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Published 23:25 3 Apr 2016 BST
Updated 23:48 3 Apr 2016 BST
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The Bayern Munich and Germany 'keeper was playing for Schalke at the time, and put in a highly impressive performance against United in the Champions League.
Ferguson claims he wanted to sign Neuer, but was convinced by his goalkeeper coach Eric Steele to make a move for De Gea instead.
"Eric Steele had been scouting David de Gea for quite a while," the former United manager told Sky Sports.
"But then Neuer came on the scene at Schalke, and I think Schalke would've been happy if we'd have gone and taken him. So my problem was Eric, because he was adamant that we must take de Gea. I said 'but Eric, the boy Neuer is the complete unit; he's mature, his physique is unbelievable', and he says 'yeah, but in three years' time, de Gea will be better.'"
"Eric and I went out to watch him (de Gea) against Valencia away, and the things he'd been speaking about – his agility, his confidence, his speed – were evident."
"And Eric had been building a relationship with his parents, and was so adamant, that I had to trust him. And I'm glad I did, because he was right."
Ferguson couldn't lose, whatever choice he made.
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