Former Ibrox star Ronald de Boer has revealed that legendary former Holland coach Louis van Gaal suggested he turned down Sir Alex Ferguson and Man Utd to sign for Rangers.
Whilst de Boer also highlighted potential issues with playing time at Old Trafford and the potential for a troublesome knee flagging up in a medical, he claims van Gaal was very influential over a move to Glasgow.
It’s a decision which de Boer says he has absolutely no regrets over but one which he went to then Dutch first-team coach Louis van Gaal for advice on.
“I had two choices because I had a note from Man United, I spoke with Ferguson,” de Boer told BBC Sportsound’s Scottish Football Podcast.
“But I also spoke with van Gaal, our manager of the Dutch team at the time and he gave me some advice.
“He told me that if he were in my shoes he’d choose Rangers because they had a Dutch coach [Advocaat], he knows and understands your type of play.
“I remember Ferguson told me he was going to rotate a lot, with only Beckham and Keane were the guys who played the 90 minutes.
“But I was at an age where I wanted to play every game and the chance was higher at Rangers, so in the end I choose Rangers and from day one I never regretted it.”
This led onto former teammate Neil McCann describing himself as “shocked” by the revelation van Gaal pointed de Boer in the direction of Rangers.
De Boer explained that van Gaal’s reliance on him for the Dutch team and the opportunity to play regularly offered de Boer the chance to shine at the “highest level” with Rangers.
“He knew that there were a lot of midfielders at Man U and he’s also looking for the Dutch team of course and I knew he was crazy for my way of playing,” said de Boer.
“He said if you’re there a lot of time on the bench then Rangers are the best choice because they’re playing in the Champions League, the highest level, and he felt the league was a high standard.
“He thought I could get my career going on a high level and play every game and then be important in the Dutch team.”
Ronald de Boer joined Rangers for a reported fee of close to £6m in 2000 and spent four years at Ibrox, winning five trophies.
The Dutch forward played an inspirational role in the Ibrox club’s legendary treble of 2002/03 where he scored 20 goals in all competitions, including 16 in the then SPL.
Capped 67 times by Holland, Ronald de Boer scored 13 goals for his country and was also part of the legendary Ajax team which won the Champions League in 1995.
