De Boer reveals Van Gaal convinced him to turn down a transfer offer from Utd

Dutch football legend Ronald de Boer has revealed that Louis van Gaal convinced him to turn down a transfer offer from Manchester United.

De Boer was a vital component of the thrilling Ajax side of the 90s which won three consecutive Eredivisie titles and also won the Champions League in 1995 with Van Gaal at the helm.

A great showing in the 1998 World Cup followed and it was no surprise when Barcelona came calling.

However, he would spend just two years in Catalonia and managed a mere three goals in 55 games before being allowed to leave.

Despite his age and injury problems Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in order to rejuvenate his successful squad but he opted to sign for Rangers instead.

De Boer has revealed that it was Van Gaal, who would go on to manage United many years later, who convinced him to choose Glasgow over Manchester.

“I remember being in the Barcelona kit room, speaking to Alex Ferguson on the phone,” De Boer told FourFourTwo.

“He told me he was keen to sign me for United, and explained how he'd use me in midfield.

“But around the same time, Dick Advocaat approached me on behalf of Rangers. I remember being in the Dutch camp, talking about my future with Van Gaal, who had since become the head coach of the national team.

“I asked him what he thought. He said that at Rangers I'd always play, which would be better for me as a 30-year-old, and for my role in the Dutch team as well.

“I chose Rangers, also because of my knee, which wasn't perfect. I wasn't injured, but I thought I might not get through the United medical.

“At Rangers I was able to sign for four years, which gave me some certainty. If Van Gaal had advised me to join United, however, I would have done that. I really valued his opinion.”