Alexander Buttner has denied his time at Manchester United was a failure.

The Dutch defender spent two years with the Red Devils having been signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012.

He appeared 28 times for the club, who he helped win the 2013 Premier League title, and classes his stint at Old Trafford as a success as he achieved something Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard never could.

"I was on the pitch for United 30 times," Buttner told De Telegraaf.

"Who can say that he has been a champion in England? I can. Even Steven Gerrard did not succeed.

"I've become a much better football player, I played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Bayern Munich and Arjen Robben."

Buttner, 27, has returned to his former club Vitesse Arnhem after time spent with Dynamo Moscow and on loan at Anderlecht since June 2014, and is planning to pull on his beloved number 28 shirt and rediscover the form that saw him land a surprise move to United almost five years ago.

"I debuted with the No 28 at Manchester United and scored and gave an assist," he added.

"I don't want to lose that number. I tattooed it.

"I'm looking forward to get back on the field, training with a group. I want to put myself back on the map. I feel strong when I'm on the field. I'm going to show you."