United were after Vieira says Ferguson

MANCHESTER, England Aug 2 (Reuters) Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said today he had wanted to sign Inter Milan midfielder and former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

Speaking at the unveiling of new defensive midfield signing Michael Carrick, Ferguson admitted his interest in a player who joined Inter earlier on Wednesday from Serie A rivals Juventus.

''Patrick was something we considered, but I believe he has accepted a really good deal from Inter Milan,'' Ferguson told a news conference.

Ferguson also said that Carrick had not been signed as a replacement for former skipper and defensive midfielder Roy Keane, who quit the club to join Celtic last season.

''Roy Keane is one of the best players of all time,'' Ferguson said. ''We don't see any new Roy Keanes out there now.

''Michael is a different type of passer to Roy and is a lot more imaginative in his passing. Like Roy, though, he keeps hold of possession.'' Giving details of Carrick's transfer, chief executive David Gill said United had paid 14 million pounds (26.25 million dollars) for Carrick with a further 4.6 million pounds depending on how successful United were in the future.

REUTERS DH KN2105