Petit regrets snubbing Manchester United for Chelsea

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has conceded he made a mistake in turning down the opportunity to join Manchester United.

The retired midfielder, a World Cup winner with France, had the chance to join Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 2001 upon leaving Barcelona after an unhappy spell in Spain, but instead opted for Chelsea.

Petit revealed he twice met the Old Trafford boss, before choosing to move to Stamford Bridge for family reasons.

"I did make a wrong choice," Petit told Goals on Sunday. "I was talking with my wife at that time and she wanted to come back and live in London. When I think about that I think I made a mistake.

"In my heart I wanted to go to Manchester United. I met Sir Alex Ferguson twice at Barcelona and he wanted me to sign for Manchester. I made the wrong decision."

Petit also believes he struggled to win over Chelsea fans due to his successful stint with London rivals Arsenal.

He added: "With my wife we decided to live in London and it was a wrong choice for me because I was a Gunner and the Chelsea fans never forgave me for that.

"They tried to give a chance for me, but at this time Abramovich wasn't at the club, they were in huge debt and we didn't have one penny to spend in the transfer market.

"Then came the tragedy of September 11 and we had to play in Israel in the European Cup. A lot of players wanted to play the game somewhere else and it ended up that I was branded as a coward because I didn't want to play that game.

"The fans never forgave me for that."

Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia: Man Utd move would be dream come true

Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia is excited by interest from Manchester United.

The tough Udinese centre-back is being monitored by Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson — and he has made it clear he would love to link up with the Premier League champions.

He admitted last night: "To be linked with Manchester United is a dream come true.

"They are the biggest club in the world, and to have an opportunity to play at Old Trafford would be amazing, believe me.

"But I have a contract with Udinese, and they have to be happy before I can move."

Gaitan: Great to be wanted by Man Utd

Nicolas Gaitan is proud of interest from Manchester United.

United are said to have a 'gentlemen's agreement' with Benfica over a deal which will see the Argie move to Old Trafford to June.

"Ever since the pre-season, it has been said that Manchester United are following me," Gaitan told Clarin.

"Then, Benfica met United in the Champions League group stage and I did not expect that Ferguson would talk about me before and after the game.

"He said Benfica had good players and named me, which is something that makes me very happy. I did not expect to be praised by a coach like him, we all know what he represents in football.

"I am proud that one of the best clubs in the world want me, but I am only thinking about Benfica.

"If the transfer happens, it has to be good for Benfica and myself."

John Hartson: Man Utd move was close for me

Celtic legend John Hartson admits he wished  Sir Alex Ferguson had signed him.

Hartson revealed in the Scottish Sun: "He should have signed me when he had the chance.

"Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful playing career and have got plenty to be proud of.

"But Fergie wrote in his book that I was considered as a possible target back in the mid-90s.

"His assistant Brian Kidd was sent to watch me when I was on fire at West Ham.

"By all accounts he raved about me and urged the Old Trafford manager to get the deal done. But Fergie's line was that he just couldn't imagine John Hartson in a United shirt.

"I know a comment like that should sting a bit, but it honestly doesn't. I don't have any resentment or bitterness towards the man.

"We're talking about one of the game's legends here. A modern phenomenon. A genius."

Van Wolfswinkel: Man Utd rumours not bothering me

Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel says he's learning to live with rumours about Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Dutchman’s agent has admitted the interest of both Premier League giants.

"I'm always in the sports pages going to a big club," he said, " but I don't pay attention to it. I've spoken to my agent and we've agreed he'll only let me know when there is something concrete.

"As long as I don't hear anything, I won't be thinking about anything.

"Some players have their agents call them after every game, but I'm not like that."

Ferguson wanted to sign Wigan keeper Al Habsi

Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi has revealed he could've signed for Manchester United if not for work permit problems.

Al Habsi was discovered by John Burridge, the much-travelled veteran English goalkeeper and coach who was working with Oman’s senior squad.

