Sneijder not granted United wish

Inter playmaker Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he wanted to join Manchester United as the Red Devils pursued him over the close-season.

The 28-year-old Netherlands international said he was close to leaving the Italian club for a new life in England.

However, he believes the breakdown in talks was down to the Premier League champions pulling out when a deal was close.

His message comes just 24 hours after United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said Sneijder was not the right man for his side.

“United? I would have liked to (join them). It would be crazy to suggest otherwise,” Sneijder was quoted as saying by the NUsport.

“There was a moment when I was close to United, but in the end nothing happened.”

“However, I am happy in Milan as the president (Massimo Moratti) did not want to sell me.”

Yet despite seeing a potential big move fail, Sneijder is not feeling any side effects as he eyes an even brighter future at the San Siro.

“Inter gave me a chance when the door was closed. I feel at home here and I never wanted to go,” he added.

“I don’t know why my move to Manchester United never materialised, maybe they never really wanted me.”