Manchester United tried to sign me, says Bixente Lizarazu

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Bixente Lizarazu has revealed that Manchester United once tried to sign him
French World Cup winner was playing for Bayern Munich when interest arrived
Bayern had no desire to sell and Sir Alex Ferguson's plans were scuppered

Published: 06:31 EDT, 5 July 2017 | Updated: 08:05 EDT, 5 July 2017

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Bixente Lizarazu has revealed how Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign him for Manchester United, only for Bayern Munich to slam the door shut on any potential deal.

Lizarazu, the World Cup-winning full back, was pursued by Ferguson around the turn of the century during his time with the German giants.

However, Ferguson was unsuccessful in his efforts to acquire the Frenchman's services.

Bixente Lizarazu has revealed Manchester United wanted to sign him during his playing days

Lizarazu is pictured with Owen Hargreaves during a Bayern Munich training session in 2000

LIZARAZU'S HONOURS

Ligue 2 (1992), Intertoto Cup (1995), Bundesliga (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006), German Cup (1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006), German League Cup (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000), Champions League ("001), Intercontinental Cup (2001), World Cup (1998), European Championship (2000), Confederations Cup (2001, 2003)

'I had the chance, I think in about 2001 or 2002, to go to Manchester United, but it stopped very quickly as Bayern Munich said no,' Lizarazu told FourFourTwo.

'Alex Ferguson was keen to sign me and United had talks with Bayern, but Bayern said there was no question that I'd be leaving and so I was staying with them.

'I was very happy in Munich, but Manchester United did try.'

Lizarazu made 174 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern, spread across two spells with the Bavarians, winning six league titles and the Champions League.

He was a member of the Bayern team beaten 2-1 in dramatic circumstances by United in the 1999 final.