CSKA Moscow star Pavel Mamaev has revealed that Manchester United tried to sign him in the summer but the deal collapsed after we couldn’t get a work permit for him.
“I was in shock, it was such a dream transfer,” Mamaev said. “The deal was around 80% complete, but with my limited number of caps for Russia, I couldn’t get a work permit. Sir Alex Ferguson said he would try and solve it, but the contact never came again.”
Mamaev is a 24-year-old defensive midfielder and has played for CSKA Moscow since 2007. He has made just two appearances for his national team since making his debut in 2010.