Manchester United have made some notable signings over the years but some big ones have got away from them as well
Barcelona's new Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho balances the ball on his shoulder during his official presentation at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, 21 July 2003. AFP PHOTO JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona's new Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho balances the ball on his shoulder during his official presentation at the Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, 21 July 2003. AFP PHOTO JOSE JORDAN (Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)
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The new Ronaldinho documentary promises to shine new light on the Brazilian's career while also bringing his brilliance to younger audiences who weren't around to witness him at his peak. The icon's best years could have panned out differently and Manchester United supporters know that all too well, with many wondering what might have happened had a planned Old Trafford move not fallen through.
It was at Barcelona where Ronaldinho propelled himself to global superstardom. Yet, he came remarkably close to joining United instead - only for the Catalan club to snap him up from Paris Saint-Germain at the eleventh hour.
Sir Alex Ferguson was seeking reinforcements after permitting David Beckham to depart for Real Madrid. Despite the best efforts of the legendary manager, though, he had no chance once Ronaldinho received a phonecall just days before the deal was due to go through.
"I remember two or three [signings] that were possibly coming," Scholes told the BBC's Savage Social podcast in 2020. "I think the one that stands out is Ronaldinho."
"He was away on pre-season and we were as close as announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signing for Barcelona. It's strange really because we played Barcelona on that pre-season tour."
Ronaldinho had already built a formidable reputation through his displays for club and country. After starring for Brazilian club Gremio he adapted quickly to European football with PSG before playing a starring role in Brazil's triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign.
United harboured no concerns about the South American's ability to settle in the Premier League and, naturally, there was considerable anticipation ahead of the planned move. This made it all the more crushing when he opted for Barcelona instead.
"We were all excited - Ronaldinho, what a player!" Scholes added. "I think he was coming from PSG at the time and we were all going to get to play with him and he's going to bring something special.
"Almost like what Eric Cantona brought to the team. Then, three days later, we're playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn't sign for us. It was disappointing but I was lucky enough to play with some great players and he'd have just been another unbelievable player I'd had played with, but it just never happened."
David Beckham in official presentation at the "Real Madrid" football club, with his wife Victoria Adams. | Location: Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Dusko Despotovic/Corbis via Getty Images)
Manchester United had a false start when trying to replace Real Madrid-bound David Beckham(Image: Dusko Despotovic, Corbis via Getty Images)
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The 'last minute' assertion from Scholes is no exaggeration. Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2014, Ronaldinho revealed more about the reasons for the late change of heart.
"It almost happened with United," he said. "It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: 'If I become Barça president, will you come?' I said yes.
"It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there. And I had promised to him that I'd play for Barca. It was a quick negotiation. I told the English I had chosen Barca."
Ronaldinho flourished at Camp Nou, claiming the Ballon d'Or in 2005 and playing in the team which beat Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final. Under normal circumstances, United might have found themselves nursing their wounds after missing out on such an all-time great.
The fact that they didn't was largely down to what unfolded just a few weeks after Ronaldinho headed elsewhere. The funds that might have been splashed on him were instead directed towards two other signings - Ronaldinho's international teammate Kleberson and, far more crucially, a young winger by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.
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