arsenal's ronaldo connection.

Wenger: I Tried To Sign Ronaldo Before United A wistful Arsene Wenger revealed today that Manchester United's links with Sporting Lisbon were all that stopped his side from landing Cristiano Ronaldo four seasons ago... Speaking to BBC Sport, the Gunners manager revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo might have been a Gunners player today, had things gone a little differently. "He was here much earlier - he could tell you that if he wants," he began, referring to the young Portuguese star's move to United in 2003. "Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz moved and that made it very difficult." However, Wenger would not give away any more about Ronaldo's time with Arsenal. "I don't want to create any story that isn't needed," he huffed. While Arsenal's youth system is renowed across the world, it appears that United's club links outdid it on this occasion.