Wayne Rooney demanded Sir Alex Ferguson sign world-class player for Man Utd but he ended up at Arsenal instead

Wayne Rooney demanded Sir Alex Ferguson sign a world-class player for Manchester United, but he ended up signing for Arsenal instead.

Under Ferguson's tutelage, Man United recruited some of the very best players in world football, including Rooney himself.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic, among others, also made the move to Old Trafford during the legendary manager's reign.

But one world-class player slipped through the net despite Rooney's demand.

Rooney told Ferguson that Man United should have pursued Mesut Ozil when he joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen.

He challenged the Scot over why he hadn't signed Ozil at the height of his standoff that almost saw him leave for Manchester City in 2010.

That's according to Ferguson's book, 'My Autography' via The Guardian, where he revealed Rooney's desire for Man United to sign Ozil.

After making his name in Germany, where he starred for Schalke and Bremen, and shining at the 2010 World Cup, the German signed for Real in a transfer worth £15 million.

He enjoyed three seasons in Spain and forged a prolific on-field relationship with Ronaldo.

Ozil helped the Spanish giants win the La Liga title and two Copa del Rey trophies.

Mesut Ozil and Wayne Rooney during a fixture between Arsenal and Manchester United. Image: Getty

Ozil ended his association with Real in the summer of 2013 when he penned a deal with Man United's domestic rivals Arsenal, who captured his services for £42.5 million.

He spent seven seasons at the Emirates, making 254 appearances across all competitions.

He will be remembered as one of the Premier League's greatest play-makers, having excelled in England's top flight.

Ozil could have helped Man United to silverware had he signed for them instead of Real.

During his spell at Real, Man United won two Premier League titles but missed out on the crown in the 2011/12 season when Sergio Aguero scored a dramatic goal to clinch the league.

As for Arsenal, they had a best-placed finish of second when Ozil was on their books.