VAN DER SAR CONFIRMS UNITED REBUFF
It has long been believed that the Juventus number one was top of Ferguson`s list of targets in 1999, as he scoured the continent for a top-class replacement for Peter Schmeichel.
Van der Sar had decided to quit Ajax after nine seasons with the Dutch giants, but Juve managed to win the chase for his signature, and he has since proved his quality in Serie A.
"There was a lot of talking but, in the end, it wasn`t getting any closer to happening," Van der Sar has revealed, concerning United`s interest in buying him.
"I needed some assurances about my future."
"My manager talked with officials from Manchester United but I never got around to talking with them.
"In the end, it came down to deciding which club really wanted to have me and which one I wanted to join - I decided that club was Juventus."
Bosnich arrived from Aston Villa on a Bosman free transfer, instead, but he has endured a chequered return to Old Trafford which seems destined to end in disappointment for the Australian.
Despite some impressive performances last term, `Boz` has found himself frozen out since the big-money arrival of French World Cup winner Fabien Barthez, who now seems assured of a lengthy run in the first team - injury and suspension permitting.
