Alex Ferguson expressed interest in bringing me to Manchester United, but negotiations fell through as the club was unwilling to match the offers made by rival teams, with Ferguson emphasizing the honor associated with playing for the club.
The former Young Player of the Year found himself at the center of a three-way transfer battle when he departed the City Ground in 2002.
Sir Alex Ferguson, then 82, recognized potential in Jenas but hesitated to go the extra mile to secure his signature.
Jenas, 41, revealed on the Peter Crouch Podcast via TheSun, “Sir Alex Ferguson has rang and bid three million, and not a penny more, because it’s an honour to play for the football club.”
This was why Jenas declined Manchester United
Despite Ferguson’s admiration, Newcastle United and Leeds, under David O’Leary’s management, outbid Manchester United, offering five million each. The situation unfolded swiftly, with Jenas recalling, “the car’s going to be here in an hour.”
After Shaka Hislop’s brother picked him up for the journey to Newcastle, Jenas expressed his preference for Leeds, citing its proximity and familiarity with Rio Ferdinand.

However, he received a warning about Leeds’ unstable situation, being told they were “going to fall apart.” Despite interest from Manchester United, Jenas swiftly rejected the Red Devils, emphasizing his desire to play regularly.
Jermaine Jenas reflected on his decision to reject Manchester United, stating, “I looked at their midfield and I was like ‘I’m not playing.’
They had (Juan Sebastian) Veron, Scholesey, Roy Keane, Becks.” Opting for Newcastle, he spent three years at St James’ Park before moving on to Tottenham.
How Jenas missed out on joining Arsenal
Interestingly, before joining White Hart Lane, Jenas considered a move to Arsenal, revealing, “I nearly went to Arsenal when I left Newcastle – I thought I was going to Arsenal at that particular time.”

Arsene Wenger, vocal about his admiration, showed interest in Jenas during a pivotal time at Arsenal. With Vieira’s potential departure to Juventus, Wenger expressed admiration for Jenas, who had won Young Player of the Year.
The indication of support from Arsenal’s dressing room, with Martin Keown revealing, “‘everyone in our dressing room voted for you,” fueled Jenas’s belief that a move to Arsenal was a genuine possibility.
At that time, Wenger’s managerial approach was likened to that of Pep Guardiola.
Years later, when Jermaine Jenas bumped into Arsene Wenger, he inquired about why a move to Arsenal didn’t materialize.
Wenger’s response was candid, with Jenas recounting, “He said ‘I should have bought you when you left Forest.'”
Despite missing out on a move to Arsenal, Jenas had a successful tenure at Tottenham, spending eight years, making 202 appearances, and playing a key role in helping the team secure Champions League qualification for the first time under Harry Redknapp.