Ilkay Gundogan could have arrived at the Premier League much before had Sir Alex Ferguson kept his position at the Old Trafford, Rene Meulensteen has claimed.
Manchester United cruised to the Premier League title in 2012-13 which also happened to be Ferguson’s last season as he announced his retirement from active football.
Ferguson convinced Paul Scholes to help him out for the one final time and the midfielder wholeheartedly accepted the invitation and went on to lift the Premier League title that season.
The arrival of Robin van Persie made the task even easier as the Dutch international proved to be the difference between United and the other teams.
Meulensteen reveals Ferguson had planned to replace Scholes with Gundogan who was playing for Borussia Dortmund that time. “If Fergie had carried on then we would have added some more quality, probably some more energy.
“I wouldn’t say it was an ageing squad, it was a mature squad.
“I’m sure if Fergie would have stayed the continuity and stability would’ve been there and United would’ve competed for the title again.
“We were looking at Gundogan from Dortmund and (Marco) Reus at that time.
“We were looking at Gundogan – someone similar [to Scholes], who could keep ticking the ball over, thinks quick and has tempo.”
