A story of how Ronaldinho ended up at Manchester United in 2003.

In the summer of 2003, Manchester United was on the verge of signing Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). With David Beckham departing for Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson saw Ronaldinho as the perfect player to fill the creative void left in the squad. 

The deal seemed all but done, and at one point, Ronaldinho even acknowledged that he was excited about moving to Old Trafford. However, mighty Barcelona swooped in at the last moment and secured his signature, changing everything.

This article talks about how close Manchester United came to signing Ronaldinho, what went wrong, and how it ultimately shaped the futures of both Manchester United and Barcelona.

Why Manchester United Wanted Ronaldinho

In the early 2000s, Manchester United was one of the most dominant teams in English football, but they were going through a transition. David Beckham, one of their biggest stars, had fallen out with Sir Alex Ferguson after a high-profile dressing room incident where the manager kicked a boot that struck Beckham above the eye.

As a result, Beckham was sold to Real Madrid in 2003, leaving United in desperate need of a new creative spark. Ronaldinho, then at PSG, was regarded as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the world. His flair, dribbling ability, and eye for goal made him a perfect fit for Ferguson’s plans.

Peter Kenyon, United’s CEO at the time, led the negotiations and was confident that the club had secured the Brazilian’s services.

How Close Was Ronaldinho to Joining United?

By July 2003, Manchester United and PSG had agreed on a transfer fee of around £20 million, and reports suggested that Ronaldinho had even picked out his squad number. Paul Scholes later recalled that the United dressing room had been buzzing with excitement at the prospect of playing alongside him.

Ronaldinho himself confirmed in later interviews that he was very close to joining Manchester United, saying:"It almost happened. It was a matter of 48 hours, but everything changed at the last moment."

The Dramatic Last-Minute Twist

Just when it seemed like Manchester United had secured the deal, Barcelona entered the race and changed everything. At the time, Barcelona had finished 6th in La Liga and were undergoing a complete rebuild under new president Joan Laporta. The club was desperate for a marquee signing to spearhead their revival, and Ronaldinho became their top target.

Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, was approached by Barcelona officials, and they offered better financial terms and a more central role in the team. Additionally, Barcelona’s Brazilian contingent, including Rivaldo and Deco, convinced him that Spain would be a better destination than England.

In the end, Ronaldinho chose Barcelona over Manchester United, signing for a reported €30 million (£21 million) fee.

What Could Have Been for United?

Had Ronaldinho joined United, the club’s attacking dynamic would have changed significantly. At the time, United played with Ruud van Nistelrooy as the central striker, with players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer supporting in attack. Adding Ronaldinho’s creativity and skill would have made United one of the most dangerous attacking teams in Europe.

But fate had other plans. With Ronaldinho choosing Barcelona, United quickly pivoted their transfer strategy and signed an 18-year-old Portuguese winger from Sporting CP – Cristiano Ronaldo.

While many fans were disappointed at missing out on Ronaldinho, Ronaldo would go on to become one of the greatest players in football history, winning three Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a Ballon d’Or during his first spell at United.

How Ronaldinho’s Decision Changed Football

Ronaldinho’s move to Barcelona was the beginning of a golden era for the club. He won two La Liga titles and the 2005-06 Champions League, playing a crucial role in reviving Barcelona’s global dominance. More importantly, he mentored a young Lionel Messi, paving the way for Barcelona’s incredible success in the following years.

For Manchester United, the failure to sign Ronaldinho ended up being a blessing in disguise. Instead of building the team around him, they developed Cristiano Ronaldo, who would lead the club to domestic and European glory.

Conclusion: A Sliding Doors Moment in Football

Manchester United’s near-miss with Ronaldinho in 2003 was one of the biggest "what if" moments in football history. Had he joined, United’s playing style, success, and even the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo could have been entirely different. But in the end, both clubs benefited immensely from their respective paths—Barcelona built a dynasty with Ronaldinho, and Manchester United found their future legend in Ronaldo.

It’s a fascinating reminder of how football history can be changed by just one decision.