Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has set his sights on a move to Manchester United after the World Cup finals.

The 21-year-old was close to joining the Red Devils as a teenager but was unable to obtain a work permit and instead signed for Italian side Udinese.

Muntari remains keen to test himself in the Premiership and although he has not spoken to anyone from United, he hopes to use the platform of the World Cup to persuade Sir Alex Ferguson he is the right man to replace Roy Keane.

"I was very close to joining United when I was younger," he said.

"At the time I had a problem getting a work permit because I was not playing for the international team.

"But now I am in the Ghana squad, the permit would not be a problem.

"I have been in Italy for four years now and think it is time for a change.

"I would like to play in the Premiership and, if possible, I would like to return to Manchester United.

"They are one of the greatest clubs in the world. If I got a call to play there I would be really happy."