Jesper Blomqvist admits serious knee injuries really soured his time with Manchester United.

The former midfielder arrived at Old Trafford from Parma in 1998 and after helping the club to the treble in his debut season, struggled with a series of knee problems which forced him to undergo surgery on three occasions.

Blomqvist was moved on to Everton in 2001 and suggests his last couple of years with United were extremely difficult as he attempted to get back to full fitness.

"You try to get your head down," he told the Daily Mail.

"Small goals. In a few weeks I can go on the bike, then a few more and I can go running. But it's hours and hours of rehab and you feel like an outcast. You lose the connection with everyone, especially if it goes on for a long time."