However, was this unrequited love reciprocated? Possibly not at this point, in 2000, even if it is clear there was attraction from United in the past.
We will never know for sure but a move to England was, ultimately, discounted as he decided to join Roma, becoming the highest-paid player in Serie A.
There was a suggestion Batistuta was deemed costly, also considering his age, and Sir Alex instead looked to Ruud van Nistelrooy. Even if the Dutchman's arrival from PSV Eindhoven was delayed for a year, it was a particularly shrewd choice, as was often the case when it came to the Scot's judgement.
While United's patience paid off, Gabriel would end up winning the title in the Eternal City and switching across Italy again to Inter.
When reflecting, the striker claimed: "I received many offers, namely from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Milan. But I preferred the tranquility of playing for Fiorentina."
So the long-haired, aggressive centre-forward never did get to prove his qualities at Old Trafford, or anywhere else in England for that matter. But, as we approach Saturday's Snapdragon Cup clash with La Viola (live on MUTV), some supporters will be wistfully thinking again about how much damage he could have done leading the line for a Ferguson team.