"John Burridge said he wasn’t going to leave me until he’d put me in the Premier League. When I was 18 he brought me to England. I trained with Bolton and had a trial with Man United," he told the Daily Mail.

"He took a picture of me at Old Trafford. He said, “It’s to remind you, Ali. You will play here and you will be a star”. When I played there for Bolton, I got man-of-the-match and John was there. It was brilliant."

Burridge paid for the trip, such was his belief in Al-Habsi. Sir Alex Ferguson wanted the youngster, as did Kevin Keegan at Manchester City and Sam Allardyce at Bolton, but work-permit problems meant that he headed for a three-year stint with Lyn Oslo instead.

Palace fullback Clyne welcomes Man Utd interest

Crystal Palace fullback Nathaniel Clyne has welcomed interest from Manchester United.

Clyne, off contract in June, is being watched by United, among several top-flight clubs.

He told Sky Sports HD1: "I am delighted. It shows I am getting credited for my good performances.

"I have just got to focus on my game and keep working hard. And whatever happens, happens."

Real Betis youngster Alejandro Pozuelo flattered by Man Utd interest

Real Betis youngster Alejandro Pozuelo refuses to be unsettled by interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.

Manchester United and Barcelona showing an interest has pleased the rising star, but Pozuelo wants to become a first-team regular having been promoted from the B team at Betis this season.

"Of course it is flattering, but I have always been a Betis supporter and I just want to stay here and become a great player for Betis," he said.

"I would prefer to become an idol here where I am from, in Seville with Betis because that is the team that I love.

"To do this I have spent a long time fighting my way up on dirt pitches in grounds with no lights. All I ever wanted was to play for Betis."

Asamoah Gyan confesses Man Utd ambition

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan admits he has ambitions of playing for Manchester United.

While in Ghana to open an academy, Ghanasoccernet.com asked him about a dream of one day representing United.

“Honestly, that is what I have always wanted since I am a Man U fan,” the Sunderland striker answered, with unnerving candour.

"But you have to work hard to get there, everyone wants to be at the top but I am now fully concentrating on Sunderland."

Blackburn signing Petrovic aware of January Man Utd interest

Blackburn Rovers signing Radosav Petrovic admits he had ambitions of playing for Manchester United.

The champions were strongly linked with the midfield powerhouse, 22, back in January but a move never materialised. But he has ended up in the North West after completing a £3million switch to Rovers.

Petrovic, who hit 17 goals in 70 games for old club Partizan Belgrade, said: "Yes, I heard about United.

"I spoke to Vidic - he told me a lot about England and English football and told me I'd enjoy it.

"I know a lot about Blackburn - they are a very big club with a good history."

Schalke striker Huntelaar admits Man Utd hope

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar admits he's keen to one day play for Manchester United.

Speaking with Spox, Huntelaar was reminded of his confessed admiration for United a few years ago and asked if he has ruled out a move to Old Trafford.

"I have never heard anything directly from United anyway," he replied. "It was only an issue for the press.

"What happens in the future, you can never say never, but it was always clear to me that I'll be playing for Schalke this season."

Revealed: Charlie Adam is Man Utd mad

New Liverpool signing Charlie Adam is a big Manchester United fan!

The Daily Star Sunday says Adam is a Man United fan – not particularly good when you have just joined Liverpool.

He won’t be the first MUFC-supporting Scot to arrive at Anfield.

Reds legend Alan Hansen was a boyhood Old Trafford follower and he did okay.

Fiorentina keeper Pierluigi Gollini excited moving to Manchester United

Fiorentina youth goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini is excited to be moving to Manchester United.

Gollini told Calcionews24 he will move to Manchester in early August.

He is currently recovering from a broken leg ahead of reportedly linking up with the United academy.

"I was not expecting the call from the Red Devils," he explains. "I'm very happy. I want to get into United's first team - it is a dream of mine."

Nasri to tell Arsenal boss Wenger: I want Man Utd move

Samir Nasri will hold crunch talks with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger today over his future.

