PSV Eindhoven have accused Manchester United of holding talks with transfer target Arjen Robben without their permission.
“We were very unhappy when we found our player was visiting another club without permission,’ said PSV President Harry van Raaij.
“I expected a call from United, but it seems with Ferguson a leopard never changes its spots.”
Van Raaij admits United formally declared their interest in the 19-year-old winger, but he is unhappy at not being informed of Robben’s visit to Old Trafford. There is past history between the clubs with United have previously signed Jaap Stam and Ruud Van NIstelrooy from the Dutch club.
“United approached us some months ago about their interest in Arjen but then I heard that Robben was in Manchester and I didn’t know anything about that.
“There was absolutely no contact from any United delegate and we are unhappy that we did not know one of our players was visiting another club without our permission.
“I have spoken to the Manchester United chief executive David Gill since I learned of the visit and he was a little embarrassed and said that the initiative was taken by Robben’s parents.
“I have had good relations with Manchester United in the past over the Ruud van Nistelrooy and Jaap Stam transfers but bad relations with Ferguson.
“I recognise here exactly the same actions as when he approached them both. It is Ferguson’s way of doing business but it is not my way.
“You can look back and see similarities to what happened with Stam and Van Nistelrooy. It just seems that, with Ferguson, a leopard never loses its spots.”
Told that United, wre considering making a £5m bid for the highly-rated 19-year-old, Raaij warned he would not sell the striker cheaply.
“For that money they can get a shirt from Robben with his signature on it, nothing more.
“I will not tell you what cards I have but that figure is a laugh.”
