Paul Scholes reveals how Manchester United stars reacted after Ronaldinho snubbed Red Devils

Paul Scholes has revealed how Manchester United players reacted to Ronaldinho’s decision to sign for Barcelona.

The Old Trafford club came close to signing the Brazilian before he left PSG to join Barcelona in 2003.

According to the Manchester United’s legend, his teammates were angry with Ronaldinho immmediately after he signed for Barcelona instead of the Red Devils, saying “three days later, we’re playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn’t sign for us.”

“I remember two or three that were possibly coming,” he said in quotes carried by the Manchester Evening News. “I think the one that stands out is Ronaldinho. I can’t remember what year it was but I really think the manager got him.

“He was away on pre-season and we were as a close as announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signing for Barcelona.

“It’s strange really because we played Barcelona on that pre-season tour. We were all excited – Ronaldinho, what a player! I think he was coming from PSG at the time and we were all going to get to play with him and he’s going to bring something special.

“Almost like what Eric Cantona brought to the team then three days later, we’re playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn’t sign for us.

“It was disappointing but I was lucky enough to play with some great players and he’d have just been another unbelievable player I’d had played with but it just never happened.”

Chelsea confident of signing Manchester United starlet

Reports in England claim Chelsea are confident of luring Angel Gomes away from Manchester United on a free transfer.

The 19-year-old academy graduate is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer and has rejected United’s £30,000-a-week new contract offer.

Chelsea are interested in securing the services of Gomes, who wants to secure more regular first-team football.

The 19-year-old midfielder, an England Under-20 international, has recruited super-agent Pini Zahavi who is understood to have held talks with Blues transfer chief Marina Granovskaia.

And, according to the Daily Mirror, the Stamford Bridge club believe they are close to landing Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes.

United remain hopeful of tying the midfielder down to a new contract but Gomes wants regular first-team football after just six first-team appearances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side this season.

Photo Credit: Skysports

Chelsea legend Michael Ballack tells Blues highly-rated target to remain in Germany

Michael Ballack has told highly-rated Kai Havertz to consider staying at Bayer Leverkusen rather than seeking a transfer to a bigger club this summer.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded to be one of the most exciting young players in European football and has attracted a wealth of transfer interest, with Bayern Munich among them.

Chelsea and Manchester United are equally reportedly angling for a summer move for the Germany international.

“Players with his quality are in demand everywhere. But I think he’s in good hands in Leverkusen,” Ballack told SportBild.

“The conditions there are perfect for young top players and their development. Bayer play attractive football and their training facilities are very good.

“Leverkusen also offer a cautious environment, and as a player you can make mistakes without being the focus of criticism. You should appreciate that.

“Of course a player like Kai Havertz has to play in the Champions League, so it would be important for Leverkusen to qualify for it.”

He has been likened to Ballack by former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann.

Photo Credit: Twitter @ Bayer 04 Leverkusen