Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Ilkay Gundogan to replace Paul Scholes at Manchester United, says Rene MeulensteenSir Alex Ferguson convinced Paul Scholes to come out of retirement in January 2012Ilkay Gundogan was one of Sir Alex Ferguson's final targets before the Manchester United boss retired in 2013, according to the club's former coach Rene Meulensteen. Ferguson called time on his coaching career after steering United to a 13th Premier League title in the 2012-13 season. Meulensteen - a first-teach coach under Ferguson at the time - admitted Gundogan, then of Borussia Dortmund, was wanted by the Scot as a replacement for Scholes. Ferguson and Scholes ended their Manchester United careers with Premier League glory in 2012-13"If Fergie had carried on then we would have added some more quality, probably some more energy," Meulensteen told the Evening Standard. "I'm sure if Fergie would have stayed the continuity and stability would've been there and United would've competed for the title again.

Source: Sky sports September 13, 2018 12:33 UTC