Raul turned down Manchester United to join Schalke

Real Madrid legend Raul rejected an opportunity to sign for Manchester United in favour of a switch to Schalke 04 in 2010, according to his agent Gines Carvajal.

The 36-year-old, who now plays for Qatar side Al Sadd, was approached by the Red Devils three years ago, but decided against a switch to Old Trafford as he was not guaranteed first-team football.

"The first decision was to leave and the second whether to leave to still compete at the highest level or not. He chose the latter and there were a few clubs where he could compete for trophies, including Manchester United," Carvajal told Marca.

"The United thing was serious, but there was also some uncertainty surrounding his role in the team – whether he was going to be a key player or a substitute. He might as well stay at home if he would end up at the bench."

Raul, who is Madrid's all-time top goalscorer, spent two years at Schalke.