Ronaldinho ‘Brought Over 20 People’ to Manchester United Negotiations

Before the Brazilian player ultimately decided to sign with Barcelona in 2003, Ronaldinho is said to have brought a sizable entourage to Manchester United’s signing talks as a David Beckham replacement.

Ronaldinho was a rising star in 2003, having just helped Brazil win the World Cup and heading into the Ballon d’Or. Manchester United was looking for a big-name acquisition to replace their English hero, David Beckham, who had recently left for Real Madrid. Ronaldinho was Sir Alex Ferguson’s top choice for a successor.

Why the Deal Fell Through

Former Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon, who held the role from 2000 to 2003, recently revealed more details about the failed transfer on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. Kenyon explained that negotiations with Ronaldinho became unexpectedly complicated, with the Brazilian star bringing over 20 people to the discussions.

“We did chase him hard. We did look at him hard,” Kenyon recalled. “This was the same as any other transfer. Alex [Ferguson] would be involved in it. Critical decisions, why he’d want him, where he wants him, where he would play, etc. So, Alex was involved all the way through.”

Despite their strong interest, the deal became too complex, and Ronaldinho ultimately opted for a move to Barcelona, where he would go on to achieve legendary status.