Arjen Robben ‘Didn’t Like The Smell’ At Manchester United's Training Ground When He Visited

Rio Ferdinand claims that Arjen Robben snubbed a move to Manchester United after he visited the club's 'smelly' training ground.

The former Dutch international, who was playing for PSV Eindhoven at the time, went on to sign for soon-to-be Premier League champions Chelsea in 2004, but it appears Sir Alex Ferguson was also interested in his signature.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand revealed more in an Instagram Q&A, when he was asked to pick between Robben and Ryan Giggs in their prime.

"I'd have to go for Giggys you know. Robben was nasty though, oooh Robben." he said on his official Instagram.

"You knew he was going to come back in on his left but the left-back couldn't deal with it. He'd be saying, 'I'm going to come in on my left, you're not gonna stop me'. And they didn't."

Ferdinand went on to speak about the bizarre story of Robben visiting United's Carrington training ground.

"What a player. Robben was great. We should have signed him at Man United," he continued.

"I think he came to the training ground. He walked around and didn't like the smell and walked off and went Chelsea. I couldn't believe it man. He would have been great for us."

Robben went on to be a crucial member of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea squad in the 2004/05 season, where he was eventually shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, before being pipped to the post by Wayne Rooney.

His time at Stamford Bridge was, however, cut short in 2007 after Real Madrid swooped in with a £24 million bid.

The tricky winger went on to become one of the world's best at Los Blancos and later with Bayern Munich, where he spent 10 successful years with the Bundesliga side, making over 200 appearances for the club.

But one thing is for sure. Robben would have flourished under Sir Alex Ferguson's regime at Old Trafford but it just wasn't to be.

Thoughts on Robben's Premier League career? Do you think he would have been a success at Manchester United?

Let us know in the comments below.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Arjen Robben, Rio Ferdinand

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_