The Daily Star says Nasri will hold showdown talks with Wenger today and beg the Arsenal boss to let him join Manchester United.

Nasri has set his heart on joining Manchester United after it emerged Sir Alex Ferguson tabled a £20m bid for the Frenchman two weeks ago.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also in the hunt, but the Gunners ace wants a move to Old Trafford.

Nasri has been away on holiday and international duty but will return to pre-season training this morning to meet Wenger.

Arsenal’s boss is desperate to keep Nasri despite the fact the former Marseille star has refused to sign a new deal at the Emirates.

Usain Bolt: I definitely think I'm good enough to play for Manchester United

Usain Bolt believes he is good enough to play for Manchester United when he retires from athletics.

The world record holder for both 100 and 200 metres, Bolt electrified a worldwide audience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he burst onto the scene and he is confident he can electrify Old Trafford in the same manner.

“I really want to try soccer after I retire because I’ve watched football over the years and I think I could be a good contender,” Bolt told the BBC.

“I’m really looking forward to it and yes, I definitely think I’m good enough to play for Manchester United.

"I'm good enough because I’m quick, I have a little skill - I have to refine it a little bit but I should be good enough.”

Shinji Kagawa excited by renewed Man Utd interest

Manchester United are interested in Borussia Dortmund attacker Shinji Kagawa.

United had scouts check on the Japan international in the final round of the Bundesliga season and are aware he is valued at £20 million.

Kagawa told Nikkan Sports, he would be open to an approach from the Premier League champions, saying: "If I get a formal offer, I'll be strongly interested in listening to what they have to say.

"The Premiership is one of the leagues I want to challenge. If it is (United), I'll be still more eager to go and try and see how much I can do there."

Courtois: Genk teammates tease me about Man Utd move

Thibault Courtois admits Racing Genk teammates won't be surprised if he makes the move to Manchester United.

United goalkeeper Eric Steele has been watching the 19 year-old Genk No1 this season.

Courtois has been likened to retiring United keeper Edwin van der Sar and he says: "Yes, we do resemble eachother.

"We have the same physical build and manner.

"My teammates have been teasing me for two years, they say that I could even end up playing for Manchester United."

Marseille's Mathieu Valbuena would 'ride his bike' to Old Trafford to play for Manchester United

If Sir Alex Ferguson does push on with his reported interest in Marseille playmaker Mathieu Valbuena he won't need to send a plane to France; the midfielder will willingly get on his bike to join Manchester United.

The United boss is reportedly keen on the 26-year-old as a replacement for veteran Ryan Giggs who despite continuing to defy the aging process is expected to hang up his boots soon.

Valbuena would jump at the chance to move from France to England, telling Canal+: "Manchester [United]? I would cycle there."

The midfielder, who is know as the little bicycle, has played 28 games, and has scored four goals for his side. His deal at the Stade Velodrome expires in 2015, and it is said he could cost up to €12 million [£10.5m].

Man Utd target Angelo Henriquez dreams of move to United

Chilean young gun Angelo Henriquez has confirmed Manchester United’s interest in him.

The teenage striker, currently with homeland club Universidad de Chile, could be on his way to England to join the Red Devils ion the near future.

The 17-year old has twice trained with United and it is believed that they are continuing to monitor his progress although Henriquez says there is a chance he could be there sooner rather than later.

"I am still a player of Universidad,” he told Radio Cooperativa.

"They have told me that they would take me when I am older and have more experience.

"It would be a dream come true [to move to United] but I have to keep working hard."

Thiago Silva happy with Man Utd rumours

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva is flattered by interest from Manchester United.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering the Brazil international as cover for the injury-plagued Rio Ferdinand.

"It's great to have my name linked with a club like Manchester United, which currently is one of the landmarks of European football," said Thiago Silva.

"Without doubt, I am having a very good career and hope to continue progressing.

"But the moment I will not stop thinking about the Italian Championship, which has become an obsession for me."