Former Manchester United centre-half Rio Ferdinand has recently lamented the clubs failure to land a 19 year old Arjen Robben in 2004, claiming that he should have been a United player. Having broke through at PSV during the 02/03 season, the Red Devils entered the market for the Dutch youngster the following season, tabling a £5 million bid. In January 2004, Robben held positive talks with the Mancunian outfit, with Robbens father insisting that his son would either stay put or sign for the Red Devils. However, with former chief executive Peter Kenyon pulling the strings at Chelsea, the transfer was hijacked two weeks later, and the Dutchman was on his way to west London in a £12 million deal.
''At the very beginning, I had a preference for Manchester because at the time Chelsea were buying a lot players. My meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson went very well and I was ready to sign. But I was convinced by Ranieri and Kenyon - they told me the whole Chelsea story and it appealed to me. I wasnt disappointed to miss out on United as in football, things happen very fast. - Arjen Robben, April 2004.
They certainly do, as the Blues simultaneously entered a period of dominance over the Red Devils, claiming two league titles and an FA Cup during Robbens three seasons at Stamford Bridge. While he has done his fair share of club-hopping since, he has won four more league titles, and nine other pieces of silverware, with a winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final proving a particular highlight. Arjens done alright without United.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
