Belgian midfielder Steven Defour was set to make a much-publicised move to Manchester United in 2009, before a broken foot ended chances of a move materialising.
Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly sent Defour letter outlining his plans to scout his progress while at Standard Liege, such was his desire to bring the all-action midfielder to Old Trafford.
Defour, 28, reflected on United’s interests, and says he is disappointed with how it played out.
“Before my injury it (a United move) was one of the possibilities, because I knew they were following me but then came that severe injury and that was quite a hard one from me,” he told Sky Sports.
“It was an open fracture of my foot and I was really down because, for the first time, I could have played in the Champions League and then three days before I broke my foot so I was really down.
“It was difficult to find my form before my injury to have the level of a club like Manchester United.”
Defour eventually earned a move to the Premier League with Burnley, signing for 8m from Anderlecht in August.
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