Thursday 4 August 2011

Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson denies delivering an ultimatum to Inter's Wesley Sneijder


The Red Devils boss denies having said anything concerning a potential move to Old Trafford for the Dutchman. 

By Adithya Ananth


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has denied that he delivered an ultimatum to Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

The Italian outfit was waiting for a formal offer from the Red Devils for the Netherlands international, with a view to pursuing its interest in want-away Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez.

The Serie A club's chief executive Ernesto Paolillo then hinted that the Dutchman could be sold for the right price.

It was subsequently suggested that United may have put forward an offer to the midfielder.

"If he wants to come he must accept our contract offer," Ferguson is quoted by The Mail on Sunday as saying. "If not, we have other options in mind. We’re done talking."

However, the veteran boss has denied having made such remarks, and insists that there has been no progress on the Sneijder situation.

"Absolute nonsense," he said. "I have never discussed him. There is nothing new."

The Red Devils have, though, been reportedly on the lookout for a replacement to fill the void left by midfielder Paul Scholes, who hung up his boots at the end of last season.

Now the 69-year-old manager has hinted that youngster Tom Cleverley's emergence will provide some respite for the absence of Scholes, expressing satisfaction with the 21-year-old's performance during the 2-1 friendly victory over Barcelona in Washington D.C.

"It is an area we have to find a solution for," said Ferguson. "That is why we played Tom Cleverley today. Physically he is not the strongest but he is wiry and has a great idea of the game.

"He is a good footballer and was our best player today. His discipline was terrific. He is a quick passer of the ball. He has good eyes. It was a big night for him. He is a big, strong possibility for us to start the season."

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