Sir Alex Ferguson has lifted the lid on the negotiation process which occurred when Manchester United signed Michael Carrick.

The midfielder joined the Red Devils from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006 but not before a lengthy toing and froing between the two clubs.

"I must say negotiations were very difficult and went on for ages," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"I always remember I thought it was done and [former chief executive] David Gill phoned me on the golf course to say they want more.

"Typical [Spurs chairman] Daniel Levy!

"It was very hard to negotiate but, at the end of the day, we got it through and, ever since he joined us, he's had a fantastic career."

Since arriving at Old Trafford 11 years ago, Carrick has appeared more than 440 times on his way to five Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one FA Cup and a pair of League Cups.