Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Manchester City legend at Man Utd to replace Paul Scholes who 'backed' the transfer

One of Sir Alex Ferguson's final transfer targets was a replacement for Paul Scholes, who recently called on Manchester United to make a move for the midfielder.

Having secured the 13th Premier League title of his career, Sir Alex Ferguson decided it was time to call it a day after 26 trophy-laden years in charge of United.

"The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about. It is the right time," he said at the time. "It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so."

Even though he claimed to have left United "in the strongest possible shape", Ferguson missed out on one of his final transfer targets, according to former assistant Rene Meulensteen.

The Scot wanted then-Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to replace Paul Scholes, who came out of retirement in 2012 before hanging up his boots for a second time in May 2013.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Meulensteen said: "If Fergie had carried on then we would have added some more quality, probably some more energy. I wouldn't say it was an ageing squad, it was a mature squad.

"I'm sure if Fergie would have stayed the continuity and stability would've been there and United would've competed for the title again.

"We were looking at Gundogan from Dortmund and (Marco) Reus at that time. We were looking at Gundogan - someone similar [to Scholes], who could keep ticking the ball over, thinks quick and has tempo."

Scholes prepares to make his final appearance for United in their clash against West Brom. Image credit: Getty

Back in August, Scholes backed his former club to sign Gundogan over Manuel Ugarte before the Uruguayan signed for United in a deal that could reach £50.5 million.

“Gundogan. I know it’s not going to happen but I think he’s the type of player Man United need," he said on The Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet.

“A Zubimendi… or I’m going to say Gundogan. A controlling midfield player just to take the sting out of play. Gundogan is perfect for that.”

Scholes added: “I have not seen too much of Ugarte, I saw him a couple of times last year. I’m not sure technically if he’s good enough. He seems to be a bit more of an Amrabat. Maybe a little bit better.”

Gundogan returned to Manchester City in August, just over a year after leaving the Etihad for Barcelona. He has made 28 appearances under Pep Guardiola this season.