Manchester United held talks with a Ballon d’Or winner who would have lit up the Premier League along with his sensational expertise however have been unable to get the deal over the road, former assistant supervisor Rene Meulensteen has revealed.
The Dutchman was a part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s workers at United from 2001-2006 and returned to the membership as assistant supervisor in 2007, staying for an additional six years.
And he has revealed that Ronaldinho, who ranked at no.21 in FourFourTwo’s listing of the best footballers of all time, gave the impression to be in line for a possible transfer at one level.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United could not get Ronaldinho deal finished
Ronaldinho received the 2006 Ballon d’Or whereas at Barcelona (Picture credit score: LLUIS GENE/AFP through Getty Pictures)
Talking to OLBG, Meulensteen mentioned: “One of many greatest transfers within the Sir Alex Ferguson period that didn’t recover from the road was Paul Gascoigne which was earlier than my time, however I do do not forget that we held talks with Ronaldinho, who was completely on fireplace on the time.
“I feel everyone would have liked to see him, but it surely did not materialise for no matter purpose. However yeah, that was in all probability one participant that Sir Alex would have preferred to see come to United.
Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 (Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
“Would he have slot in? Gamers adapt to their environments. I feel Ronaldinho had his love and fervour for soccer, however he clearly had different pursuits as nicely.
“I feel that’s why his profession wasn’t as long-lived as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, however that’s simply my opinion. I feel he would’ve been an excellent match for us.
“In case you go on YouTube and watch Ronaldinho highlights at his greatest at Barcelona, he was simply unplayable.
“He was like a mix of Messi and Ronaldo rolled into one.”
Meulensteen didn’t reveal the timeframe for that potential transfer, however Ronaldinho was at Barcelona from 2003-2008 after becoming a member of from PSG.
The Brazilian lifted the Ballon d’Or in 2006 after serving to Barca to win the Champions League, leaving two years later for AC Milan.
