In 2003 Manchester United lost David Beckham to Real Madrid and they went in search of a world star to appease the fans and keep the team motoring.
Their number one target was PSG man Ronaldinho, who was about to take the world of football by storm. It seemed as if a deal was in the bag but, at the eleventh hour, Barcelona made an offer and he moved to the Camp Nou for around 30m Euros.
Manchester United fans were gutted. And now, years on, the player has admitted that he was so very close to wearing the famous red jersey:
‘I was on the brink of joining Manchester United, there were just a few details to iron out, but Rosell called me at the last minute to tell me that they were going to win the election. That made everything happen very fast.’
Ronaldinho was one of the best players to ever walk the planet. In his prime, his skill levels were quite literally jaw-dropping and the would have been a revelation at Manchester United. But, having failed to sign Ronnie United signed a namesake who turned out to be even better – more prolific at any rate.
Cristiano Ronaldo came for a song and eventually lit up The Premier League like few before or since him.
While Ronaldinho would have been a fantasy signing for the club, we think that CR7 was an even better investment due to his sell on value and longevity.
Manchester United fans: who would you take, given the choice?
