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Patrice Evra has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was close to finalising an audacious bid to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United in 2013 – and also planned to sign Gareth Bale.

The Frenchman made the incredible revelation during his engaging UTD Podcast episode, which is available now on Deezer and via other podcast providers.

Among the numerous topics discussed during the show, Patrice was asked about Sir Alex’s retirement in 2013, and our former defender admitted it came as a huge shock to him and his team-mates at the time.

“You know, you talk about the hardest moments [in my United career], I would say maybe this is the one,”

Evra reflected.

“Two weeks before that, I remember there was a lot of media saying Ferguson will maybe retire next year, and he said, 'Patrice, I will never retire.