United wanted me - Gattuso

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has claimed he has had a number of offer to join Manchester United.

The former Rangers favourite was touted as a potential successor to one-time midfield general Roy Keane as Sir Alex Ferguson sought to fill the gap created by the Irishman's departure.

Ferguson eventually raided Tottenham to sign England midfielder Michael Carrick but Gattuso has claimed that he was the man that the Old Trafford chief actually wanted.

"Maybe for two or three years I have had the chance to go and play for Manchester," Gattuso told Sky Sports News.

The 29-year-old World Cup winner has confirmed he has never opened discussions with United officials and that any future move is not likely to materialise in the wake of his recently signed contract extension at the San Siro.

"I have never spoken to Ferguson," he said. "At this moment it's impossible to go to another team right now as I have signed a new contract for 2011.[Via]