• Premier League

Sneijder 'not ideal' for United - Ferguson

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
Wesley Sneijder was heavily linked with Manchester United last summer © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson claims Wesley Sneijder would not be the right man to replace Paul Scholes at Manchester United.

Despite Sneijder being repeatedly linked to a move to Old Trafford over the summer, a move never materialised. And now Ferguson has claimed the Netherlands international was not the right type of player to fill the void left by veteran Scholes, who retired at the end of last season, and only Barcelona pair Xavi or Andres Iniesta would be a suitable replacement.

"Sneijder is not the ideal replacement for Scholes," Ferguson said. "He's a fantastic player but he was not who we were looking for to replace Scholes. Only Xavi and Iniesta are comparable to Scholes."

With Scholes and Gary Neville hanging up their boots, Ferguson has put faith in the likes of Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, and Ferguson admits he is enjoying the challenge of building a young side.

"It's very easy for me because I always look forward," Ferguson said. "There is no doubt about who is the manager of United. I am the coach: today, tomorrow and the day after. I can work in the short and long term.

"Of course, it becomes very difficult to separate from a player who has built a family relationship. But I have to focus on young players and try out other teams, to find someone equal or better than those who left."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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