'I chatted to Sir Alex over Man Utd transfer – but here's why I joined Rangers instead'
dailyrecord.co.ukRonald de Boer has confessed how Louis van Gaal persuaded him to snub a transfer to Manchester United and sign for Rangers. The iconic midfielder was a key player in the legendary Ajax team that clinched the 1995 Champions League title and nearly defended the trophy, with manager Van Gaal relying on an exceptional group of homegrown talents.
De Boer played alongside his twin brother Frank for Ajax, but a contract dispute led the brothers to reunite with Van Gaal at Barcelona in 1999.However, De Boer had a challenging time at the Nou Camp and United were among the clubs offering the midfielder an opportunity to revive his career.
Sir Alex Ferguson tried to persuade the Dutchman to join the Premier League giants but faced competition from Rangers, who won the transfer battle after De Boer spoke with Van Gaal."I remember being in the Barcelona kit room, speaking to Alex Ferguson on the phone," De Boer told FourFourTwo. "He told me he was keen to sign me for United, and explained how he'd use me in midfield. "But around the same time, Dick Advocaat approached me on behalf of Rangers.
I remember being in the Dutch camp, talking about my future with Van Gaal, who had since become the head coach of the national team.
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