Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulensteen admits he is still bitter that Manchester United snubbed his transfer recommendations.
The Dutchman spent six years at Old Trafford, and served as Sir Alex’s assistant prior to his retirement in 2013. But while the club’s greatest ever boss trusted his judgement, it appears those above him disagreed.
Meulensteen has revealed that on two separate occasions after his departure, he attempted to grease the wheels for transfers - only to be ignored on both times. And he quite rightly believes the pair could have made a major difference to United’s fortunes - picking out Willian and Son Heung-min.
He worked alongside the former at Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, and he reckons Willian would have happily joined the Red Devils before he ended up in the Premier League with Chelsea.
“When I left United I went to Anzhi in Russia with Guus Hiddink and then Guus left and I took over, and I had a really interesting squad with a lot of interesting individuals: Samuel Eto’o, Lassana Diarra, Christopher Samba was there… and Willian,” he told Manchester United’s Official Scandinavian Supporters Club.
Meulensteen continued: “Now that’s the player, because I actually rang David [Moyes] because they were looking for players and I knew Willian was a mad Man United fan, because he asked me, he said, ‘Can you help me [play for United]?’
“I said I could make a call, no problem at all. I said: ‘Listen David I’ve got somebody here, Brazilian, versatile, can play any position, up front, in the midfield, advanced midfield, commercially a very good deal as well, never injured, great kid’.”
Even more recently, the 59-year-old claims he was bowled over by Son during the forward’s time in Germany. “It really annoys me a little bit because when Son just came to Tottenham so many years ago, I felt, after seeing him one or two seasons, this is the player United need to buy,” he continued.
“It’s a shame, you know? You think to yourself, those players could have definitely made a difference.”
With his track record, current United boss Erik ten Hag might do well to take his advice on board. And he thinks his compatriot should opt for Harry Kane over Victor Osimhen as he goes in search of an elite striker.
“With them two, if you look at them, Harry Kane 100 per cent guarantees you 25 goals plus, knows the Premier League. It’s not too late. How old is he? 29? He would still give you four or five really good years, 100 per cent.
“He’s fit, he’s a fit boy, and United would create more chances than Tottenham do. Osimhen is still a good prospect, younger, you need to keep an eye on him as well. But Italian league, different league, he’s not a proven player in the Premier League.”
