Ian Rush has dismissed Michael Owen's claim that he was tempted to sign for Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, insisting the clubs' rivalries always ruled it out.
Owen wrote in his autobiography last year that Rush, who coached him during Gerard Houllier's time as Liverpool manager, was 'ready to sign with either Manchester United or Everton' after leaving Juventus in 1988.
Owen was reflecting on his own 'rejection' by Liverpool fans after signing for Ferguson in 2009. 'Rushie remains untouchable in their eyes — even though he would willingly have signed for one or other of their biggest rivals,' Owen wrote.