France international Jeremy Menez has revealed that he held talks with Man Utd while in his teens, but felt he was too young to leave his homeland.
French playmaker came close to joining Red Devils as a teenager
France international Jeremy Menez has revealed that he held talks with Manchester United while in his teens, but felt he was too young to leave his homeland.
The highly-rated playmaker made a big-money move to Paris St Germain last summer, with his star having been on the rise for several years.
He made the breakthrough at Sochaux, having penned professional terms at the age of 16, before moving on to Monaco and Roma.
Now 25 years of age, Menez is considered to be one of the top creative talents in European football.
He admits he could have been showcasing his ability at Old Trafford had things turned out differently, with discussions having been held with Sir Alex Ferguson about joining United's academy ranks when he was a promising 15-year-old.
Flattered
Menez told
L'Equipe: "It was great fun. It is a club with a great coach, great players and I was flattered that they were interested in me.
"In Mr Ferguson's office, my brother and I had a long talk and he explained to me what he wanted to do with me. It was too early, though, for me to go abroad.
"I did think about it. You think maybe it is now or never. But in such moments you have to remain calm. I had already been at Sochaux for three years and was in no rush to leave.
"I remember visiting the training centre and seeing the first team players - notably Mikael Silvestre.
"Then we had a meeting with Ferguson. I was impressed, he is a coach with so many titles. I didn't say much, I just listened to what he told me. He even spoke about wages. He is a very honest man and doesn't say things just to get you to sign."
