Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira reveals he held secret talks with Sir Alex Ferguson over stunning move to Man United - with Old Trafford boss pitching midfield vision with arch rival Roy Keane

Patrick Vieira has revealed he held secret talks with Sir Alex Ferguson over a move to Manchester United, who planned to pair the Frenchman with his rival Roy Keane in the heart of their midfield.

Vieira played for Arsenal between 1996 and 2005, a period defined by the intense rivalry between the two clubs.

The Frenchman frequently clashed with United captain Keane, most notably when the pair had a heated exchange in the tunnel before a match at Highbury in February 2005.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Vieira has admitted he could have been playing for the Red Devils after having a meeting with Ferguson.

'I had the opportunity to move to Real Madrid a couple of times and I even had an opportunity to move to Manchester United,' Vieira said.

'I had a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson. Full respect, I couldn't say no to meeting him because he was an important figure in the Premier League.