Patrick Vieira has revealed a little-known episode in his career, with concrete interest from Manchester United while he was still Arsenal captain. In an interview given to Sky Sportsthe former French international says he met Sir Alex Ferguson, who wanted to build his midfield around him and his great rival Roy Keane. “We met, we talked and he explained to me his vision for Manchester United and the team he wanted to build”Vieira said. Ferguson then imagined a team with Keane and Vieira in the middle, Ryan Giggs on the left, David Beckham on the right, Paul Scholes behind Ruud van Nistelrooy. A possibility which could have become reality in the summer of 2003, when Vieira had only one year left on his contract with the Gunners.
The Frenchman, current Senegal coach, however, quickly dismissed the idea of leaving and explains that he favored his history with Arsenal. “But I couldn’t leave Arsenal, I was too happy there and we were building something really special for the club”he confided. At that time, Gunners vice-chairman David Dein publicly closed the door to a transfer, saying that “Patrick Vieira is not for sale”. The decision ultimately paid off as Vieira went on to lead Arsenal to the 2003-2004 title as part of the famous Arsenal team. “Invincible”before leaving the club for Juventus in 2005.
