Sir Alex Ferguson Finally Reveals How Close Man Utd Were To Signing Wesley Sneijder, We've Waited Years

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson has finally addressed how close the club were to signing Wesley Sneijder during his spell in charge.

If you've had an interest in transfers at all in the last decade, there is no doubt you'll have come across Sneijder to United.

The former Inter Milan man was one of the world's best playmakers in his prime and was linked with a move to Old Trafford.

It wasn't just once he was linked however. Every single transfer window, Sneijder looked ready to move to England.

PA

Just how close was a transfer then? According to Ferguson, the Red Devils never showed interest.

He told the UTD Podcast: "Well, you mention the boy Sneijder.

"That's come up a lot of times but we were never interested in Sneijder. I don't know where that came from but you get a lot of them.

"Every Sunday, in The People, when I first came, they were throwing names in all the time."

You have to assume it's the same story for Nico Gaitan then. Ezequiel Garay, too.

PA

Sneijder helped Inter to an unprecedented treble in 2010 while reaching the World Cup final with the Netherlands.

He finished fourth in the Ballon d'Or race that year behind Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi.

Sneijder also won the Eredivisie, La Liga and Super Lig with Ajax, Real Madrid and Galatasaray respectively.

The 37-year-old truly believes he had the talent to stand alongside Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the modern game.

In an interview with Di Marzio he explained: "I could have become like Messi or Ronaldo. I simply didn't feel like it.

PA

"I enjoyed my life, maybe I had a glass [of wine] at dinner. Leo and Cristiano are different, they have made many sacrifices.

"And that's fine with me, my career however, was still amazing."

Ferguson was also asked which player he wishes he'd have signed in his 26 year spell in charge of United.

He replied: "In reality, you have to say, the only one that always comes to my mind and that's [Paul] Gascoigne. He was absolutely fantastic. I think if we'd have got him, he would have had a great career, I really do.

"He [Paul Gascoigne] signed for Tottenham because they bought his mother a house for £80,000 and, dearie me, I couldn't believe it, you know. He was a fantastic player."

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, Inter Milan

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_