'United is the best option for every player'

The Uruguayan, due to return to the Theatre of Dreams for the first time in next month's Legends of the North charity fixture with Liverpool, has previously discussed moves to the Reds with David De Gea and Facundo Pellistri.

He was a team-mate of our no.1 at Atletico Madrid and managed Pellistri, currently on loan with Alaves, at Penarol. 

There is no doubt in Diego's mind that United continue to represent the perfect choice for anyone targeted during the upcoming transfer windows.

De Gea broke into the Atletico team as a youngster when Forlan was up front for the Spanish side and there were discussions between the pair when Sir Alex Ferguson attempted to make the rookie keeper his replacement for the retiring Edwin van der Sar.

“Yeah, I remember we were playing together at Atletico Madrid,” Forlan told us. “There were some rumours about him going to Manchester United and I said to him: ‘You need to go there, it’s a very beautiful place; the club, the team, the fans. The only thing [is] it’s not the best weather, but it’s difficult for you to have everything in life, but you will enjoy it. It’s a great city, one of the best clubs in the world, with the people and everything.’

“You know, he had a good offer and he accepted,” continued the South American. “It was Sir Alex at that moment, I think it was Sir Alex at that moment, so it was [going to be] coaching by a great manager like him. He was going to Manchester United and now it was a good decision, until now, [because] he is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world and still there at United for so many years.” 

The move was completed in the summer of 2011 and David has been voted the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year on four occasions, with the likelihood of being in the frame for a fifth trophy at the end of the current season.

When we asked Diego if we have him to thank for David's arrival, he replied: “Yeah but everybody, you know like Pellstri, when they came to him, I spoke with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], at that moment he was the manager, and you know, it’s a beautiful, beautiful place.

“Everything you have, one of the best clubs, the people. The people working for the club are very nice people and it’s like a family. The fans, everywhere you go, so it’s no mistake for you to choose Manchester United.

“So David and now Facundo had the opportunity to go there and then, of course, it depends on the player and the quality and to train to do your best. But it is the best option a player can have.”

Diego Forlan will be taking part in the Legends of the North game versus Liverpool on 21 May. Get your tickets for the Old Trafford clash, in support of Manchester United Foundation.