James Beattie claimed Man Utd were interested in him!

Rangers striker James Beattie admits he was aware of some interest from Manchester United early in his career.

Beattie will lead the Gers line at Old Trafford this week in their Champions League clash.

“I used to drive past Old Trafford quite a lot with me living in Manchester,” Beattie said. “I would always look across at it and have a little thought to myself. Even when I was a youngster,  Manchester United were always the biggest team and the one that you grew up in the playground wanting to play for.

Then, even when you grow up and you have been playing football yourself, it would still be a special place to play your football, I imagine.

“I heard a few years ago when I was doing well at Southampton that Sir Alex was maybe having a look at me but that was about it,” he added. “They probably signed Cristiano Ronaldo or someone instead.

There was [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Thierry] Henry and then me going for the Golden Boot that season. So it wasn’t bad company to be keeping.”