United went back on word on Robben - PSV chief

Manchester United missed out on signing Dutch winger Arjen Robben because they “went back on their word” according to PSV Eindhoven chairman Harry van Raaij.

Robben completed a £12m (€18m) move to Chelsea yesterday as the Blues took their spending in the Roman Abramovich era towards the £140m (€210m) mark.

The Holland international was believed to be close to joining United but van Raaij has now revealed why the player ultimately agreed to sign for the west London club.

“I was very disappointed with Manchester United over the deal, whereas Chelsea were very different,” van Raaij told The Sun.

“With their chief executive Peter Kenyon, a deal really is a deal. I have always been able to do good business with him.

“That was the case with Jaap Stam and Ruud van Nistelrooy’s transfers [to United when Kenyon was chief executive there] and also recently with Robben when Manchester United wanted to sign him.

“Kenyon is trustworthy and a man of honour. He does not go back on his word but that is something United have now done.

“They obviously believe their name is enough to attract players and make them sign. After learning of our financial problems, they halved the offer. They did not keep to their original offer – they let us down.

“But Kenyon was honest throughout and I was very impressed.”