Paul Scholes was hardly known for being a good tackler of the ball but the Manchester United midfielder usually knew how to make his mark on an opposition player, that was apart from Ronaldinho.
There are many things that Paul Scholes was, and probably still is, good at. The Old Trafford legend was easily one of the greatest passers of the ball seen in the Premier League era.
Ball in the air, Scholes' foot in Agbonlahor's knee- that pretty much sums up his tackling ability. Image: PA
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On top of that the ginger midfielder had a penchant for the odd worldie of a goal. One thing that Scholes was not good at was winning the ball, although he did know how to get a kick in on the opposition.
However one man he and his teammates couldn't get near was Ronaldinho, and that's according to Scholes himself who revealed that it was the plan once the Brazilian chose Barcelona over Old Trafford. Speaking to Republik of Mancunia 42 year-old revealed the players' plan:
"We were on the pre-season tour and it looked like he was going to sign for us and he ended up signing for Barcelona.
"And we were playing Barcelona on the tour. Because he didn't sign for us, everyone wanted to boot him and kick him, but you couldn't get near him. Brilliant player.
Ronaldinho twice won the FIFA World Player of the Year with Barcelona. Image: PA
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The Brazilian star moved from the French capital to the Camp Nou in the summer of 2003 with United heavily linked with signing the player, and he even visited the north west of England to meet with the club.
He chose Barcelona instead and David Beckham, who had been linked with the Barcelona move, left Old Trafford for La Liga and Real Madrid.
It might have been thought that United didn't offer enough money to the World Cup winner to join them instead but according to former United full-back Quinton Fortune it was because of the weather.
Even with Keane in the team they couldn't get near to kick him. Image: PA
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Later that summer United, with the money still in the bank having failed to sign the former Gremio forward, would go on to sign a little known winger from Sporting by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who'd have thought missing out on such a great player would have actually worked out in United's favour.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Paul Scholes, Ronaldinho, Manchester United, Barcelona