Kevin Prince Boateng claims he came close to joining Manchester United earlier in his career, however the deal collapsed when Sir Alex Ferguson changed his mind.
Boateng was not short of suitors following an impressive spell at AC Milan in 2013 and according to the Ghanaian United were one club which showed interest.
The former Barcelona and Tottenham midfielder claims he was in discussions to join United six years ago, but Ferguson changed his mind over concerns about his lack of a designated role.
“I am 32 years old now and I feel in good shape," Boateng said.
"I like the idea of playing as a ‘False 9’ and have been considered a bit of a Joker in the pack for years now. It can be an advantage, but also damaging to change role all the time.
“Nobody knows that after Milan, I had the opportunity to join Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson asked himself: what position am I meant to play him in?
"I was a jack of all trades in his view and master of none. The transfer was abandoned and I started to focus on being more specific in my approach.”
Speaking earlier in the season Boateng also claimed he could have been a player at United for 10 years if he had greater motivation earlier in his career.
"Mentality is crucial. I started too late to really think about [my career]. Of course I regret that," the 32-year-old told Goal and DAZN.
"As an 18-year-old, I would have needed an agent or a family to push me in the right direction. I would have liked that. But I had to fix everything myself.
"I know very well that I have also failed with my motivation, which has not always been 100 per cent there.
"If I would have had the absolute will, I would have been a starting XI player at Barcelona or would have played 10 years for Real Madrid or Manchester United."
