Sir Alex Ferguson's planned spending spree to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 has re-emerged and it makes for fascinating reading.
Ronaldo's blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 saw Man United pocket a whooping £80 million from the deal.
Ahead of the 2009/10 season, Ferguson looked to replace the void left by the Portuguese sensation as he drew up a stunning, five-man shortlist.
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But the legendary Scot only managed to secure the signing of ONE player on his transfer wish-list during that summer.
He successfully snapped up Antonio Valencia from Wigan Athletic in a transfer worth £16 million.
But Ferguson was unable to lure the other four players on his shortlist.
According to The Guardian, He had eyed up Carlos Tevez, who was on loan at the time as he looked to seal a permanent deal, Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and David Villa.
Benzema starred at Lyon and secured a switch to Real and Ribery stayed in Germany with Bayern Munich.
Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas stated the striker would not leave for less than £68 million as Ferguson investigated the cost ahead of making a move. He went onto sign for the La Liga giants in a transfer worth £35 million.
Villa stayed at Valencia but would join Barcelona the following season. Tevez, meanwhile, swapped Man United for their cross-town rivals Manchester City.
The Argentine scored an impressive 23 league goals in his debut season at the Etihad.
As for Valencia, he proved to be a shrewd signing as he enjoyed nine seasons at Old Trafford, winning two Premier League titles during his spell at the club.
Ferguson only brought one player on his shortlist ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.
Having won the Premier League title the season before, Chelsea pipped Man United to top spot to win the league.
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Nasir Jabbar