SAME OLD STORY

Van Raaij claimed he had agreed a £10million deal `in principle' with former Red Devils chief executive Peter Kenyon for 20-year-old Robben to join United in the summer.

But when the formal offer came in earlier this month it was for half the figure that had been previously discussed.

The development has almost certainly scuppered any chance of the deal going through and has left Robben, who turned up with his family at United's Carrington training ground last month, distraught.

“Of course Arjen will be disappointed. He had already visited Manchester United and I had agreed a deal in principle with Peter Kenyon for him to join them in the summer.

“What I don't understand is the reason why their approach changed so much because when the offer came in it was about half of what we had spoken about.

“Given the difference between the two offers I do not see any way Arjen will join them in time for next season.

“Everything changed. I read in the newspapers that there are some problems at the club. Maybe that was part of it or maybe it's because Peter Kenyon left and David Gill came in, but I don't know for sure.

“I have dealt with Manchester United over the transfers of Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy but the way they have handled this is very different to the way they have done it in the past.

“At least there is no question mark over Arjen's talent and I'm sure other great clubs will be in for him as well.”

Robben’s dad said after United only offered about £4m with Eindhoven wanting £10m:

"I am surprised both clubs could not come to an agreement. When we spoke to Manchester United earlier this year I was under the impression they wanted Arjen very much. I don't know if they are playing a game.

"I also don't know if PSV asked for too much or if United simply didn't offer enough. What I do know is that the difference was too big and that is a shame because Arjen would have loved to join Manchester United."