For much of the decade, Arsenal and Manchester United were battling it out at the top of the Premier League, and Ferguson tried his best to lure the Gunners' top defender to Old Trafford. "Manchester United twice tried to sign me but I turned them down both times because I was Arsenal through and through," he wrote. It was at an England get-together and Bryan Robson spoke to me about it, perhaps having been asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to have a quiet word. "I guess Sir Alex might also have wanted me because, as well as feeling he might be strengthening United, he might be weakening Arsenal." Read our Privacy PolicyRomford-born Adams joined Arsenal as a 14-year-old in 1980 and made his senior debut just three years later.
