Manchester United Transfer News: Samir Nasri Reveals Sir Alex Ferguson Snub

Samir Nasri has revealed he met Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of a possible transfer to Manchester United in 2011 before deciding to leave Arsenal for Manchester City.

Nasri suggests the aggressive nature of Ferguson saw him opt for the Etihad instead of Old Trafford, as reported by beIN Sports (h/t Harry Sherlock of Goal.com):

"

We met with Sir Alex in Paris, in a hidden place, out of sight, so as not to fuel the rumours. But there was one thing that was a problem; I was asked to go to war with Arsenal to be able to join. I could not see myself doing it, especially with Arsene Wenger.

After Man City showed their interest. (Roberto) Mancini called me every day during the holidays. I then decided that they really wanted me.

"

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Nasri is one of many former Arsenal stars who have enjoyed greater success since leaving the Emirates. Both he and Gael Clichy have won multiple Premier League titles with City after exiting, while Robin van Persie led United to domestic success in 2012-13 when he departed the north London club.

Arsenal have won only the 2014 FA Cup in the last decade, making it difficult for Arsene Wenger to hold onto his top stars. Nasri's decision to join a title rival could be considered a marker of Arsenal's struggle for success, and it is something that sees the Frenchman continue to receive boos against his old club.

"They see it as treason or that I betrayed them," said Nasri in August, as reported by Andy Hunter of The Guardian. "It's not like that. I just look at what is best for me."

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United's interest was well-documented at the time, and it's interesting to consider Ferguson's final squad with the opinion-splitting midfielder included. The Red Devils failed to find a forward-thinking creative passer after Paul Scholes' retirement around this time, forcing the English midfielder to dust off his boots in January 2012.

Two-and-a-half seasons after Nasri could have signed for United, many fans will likely be glad he didn't. His attitude is questioned on a regular basis, as highlighted by the player's decision to retire from international football at the age of 27.

His poor relationship with France boss Didier Deschamps—who left Nasri out of his Bleus squad for the 2014 World Cup—provided the final chapter of an international career which was littered with controversy caused by the player, such as his rant at a journalist after France exited Euro 2012.

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Nasri has perhaps never quite reached his peak for City, despite showing regular quality. He scored five and assisted nine during his first season, per WhoScored.com, but he failed to live up to these numbers the year after. In 2013-14, he finished with seven goals and seven assists, but he has been unable to net during the current campaign.

United now rely on Juan Mata, signed in January 2014, to interlink the side's play, and while Nasri was unwilling "to go to war" for Ferguson's cause, it didn't take the Scottish boss too long to finally lure a player from Arsenal in the shape of Van Persie.

Current boss Louis van Gaal will undoubtedly be considering his next signings after United's loss to Southampton. Sunday's defeat leaves United 10 points below City, two beneath the Saints and one ahead of Arsenal. Someone of Nasri's ilk would have certainly aided Van Gaal's cause against Ronald Koeman's team, as noted by the boss on United's official Twitter feed:

B/R UK's Andy Brassell and Ryan Bailey recently addressed potential signings Van Gaal could bring in this winter:

World-class acquisitions would improve United's chances of securing a place in next season's Champions League.

It's fair to say supporters of Arsenal, City and United won't be too upset at how things panned out with Nasri. While he's an extremely useful player to have, neither Wenger nor Van Gaal are likely to be disheartened by his lack of presence in the squad.