I spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson over Man Utd move in Barcelona kit room – but I went elsewhere
manchestereveningnews.co.ukDutch legend Ronald de Boer has revealed how Louis van Gaal convinced him to reject a move to Manchester United. The attacking midfielder was pivotal to the iconic Ajax side that won the 1995 Champions League and came agonisingly close to defending their European crown, with manager Van Gaal relying on a phenomenal crop of homegrown stars.
De Boer played alongside his twin brother Frank for Ajax, but a contract fallout led the brothers to be reunited with the future United boss at Barcelona in 1999.
Despite his earlier success, De Boer endured a frustrating spell at the Nou Camp and United were one of the clubs to offer the midfielder a chance to reignite his career the following year.
Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to convince the Dutchman to head for Old Trafford, but he surprisingly favoured a move to Scottish giants Rangers after taking advice from Van Gaal. READ MORE: Manchester United to make 250 employees redundant as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's cull READ MORE: De Ligt signs, Gutierrez bid, Maguire sold - Man United dream defence with Erik ten Hag transfers “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.
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