Souey was so close to nicking Fergie's job

IN A lifetime spent in the high-powered worlds of business and sport, Sir David Murray has seen - and done - more than most.

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Having launched Murray International Metals by the age of 23, Murray's life was changed for ever a year later when a car crash forced doctors to amputate both legs above the knees.

Determined not to be defined by the terrible accident, Murray went on to develop MIM into an international success before purchasing Rangers FC. His Murray Foundation is a long-standing champion of amputees and he received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2006 and a knighthood for services to business in Scotland in 2007.

THE TIME KOP ICON ALMOST TOOK OLD TRAFFORD HOTSEAT

AS pressure grew on Alex Ferguson to turn around the fortunes of Manchester United in the late 1980s, supporters remained oblivious to the fact that another famous footballing Scot was being lined up to replace him.

And a Liverpool legend, at that.

David Murray had bought Rangers in 1988 and a year later was on the verge of taking a significant stake in Manchester United as part of the deal that would see Red Devils fan, Michael Knighton, purchase the Red Devils.

Murray's vision for United was spearheaded by a plan to install his then Rangers manager, Graeme Souness, as Fergie's replacement.

In his book, Mettle, Murray reveals: "It may seem odd to say this but in 1989, Rangers were probably a bigger club than Manchester United.