Revealed: Cristiano Ronaldo & Gareth Bale 'agreed 99%' to join Man Utd just before Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement - but club blocked sensational £200m double transfer

That revelation has been made by former Red Devils defender Patrice Evra. The French full-back formed part of the squad at Old Trafford that saw a legendary Scottish coach walk away from the dugout in 2013 on the back of a 13th Premier League title triumph.

Ferguson, who had backed out of retiring once before, was ready to extend his iconic spell at the helm as a stunning double swoop for former fan favourite Ronaldo – who left for Real Madrid in 2009 - and then Tottenham star Bale was lined up.

Evra has told The Obi One Podcast of Ferguson walking away: “One of the most saddest days, I didn’t cry, I was in shock. The reason why is because two weeks before, he brought me into his office [and said], ‘Patrice look at those people, they think I'm going to retire, I’m going to be [at the club for] another 10 years, but we need to win more Champions Leagues. He said, ‘Patrice, Cristiano Ronaldo agreed 99 per cent to come back and Gareth Bale [too].”

Evra added on United being left empty-handed: “He needed £200 million and the club refused to give him those £200 million. And now, they spent a billion on whatever… it was 2013, just before he retired, so that [is] why I remember when I got out of his office, I was like, 'Cristiano is back, Gareth Bale, we’re back in business' after winning the title and everything.”

United have continued to spend heavily since Ferguson’s departure, with more funds made available to head coach Erik ten Hag during the last transfer window. Value for money is, however, proving hard to find as the Red Devils continue to scratch around for consistency.