Manchester United legend Paul Scholes admits thought they'd signed Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian was all set to join United from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2003, only to change his mind at the last minute and opt to join Barcelona instead.

Scholes was asked to recall some United transfer failures under Sir Alex Ferguson by Robbie Savage on the Savage Social podcast, and said: "I remember Harry Kewell was one.

"I think he ended up turning us down and going to Liverpool, which didn't really bother us that much.

"I think Damien Duff was one as well, Arjen Robben, I think he was very close to coming.

"But I think the one who stands out is Ronaldinho.

"I can't remember what year it was, but really I thought the manager had got him.

"We were away at pre-season and I think they were as close as announcing him and giving him the number, but he ended up changing his mind last minute and he signed for Barcelona.

"Ronaldinho, what a player! We thought he was going to bring something special, almost like what (Eric) Cantona brought to the team.

"Then three days later we're playing against him in Seattle, so everyone's trying to kick him!

"We were trying to beat him because he didn't sign for us."