The former Republic of Ireland international insists he has no regrets about rejecting the Red Devils’ overtures to join Celtic though.

Born in County Donegal, Given got his first taste of goalkeeping with hometown club Lifford Celtic at the back end of the 1980s.

His performances at a youth tournament a few years later caught the eye of Glasgow giants Celtic.

Given was subsequently snapped up by the Hoops in 1992 and went on to spend two seasons on the books at Celtic Park.

United were keen on adding him to their own ranks as they began to assert themselves as the dominant force in English football.

Given has now discussed why he opted to turn down a move to the Premier League heavyweights.

And he insists he’s never felt bad about snubbing the chance to head for Old Trafford.

"No, no, I didn’t [have any regrets]," Given told Express Sport.

"I was only a kid at the time, I was only 16 and I could have gone to Man United or Celtic, of course.

"It was a decision my Dad and myself made because Peter Schmeichel was just coming into his prime at Manchester United and Packie Bonner was in his mid-30s I think and probably had a few years left.

"We just wanted to get in the first-team as quick as we could. I wasn’t leaving home to be back-up or sat twiddling my thumbs. I wanted to play first-team football and that was the bigger picture.

"Two great clubs, of course, but I never have any regrets.

"Life’s too short and I enjoyed being with all of the clubs I played for."

Given went on to appear for Blackburn, Swindon, Sunderland, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Stoke before hanging up his boots this summer.