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4 months ago
34 Ronald de Boer has revealed he snubbed Manchester United to join Rangers.
The former Netherlands international had the opportunity to sign for United from Barcelona in 2000 but instead chose to move to Ibrox.
De Boer explains his decision came down to advice from Louis van Gaal, who believed the Dutch star wouldn’t get a sufficient amount of game time compared to what Rangers could offer.
After a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, De Boer was advised to snub United by Van Gaal, who ironically went on to manage United in the latter stages of his managerial career.
Rangers gave De Boer more security with a four-year deal and regular game time meant he would remain in contention for the Netherlands national team.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, De Boer said: “I remember being in the Barcelona kit room, speaking to Alex Ferguson on the phone. He told me he was keen to sign me for United, and explained how he’d use me in midfield.
“But around the same time, Dick Advocaat approached me on behalf of Rangers. I remember being in the Dutch camp, talking about my future with Van Gaal, who had since become the head coach of the national team.
“I asked him what he thought. He said that at Rangers I’d always play, which would be better for me as a 30-year-old, and for my role in the Dutch team as well.
“I chose Rangers, also because of my knee, which wasn’t perfect. I wasn’t injured, but I thought I might not get through the United medical.
“At Rangers, I was able to sign for four years, which gave me some certainty. If Van Gaal had advised me to join United, however, I would have done that. I really valued his opinion.”
De Boer may have valued Van Gaal’s decision, but this may be one he regrets after missing out on playing for the biggest club in English football.
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