Sir Alex Ferguson Wanted to Pair Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane in Manchester United Midfield

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson held talks with him over a sensational transfer to Manchester United. The former France international was personally targeted by the legendary Scottish manager, who envisioned fielding him in midfield alongside Red Devils captain Roy Keane.

Vieira explained that the discussions took place during his spell at Arsenal and that United's interest was genuine. Ferguson was eager to lure the midfielder to Old Trafford, despite him already being a pivotal figure in Arsène Wenger's side. The Scotsman's plan was to partner Vieira with Keane in the middle of the park—a combination that would have brought together two of English football's most dominant figures at the time.

Ferguson himself publicly confirmed his interest in Vieira in the early 2000s, admitting he tried to sign him for Manchester United. However, the blockbuster move never materialized, and Vieira stayed at Arsenal to become a defining symbol of United's greatest rivals during the peak of the fierce Ferguson-Wenger rivalry. Over the years, Arsenal and Manchester United saw several players cross the divide despite the intense hostility, with the most iconic undoubtedly being Robin van Persie, who left the Gunners as club captain to move to Old Trafford and clinch the Premier League title.