Argentina defender Marcos Rojo has said he went on strike at Sporting Lisbon to ensure they would not deny him a move to Manchester United.
And he revealed former United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron intervened to tell him to return to training with the Portuguese club.
Rojo joined United for 16 million pounds in August but only after problems surrounding third-party ownership threatened to scupper the deal.
The 24-year-old, who helped Argentina reach the World Cup final and caught United manager Louis van Gaal's eye when they met in the semifinal in Brazil, has made seven appearances in the Premier League but suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Manchester derby defeat.
Rojo told reporters: "It was a huge surprise when I was told United wanted to buy me. I was in Portugal when my representative told me. He asked me to stay calm but I could not. I started living this dream.
"I could not think of anything else. I would call him every day, but when it seemed the transfer would not happen then I refused to work with Sporting.
"That was when Veron played his part in the process. He was like a strict father to me, scolding me."
Former Argentina international Veron played for United between 2001 and 2003 and he advised his compatriot.
Rojo recalled: "Veron called me one day when I had refused to train with Sporting and said: 'Do not be stubborn. If Manchester United wants a player then they will not let you escape.' And so I went back -- and the transfer went ahead."