MANCHESTER UNITED announced they had agreed a deal to sign Aaron Ramsey in 2008 - before he joined rivals Arsenal.
Aaron Ramsey moved to Arsenal for a fee of around £5million after becoming one of the most wanted young players in English football.
Ramsey has been reminiscing about his move to the Emirates, admitting he had a big decision to make over who to join.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton were all interested in the Welshman, but he eventually chose Arsene Wenger and the Gunners.
And United were so close to signing Ramsey they even published a story on their official website, which is still viewable today, saying they had agreed a fee.
The headline of the story read: ‘Ramsey fee agreed’ with the Red Devils gleefully writing:
“United have agreed a fee with Cardiff City to bring talented teenager Aaron Ramsey to Old Trafford.
“The 17-year-old left-sided midfielder has yet to agree personal terms and must also pass a medical before any deal can be completed.”
A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."
United then added;
“But the Reds aren't the only club in for the teenager. Cardiff have confirmed that ‘three top Premier League teams’ have made bids, with two given permission to speak to the Wales starlet.
“Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country's brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol Ryan Giggs.
“He earned rave reviews following his performance in Cardiff's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough and played in their final defeat to Portsmouth at Wembley.”
But United and then boss Sir Alex Ferguson were left with egg on their face when Ramsey snubbed them for the Gunners.
Yesterday he told Arsenal Player: “I had to make a decision at the time [of signing for the club].
“I flew over to see the boss and I knew straight away that this was where I wanted to be, I wanted to be in his plans and I was just buzzing.
“As soon as I came in on the first day I was a bit starstruck with all the faces there, some of the biggest players in world football.
“I am sure they were all thinking, ‘Who is this guy coming in?’ and it was nerve racking going around and introducing yourself, meeting some of the top players in the Premier League.
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“It was a bit surreal and I had to pinch myself, but they made me feel welcome straight away and made me feel like they were no different [to anyone else].
“I think I am a bit louder now than I was then!” he added. “You understand how things go on and off the pitch a bit better.
“It only seems like the other day that I was signing for Arsenal, but there has been eight years in between - so it goes before you notice really.
“I left home as a 17-year-old to live on my own and it was quite tough, but I have grown up a lot since then. I suppose football has helped with that and I have started a young family now, so much has happened in those eight years.”