De Boer reveals he snubbed Man Utd for Rangers after Van Gaal advice

The Dutch hero had the opportunity to move to Old Trafford from Barcelona in 2000 but instead chose a transfer to Ibrox.

De Boer has explained his decision came down to advice from Louis van Gaal who insisted the midfielder would be better served by joining Rangers.

The Ibrox hero had spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson over a Manchester United deal and was informed he would be utilised at Old Trafford, but Van Gaal advised De Boer against the move.

Another factor was the security offered by Rangers with a four-year deal and a better shot at remaining in the national team by more regular football.

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He told FourFourTwo: "I remember being in the Barcelona kit room, speaking to Alex Ferguson on the phone. He told me he was keen to sign me for United, and explained how he'd use me in midfield.

"But around the same time, Dick Advocaat approached me on behalf of Rangers. I remember being in the Dutch camp, talking about my future with Van Gaal, who had since become the head coach of the national team.

"I asked him what he thought. He said that at Rangers I'd always play, which would be better for me as a 30-year-old, and for my role in the Dutch team as well.

"I chose Rangers, also because of my knee, which wasn't perfect. I wasn't injured, but I thought I might not get through the United medical.

"At Rangers, I was able to sign for four years, which gave me some certainty. If Van Gaal had advised me to join United, however, I would have done that. I really valued his opinion."