MANCHESTER UNITED “LOST out” in their failure to sign Aaron Ramsey ahead of Arsenal according to the Wales assistant manager, Osian Roberts. Ramsey, who initially signed from Cardiff in 2008, hit fine form last season for the Gunners and was rewarded with a new contract before winning the club’s Player of the Season award.

And the 23-year-old, who has previously spoken of spurning Manchester United in favour of Arsenal, has now proved United missed out, according to the Wales assistant.

Speaking after the World Cup 2014 debrief, Roberts is quoted in the Mirror as saying: “[Sir Alex Ferguson] had a strong interest in how Aaron is doing because he was very close to signing him.

“He probably looks at it now as one that he lost out on and got away from him.

“It was really nice that he spoke about Aaron.”

Ramsey was influential as Arsenal overcame Aston Villa 3-0 on Saturday to push his club into the top four, and they now turn their attentions to the north London derby against Tottenham next week.

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