That is according to the latest set of diaries published by Tony Blair’s former communications chief Alastair Campbell, a close friend former Red Devils boss Ferguson.
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Campbell was in Ferguson’s company as the pair watched Ribery, then at Marseille, take on Bolton Wanderers in the UEFA Cup in February 2006, according to the Sunday Times .
However, Ferguson apparently claimed the French winger - who went on to be named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for that season - was not good enough for United.
Campbell wrote: “Alex was watching Franck Ribery, the Marseille winger, but decided by half-time he was not good enough for United."
Ribery remained at Marseille until 2007 before switching to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for a reported €25 million.
He has since gone on to win numerous honours with the German outfit including seven league titles and the 2012-13 Champions League.
