the 1990 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic. The match ended in a 0-0 tie, and Aberdeen won 9-8 on penalties. At that point, McLeish stepped forward for the sixth penalty. He explained how he mentally prepared himself: ‘I just raised my hand… I kept calm… I just kept thinking, “The goalie is on the left; shoot it hard.”‘ ” Brian Irvine then took the decisive 10th penalty and sealed the title for Aberdeen.

McLeish lifted the Scottish Cup as captain. At that time, Willie Miller was unable to participate due to a lengthy knee injury. As such, McLeish bore the full burden of responsibility for leading the team while Miller was out injured. Years later McLeish spoke about the weight of responsibility associated with being captain while Miller was injured and also about the regard he has always had for his long-time teammate Miller.

McLeish played for Aberdeen until 1994, making nearly 700 appearances. Ultimately, Aberdeen’s decision not to sell him to United, preserved one of Scotland’s most enduring defensive partnerships.