Aaron Ramsey explains famous Manchester United snub after trip to training ground

Aaron Ramsay has explained how close he was to joining Manchester United before kickstarting his career in the Premier League at Arsenal.

The 33-year-old is currently playing his football with hometown club Cardiff City in the Championship, but the majority of his career was spent at Arsenal, where he made 369 appearances over 11 years.

Ramsay lifted three FA Cups while at Arsenal, scoring the winner in two finals.

The former Nice midfielder made a special appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football for the league clash between Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Speaking about a range of topics, including his relationship with INEOS, Ramsay also outlined why he turned down advances from United earlier in his career.

Ramsay explained why he joined Arsenal in 2008 ahead of United and Liverpool, after being shown around Carrington training complex.

“He [Ferguson] was on the phone a few times,” Ramsay said. “But it was the assistant manager at the time.

“There was some discussion with Rafa (Benitez). But they couldn’t really get to the fee. They could do something around the £1m or £2m mark but I think it went towards the five and that was the end of that.

“Rafa was very good and the presentation he gave me was superb. I went to David Moyes’ house as well, he was very accommodating.”

Did Gary Neville show Aaron Ramsey around the Manchester United training ground? 😅 pic.twitter.com/RYCKUtWonC

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 21, 2024

Arsene Wenger won race for Aaron Ramsay

It was Arsene Wenger who proved successful in the hunt for Ramsay, back in 2008. He went on to explain what it was that drew him to the Gunners.

“Why Arsenal? I felt like he (Wenger) really wanted me,” Ramsey said. “He was doing the Euros at the time and they flew me over there when he had a few hours off.

“We had lunch… everything about him and his vision and his plans. He had a really detailed plan and the amount of young players he brought through and have gone on was appealing to me. For example, (Cesc) Fabregas – so I felt really wanted by Arsenal.”

It wasn’t until 2019 that Ramsay left Arsenal for Juventus but it was only a matter of time before he would return to Cardiff City.