Inter Milan Holland international Wesley Sneijder claims Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho influenced his decision not to transfer to Manchester United according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 27 year old summer long target of Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he spoke with the Premier League side over a move to Old Trafford after the Serie A giants considered selling him. However, the transfer was never forthcoming and Sneijder admits Mourinho influenced his decision.

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Football’s increasingly global nature means Manchester United will approach the FA Youth Cup final with Sheffield United pledging to continue their worldwide search for talent. The likelihood is Paul McGuinness’ side for Tuesday’s first-leg duel at Bramall Lane will include representatives from Italy, Holland and France. Spanish World Cup winner Gerard Pique appeared in the competition for United in recent years, as did Giuseppe Rossi and Federico Macheda. And, given the glory Lionel Messi has helped Barcelona enjoy since arriving in Catalonia as a 13 year old, it is clear operating purely within the boundaries of Greater Manchester is not an option.

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Despite all the cynical suspicions, the reports persist! Is it be possible that Holland’s Wesley Sneijder can be prised from Inter Milan by Sir Alex Ferguson for the asking price of £25million? The midfielder who is seen as the perfect replacement for the soon to be retired Manchester United legend Paul Scholes may yet end up at Old Trafford in summer if consistent reports in the Italian media are to be believed but be warned.

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The record books show that Viv Anderson was the last big name player to be transferred from Arsenal to Manchester United in 1987 but two earlier signings proved to be just as significant. Few players have shown the knack of finding the net better than former great David Herd did in the sixties. During his seven years at Old Trafford, the Scotland born striker scored 145 times in 265 appearances. Then there was the Irish centre forward Frank Stapleton who had been rejected by United as a teenager. It was therefore ironic that Ron Atkinson had to pay the Gunners £900,000 for his signature in August 1981. Both Herd and Stapleton proved to be inspirational signings for which the Arsenal contribution has to be recognised.

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Like every other football club manager Sir Alex Ferguson has made his share of mistakes during his 25 years at Old Trafford but admits that his biggest one was accepting an offer from Lazio for Jaap Stam at the start of the 2001-02 season. Fergie has since made his peace with the central defender who was sold against the backdrop of dressing room revelations in his autobiography and doesn’t mind admitting that he is still troubled by selling the big Dutchman.
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It’s a well known fact that Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is the most decorated footballer in England, possibly anywhere. But his team mate Edwin van der Sar is not all that far behind. The former Netherlands goalkeeper who will hit the big four 0 in October made his senior debut for Ajax Amsterdam in 1990-91, the same season that 17 year old Giggs made his breakthrough into the first team at Old Trafford. Since then, the 6ft 6inch Dutchman has won 7 League titles and 2 European Champion League winning medals between the two clubs but he has made it clear that he’s still hungry for more.
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